Alyssa Lokits
Graduate Student, Neuroscience
Education:
B.A,.University of Kansas, 2012
Research Interests:
Heterotrimeric G protein activation via interaction with G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represents one of the primary means of cellular signaling in humans. This initial activation of intracellular signaling cascades also represents the pharmacological target of roughly 50% of drug therapeutics on the market. Therefore, it is imperative for the advancement of human medicine to understand receptor – G protein interactions and the mechanism of G protein activation.
To date, much has been done to investigate the receptor-G protein interactions. Recent structural advancements have greatly improved our understanding of these proteins in complex. However, such studies have led to new questions regarding coupling interactions, dynamics, and selectivity. My research investigates the sequence and structure-based underpinnings of these protein-protein interactions, and how these interactions lead to G protein activation.
Publications:
A conserved phenylalanine as a relay between the α5 helix and the GDP binding region of heterotrimeric Gi protein α subunit. Kaya AI, Lokits AD, Gilbert JA, Iverson TM, Meiler J, Hamm HE. J Biol Chem. 2014 Aug 29;289(35):24475-87.