Arnold E. Ruoho
Professor
Molecular Neuroscience
University of Wisconsin System
Portugal
Biography
Dr. Arnold is currently Chairperson of Pharmacology at University of Wisconsin. His work deals with molecular mechanisms which underlie neurotransmitter release and receptor activation. He received WARF/University Houses Name Professorship for the year 2003.
Research Interest
Work in Dr. Ruoho’s laboratory is directed at an understanding of the molecular mechanisms which underlie neurotransmitter release and receptor activation. Several families of proteins which are of specific biochemical interest to the lab are: (a) beta-adrenergic receptors and rhodopsin (b) GTP binding proteins, (c) catecholamine transport proteins, and (d) sigma receptors. Projects to identify structural and functional domains of adrenergic receptors and G-proteins include: (a) intermolecular interactions between G-proteins and receptors; (b) identification of the G-protein alpha-subunit interaction domain with effectors, such as the enzyme, adenylyl cyclase, and the gamma-subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase; and (c) the three-dimensional structure of active domains of the G-protein linked receptors and adenylyl cyclase using NMR and crystallography approaches. These experiments utilize multiple methodological approaches, including baculoviral expression of receptors, synthesis and use of agonist and antagonist photoaffinity labels, and the application of 'tethered' photoactivatable molecules to probe G-protein structure and nearest neighbour interactions.
