Patsy Patricia McDonald

Background

About Patsy Patricia McDonald

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most versatile family of cell-surface receptors. The ubiquitous cell-surface distribution and involvement of these proteins in almost all biological processes explain why the largest percentage of currently marketed therapeutic drugs, target these receptors. My laboratory is focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation, trafficking and activation of GPCRs involved in metabolic disorders and cancer. Knowledge gained from these studies may aid in the design of therapeutically useful GPCR modulators. In addition my laboratory develops biochemical and cell-based functional assays to monitor GPCR activity that involve high-throughput and high-content technologies. Using a multidisciplinary approach that involves collaborations with disciplines such as lead identification, chemistry, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and in vivo pharmacology, we aim to integrate basic research and drug discovery practices in order to identify and develop biologics and small-molecule modulators of GPCRs for the treatment of metabolic disorders, cancer and cancer associated cachexia.