Presenting Author
Oregon Health and Science University
I am a PhD candidate in Physiology and Pharmacology at Oregon Health and Science University in the Aaron Janowsky lab (co-mentor: Charles Meshul). I am using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to study the neuronal localization and distribution of TAAR1, a G protein-coupled receptor that is critical in the mechanism of action of amphetamine-like psychostimulants. I am currently investigating the subcellular localization of TAAR1 at the EM level and how chronic methamphetamine exposure alters TAAR1 expression and localization. In addition, the Janowsky lab uses classic molecular pharmacology techniques (e.g., radioligand binding and uptake assays, second messenger assays) to charactere drug interactions with neurotransmitter transporters and receptors, and a second aim of my thesis work is to further characterize the molecular signaling of TAAR1 involved in changes to dopamine transporter function and localization that are unique to the amphetamine-like psychostimulants. Together, these studies will help us to better understand the role of TAAR1 signaling in the central nervous system.