Professor Andrew Tobin
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Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology |
Research Overview
Our focus of research has been to investigate how GPCRs are regulated. In particular, we have focused on the role that protein phosphorylation plays in controlling the coupling of these receptors to down-stream signaling pathways. We have recently employed gene knockout and knockin strategies to determine how GPCRs impact on whole animal physiological responses. In particular, we have investigated the role of GPCR phosphorylation in the control of glucose homeostasis and neurological behaviours such as learning and memory.
We have also been developing sophisticated mass spectrometry phospho-proteomic techniques. This we have applied to GPCRs where we have been successful in determining the sites of phosphorylation on our model GPCR. We are now extending this work to define the global protein phosphorylation status of tissues and how this changes following stimulation.
The expertise developed in proteomics has allowed us to embark on the first global phospho-proteomic analysis of the malarial parasite P. falciparum. This project is aimed at defining the role protein phosphorylation plays in the signalling of the malarial parasite and to determine the key protein kinases that can be targeted therapeutically.
Main Research Areas:
- Regulation of G-protein coupled receptor signalling.
- The role of G-protein coupled receptors in behaviour and neurodegenerative disease (GPCR).
- The role of protein phosphorylation in the cellular control of the human malarial parasite P.falciparum.
