Alan Kopin

Research/Areas of Interest

Our research interests are focused in molecular endocrinology with an emphasis on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) We hope to define structure-function relationships of GPCRs including the identification of ligand binding determinants and the mechanisms of signal transduction. The laboratory has used this expertise to develop molecular tools to expedite GPCR drug discovery. Our research directions combine in vitro approaches with in vivo models (eg, knockout mice, transgenic drosophila) to define the physiologic functions mediated by GPCRs. The cholecystokinin/gastrin, dopamine, serotonin, GABA-B, and opioid receptor families are currently under study.