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My research interests lie in combining bioinformatics, molecular modeling, and cell biology techniques to understand structure-function relationships in the activation of G-protein coupled receptors.  We use this approach to understand the larger role of the activation of these receptors in signaling cascades inside the cell. Current receptors of interest include adenosine receptor isoforms and how they discriminate between subtypes of G-proteins, the neurokinin/tachykinin receptor family and their role in activating GABAergic signaling systems, and substrate selectivity and G-protein coupling of the sweet taste receptors.

Additional areas of interest include utilizing novel wasp toxins to control apoptosis (programmed cell death), induction of apoptosis via adenosine, and the interplay of adenosine deaminase and the adenosine receptor in response to cellular stress. I use both mammalian and insect cells as experimental systems.

Currently, we are developing a comprehensive transcriptome and differential gene expression profile of the cockroach brain and suboesophageal ganglion to further develop the cockroach as a model system in neuroscience, including aspects in neurotoxicology, pharmacology, aging, and neuronal degeneration