Research Topics
Department of Chemistry
Ph.D. (1988) University of Arizona
Research Topics
Research Interests
We study the interaction of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides using model organisms ranging from molluscs to mammals. Our goal is to understand the changes in cell-to-cell signaling molecule complements that are released during changes in neuronal network activity. Several identified neurons use a combination of gaseous signaling (NO), classical transmitters such as the catecholamines, and a variety of neuropeptides. The functional interactions between three such diverse classes of intercellular messengers in the same cell are actively being studied. As measurements of the biochemistry occurring in and around individual neurons cannot often be performed with existing technologies, we actively are developing new methods for such ultra-small volume measurements.
The second research emphasis is on analytical neurochemistry. Specific technology areas developed for assaying complex cellular microenvironments include: capillary electrophoresis separation methods, laser-based detection methods, MALDI sampling techniques, nanoliter volume NMR and micro/nanofluidic sampling. As one example, we developed a new capillary separation and detection systems that enables low concentration assays of peptides from subcellular microenvironments. Using this system, tyrosine- or tryptophan-containing peptides, the catecholamines, indolamines and nitric oxide synthase cofactors can be detected from a small fraction of a single cell. We are actively researching new sampling protocols for mass spectrometry so that we can directly measure the peptides in individual neurons, cellular processes, and even single organelles. Our research bridges the worlds of analytical chemistry and cellular neurobiology, and offers an exciting glimpse into the functioning of neuronal networks.
Key Words Protein purification and characterization, separations technology,
biosensor technology, mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy,
liquid chromatography, hormones, neurobiology
Current Research Funding
The UIUC Neuroproteomics Center on Cell to Cell Signaling, NSF, NIH, and private industry