Ivone A Gomes, PhD

My primary research interests include the investigation of G-protein coupled receptor cross-talk and mechanisms involved in G-protein coupled receptor heterodimerization/oligomerization. We have shown that two functional receptors- mu and delta opioid receptors- associate with each other (i.e. heterodimerize) to form complexes with pharmacological and signaling properties quite distinct from each individual receptor. Occupancy of the delta opioid receptor with a low non-activating dose of selective delta drugs increases the binding and signaling properties of agonists acting at the mu receptors. This work provides a model for the development of a new generation of narcotic analgesics which would have a lower tendency to induce side-effects such as addiction and tolerance. We have also shown that mu opioid receptor signaling can be modulated by heterodimerization with either alpha 2A or CB1 cannabinoid receptors. We are currently investigating the mechanisms involved as well as the physiological relevance of receptor heterodimerization.