Small Molecule Inhibition of ERK Signaling at the PAC1 Receptor
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
The Pac1 receptor is a GPCR preferentially activated by PACAP. When PACAP signaling is hyperactive its becomes maladaptive in the form of chronic pain and stress disorders. The Pac1 receptor is tied to Gαq and Gαs pathways and exhibits β-arrestin mediated endosomal ERK signaling. This ERK signaling is necessary for the maladaptive PACAP-Pac1 response. The goal of the study was to target the ERK signaling without effecting the homeostatic signaling. Western blots were used to quantitate the effect of various small molecules on Pac1 ERK signaling. The data show that several small molecules were able to block the ERK signaling.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Victor May
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Neuroscience
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Small Molecule Inhibition of ERK Signaling at the PAC1 Receptor
The Pac1 receptor is a GPCR preferentially activated by PACAP. When PACAP signaling is hyperactive its becomes maladaptive in the form of chronic pain and stress disorders. The Pac1 receptor is tied to Gαq and Gαs pathways and exhibits β-arrestin mediated endosomal ERK signaling. This ERK signaling is necessary for the maladaptive PACAP-Pac1 response. The goal of the study was to target the ERK signaling without effecting the homeostatic signaling. Western blots were used to quantitate the effect of various small molecules on Pac1 ERK signaling. The data show that several small molecules were able to block the ERK signaling.