Pharmacology Faculty

Kirill Martemyanov, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology

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lab webpage

Publications

Research Interests

G protein signaling pathways are ubiquitous systems mediating a variety of processes such as perception of light and odor, and responses to hormones and neurotransmitters. The signal transduction in these pathways is controlled by RGS (Regulators of G protein Signaling) proteins that act to speed up the inactivation of the G protein. This facilitates the termination of the cellular response. The action of RGS proteins is of particular importance for neurons which require quick recovery from the response to ever changing stimuli.

The research in my laboratory is focused on the R7 family of RGS proteins which regulate a variety of critical neuronal functions such as vision, locomotion and behavior in species ranging from C. elegans to humans. We are currently interested in identification of the molecular components of R7 RGS regulated G protein pathways, the mechanisms of specificity in R7 RGS action, and the trafficking of R7 RGS proteins in the neurons.

To address these questions the laboratory uses a variety of multidisciplinary approaches including: enzyme kinetics, laser confocal imaging, transgenic and knockout technologies, mass-spectrometry assisted proteomics, site directed mutagenesis and analysis of protein-protein interactions.

To learn more about the research in the laboratory visit our webpage.

Martemyanov Lab Webpage