| Our research is focused on defining the signaling pathways activated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the cellular responses to the second messengers generated by PTH receptor activation. PTH is the primary regulator extracellular calcium and phosphate homeostasis acting through a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) present in kidney and bone. The PTH receptor is dually coupled to adenylyl cyclase (AC) and phospholipase C (PLC) and both second messenger-generating pathways (AC/cAMP/PKA and PLC/Ca²+/DAG-PKC) are involved in mediating PTH effects in kidney and in bone. To dissect the signaling pathways involved in PTH action, we utilize a variety of techniques including immune complex assays, co-immunoprecipitation of signaling complexes, expression of dominant negative signaling molecules, Western analysis of protein expression, RT-PCR and Northern analysis of mRNA, immunofluorescence, and signal-selective PTH analogs. The laboratory has two specific areas of interest: PTH-dependent regulation of growth and differentiation and PTH-mediated regulation of renal transport function. |
