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Pharmacology & Physiology |
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Eldo V. Kuzhikandathil, PhD |
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Contact Information: Eldo V. Kuzhikandathil, B.E., M.Sc., Ph.D. Assistant Professor UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School Department of Pharmacology & Physiology MSB, I-647/I-658 185 South Orange Avenue Newark, NJ 07103 Phone: 973-972-1157 (Office) 973-972-1992 (Lab) FAX: 973-972-4554 E-mail: kuzhikev@umdnj.edu Research Interest: Molecular Analysis of Dopamine Receptor Signal Transduction Mechanisms
The dopaminergic system plays an important role in locomotion, cognition, emotion and behavioral effects involving reinforcement and reward. Dysfunction of dopaminergic signaling has been implicated in the etiology of several neurological disorders. The primary goal of this laboratory is the characterization of dopamine receptor signal transduction pathways. Within this broad area, we have two specific interests - the structure-function relationships of dopamine receptors, and the regulation of dopamine receptor expression. To study structure-function relationships of dopamine receptors, this laboratory employs electrophysiological, optical and molecular biological techniques. In these studies, we are especially interested in the D2-like (D2, D3 and D4) dopamine receptor subtypes. Our studies have demonstrated that the D2-like dopamine receptors couple to specific potassium and calcium channels and modulates spontaneous secretory activity. We are currently characterizing several unique properties of the D2-like dopamine receptors and identifying the structural features of the receptor that are involved in these properties. To understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate dopamine receptor expression during development, disease and drug treatment, we plan to identify factors that regulate the expression of dopamine receptors at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational level. We are especially interested in the role of neurotrophic factors in modulating dopamine receptor expression and function. To address our goals in these projects, we use a diverse array of classical and modern molecular biological techniques. Our experiments are performed in versatile heterologous expression systems, primary neuronal cultures and, more recently, in dopaminergic neurons derived from adult human mesenchymal stem cells. While our laboratory focuses on basic research, our findings has potential implications for treating complex diseases such as Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome, and drug addiction. Support for our research has been provided by the National Institutes of Health, the F. M. Kirby Foundation, the UMDNJ Foundation and by Merck KGaA, Germany. We have developed and optimized several assays for assessing both the expression and function of wild type dopamine receptor subtypes. In addition, we have generated numerous mutant and fluorescently tagged dopamine receptors that are useful for studying receptor properties and localization. Given our laboratory’s skills and resources in studying dopamine receptors, we are interested in forming new collaborations with research groups from both academia and industry. All inquiries should be directed to Dr. Eldo Kuzhikandathil (kuzhikev@umdnj.edu). |
