I am interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying signal transduction, with a focus on GPCRs and the opioid receptors. By understanding which cascades and transduction mechanisms lead to which aspects of the overall response, both good and bad, we can design drugs which activate only the cascades we want, potentially improving the therapeutic index of new analgesic drugs. In my lab we investigate both sides of this approach, describing new signal transduction mechanisms, and screening experimental drugs for development and eventual human use.