Engineering Novel Fluorescent Probes and Sensors for Studying G-Protein Coupled Receptors Involved in Addictive Disorders 

The primary focus of the lab is to engineer novel probes and drug like molecules involving targets of interest for studying and treating chronic conditions. One focus of the lab is to study the modulation of endocannabinoid system (ECS) through signaling pathways involving cannabinoid GPCRs CB1R/CB2R. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of many mammalian processes related to food and drug intake, body weight, immune system, and metabolism. We are utilizing novel, small molecule-based approaches as well sensor-based tools to interrogate signaling mechanisms in the ECS. Our work integrates medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and computational modeling approaches to devise probes that may help alter down-stream mechanisms contributing to pathophysiological processes. 

 

Projects and tasks that the interns would be involved include:

1. Engineering GPCR sensors and validate their suitability for in vitro and in vivo use.
2. Design and synthesis of novel fluorescent probes.
3. Establishing structure-function relationship of designed probes based on medicinal chemistry principles by performing in vitro biological and cell-based pharmacological assays.
4. Computational and docking studies of ligands on molecular targets currently being studied.
5. Attending career development workshops, group meetings, poster presentations and wellness events virtually or in-person at NIH.