Haskell-Luevano Group
Our research group is interested in the understanding of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their involvement in numerous biological functions, including feeding behavior, pain, and obesity.
We utilize multidisciplinary approaches including organic chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology, animal studies, and neuroscience to study endocrine systems. A summary of the key elements of our research program along with relevant references can be found in the links below.
Explore the research we currently have ongoing in our lab
Organic & Medicinal Chemistry
We design and synthesize ligands based on small molecules, peptides and peptidomimetics. The synthetic strategies involve solid-phase peptide synthesis using automated, semi-automated, manual, and microwave synthesizers alongside multi-step organic synthesis. The lead identification and structure-activity studies generally use focused-library design or high throughput screening approaches.
GPCR Molecular Pharmacology
The in vitro pharmacology of the compounds are established using functional bio-assays, binding, mutagenesis, and pharmacokinetic studies. These studies provide the structural basis for ligand binding and activation, discovery of novel allosteric sites distinct from the orthosteric site, and ligand-directed differential signaling and regulation of receptors
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In Vivo Studies
The Haskell-Luevano laboratory uses in vivo models to examine how melanocortin-specific drugs and probes ligands affect metabolic diseases.
After a potential drug is created, in vivo studies are performed in order to help verify the safety and effectiveness of the drug.
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