Project Adenylyl cyclases as novel drug targets Program Pharmacy Term Academic Year 2023 Status Accepted Research Area Pharmacology, drug discovery, neuroscience Description Adenylyl cyclases are the enzymes that convert the cells energy source, ATP into the second messenger, cyclic AMP (cAMP). There are variety of cellular signaling events that are regulated by cAMP including cell growth, gene transcription, ion channel signaling, and more. There are nine members of the adenylyl cyclase family and each member is uniquely regulated by other cell signaling molecules. Moreover, adenylyl cyclases have been implicated in a variety of human diseases including chronic pain, drug addiction, movement disorders, immune function, and metabolism. The goal of our work is develop small molecule regulators of individual adenylyl cyclase isoforms as potential therapeutics for human pathologies. Supervisor Val J Watts Mentor Type of work required Engaged research scholars will work in the research laboratory with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to examine the effects of small molecules on the production of cAMP. These studies will use novel human cellular models and approaches to measure cAMP signaling using biochemical and microscopic approaches. Additional studies will assess the cellular toxicity of small molecules that modulate cAMP levels in cells. The work will contribute to ongoing projects in the Watts Research Laboratory. Websites GPA 3.25 or better, preference will be given to students in their sophomore year or higher, interest in graduate or professional studies is required, and the ability to work with others is a must. Qualifications https://www.mcmp.purdue.edu/faculty/wattsv https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00013.2021 https://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/69/2/93 Credit Hours 1 Weekly Hours 5 (estimated)