Target Discovery
Identifying and validating druggable signaling pathways across disease models
We investigate endogenous signaling systems that regulate neurological function and disease, with particular emphasis on bioactive lipids, neuropeptides, and G protein-coupled receptors. Our work combines quantitative mass spectrometry, molecular and cellular pharmacology, and in vivo models to identify disease-associated signaling pathways and determine whether they represent tractable therapeutic targets.
Current studies use unbiased and targeted discovery approaches to identify endogenous ligands and receptors, establish structure-function relationships, characterize downstream signaling, and evaluate pharmacological strategies for modifying these pathways. These studies provide a mechanistic foundation connecting our work across alcohol use disorder, chronic pain, and Parkinson’s disease.