Heidi Hamm, Ph.D.
Professor - Aileen M. Lange and Annie Mary Lyle Chair, Departments of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Research, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
- : heidi.hamm@Vanderbilt.Edu
- : (615) 343-9536
- :
476 Robinson Research Building
- : More Information/Publications
Areas of Interest: Neuroscience; Cell Signaling; Natural Products
Member: VICC
Dr. Hamm’s work is focused on understanding the molecular basis of signaling mechanisms mediated by G proteins, which are switch proteins. G proteins are normally inactive, but a receptor that has received a specific signal can activate G proteins, leading to changes in the activity of enzymes that produce second messengers such as cyclic AMP and calcium.
The resulting changes in cellular activity underlie a large number of physiological processes. G protein-mediated signalling cascades are key regulators of many physiological processes, including processes of development, differentiation, and regulation of cell division.