Project Summary

Heidi E. Hamm, Ph.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2003) of Vanderbilt University, will seek to demonstrate that the non-catalytic domains of Regulator of G protein Signaling (RGS) proteins play key regulatory roles in controlling the RGS catalytic activity through both intra- and inter-molecular interactions.  Additionally, she hopes to show that RGS proteins can regulate cellular responsiveness by bringing the signaling molecules together into a signal transduction complex at the plasma membrane.  These RGS proteins dramatically improve and diversify the signal modulation in two classes of dopamine receptors which are involved in regulating motivational states, decision-making, motor control, and in pathology, drug abuse.  The dopamine receptors stimulate and inhibit cAMP with a push-pull mechanism that exerts fine control over the cAMP levels, and therefore modulates gene expression underlying plasticity and learning.   Dr. Hamm's basic science project has implications for schizophrenia research, and she will use this data to subsequently apply for additional funding from the National Institute of Health.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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