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DRUG DISCOVERY & PRECISION MEDICINE

With the advent of DNA sequencing it is now possible to pinpoint disease-causing mutations in the genome. UW Pharmacology scientists are exploiting this information to design the next generation of drugs.

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GENE ARCHITECTURE
& ACTION

Since the discovery of the double helix, understanding gene architecture is a central tenet of biomedical research. Our faculty use cutting-edge “-omic” techniques to chart the intricate organization and action of genes.

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INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING

Cells respond to their environment through the relay of chemical and electrical signals. Members of our department use molecular, genetic, and pharmacological tools to dissect these intracellular and organellar communication networks.

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MOLECULAR BASIS
OF DISEASE

Defective genes and their products underlie many pathological conditions.
Designing strategies to treat these processes is a research focus for several groups
within the department.

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NEUROBIOLOGY
AND BEHAVIOR

Drug addiction, neurological, and degenerative diseases are reaching epidemic proportions in our society. An interdisciplinary group of faculty are tackling these problems at the molecular, cellular, and systems level.

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PROTEIN STRUCTURE

Understanding Pharmacology at the molecular level lies at the core of drug discovery. Members of our department use state-of-the-art structural and imaging techniques to develop novel therapeutics.

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DRUG DISCOVERY &
PRECISION MEDICINE GENE ARCHITECTURE
& ACTION INTRACELLULAR
SIGNALING MOLECULAR BASIS
OF DISEASE NEUROBIOLOGY
& BEHAVIOR PROTEIN
STRUCTURE

Two mice face each other in front of a balance scale with puzzle pieces labeled GABA and Glu. The scale is set on a jigsaw puzzle background, symbolizing balance in brain chemistry.

Epilepsy and Autism

Molecular Basis of Epilepsy and Autism

Imbalance of Excitation vs. Inhibition in Neural Circuits Is An Important Missing Piece of the Puzzle of Epilepsy and Autism.

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Disease Research

Transcription Dysregulation in Human Disease

The Wang lab studies how mutations in the transcription factor IID complex contributes to cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration, and cancer development.

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Mental Illness

Molecular Basis of Circuit Connectivity

The Zweifel lab studies synaptic proteins that maintain and refine neural circuit connectivity, and how mutations can lead to neurological disorders.

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Pancreatic Islet Cell Development & Function

The Cirulli lab identifies signaling pathways that are activated by cell and matrix interactions in the developing pancreas to target for regeneration.

A smiling man in a light green striped shirt is superimposed over a colorful microscopic image of neural cells, with green, red, and blue structures and two white arrow pointers highlighting specific areas.

Cannabinoid Research

Endocannabinoid Signaling and Epilepsy

The Stella lab studies the therapeutic promises of targeting endocannabinoid signaling for the treatment of refractory epilepsies.

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Diabetes Research

Uncovering Tissue Regenerative Signals

The Crisa Lab examines pathways intrinsic to myeloid and vascular cells to boost regeneration and survival of injured pancreatic islet cells.

A woman with long dark hair smiles in front of a background showing bright green neuron structures on black and a grayscale close-up of neural connections.

Neurodevelopment Disorders

Autism Risk Gene in Synaptic Development

The Yadav lab is studying the role of autism risk gene TAOK2 in development of dendritic spine and synapses.

A man stands in front of a colorful 3D molecular structure with a DNA double helix in the blue-toned background. The image suggests a scientific or genetic research context.

Disease

Understanding Diseases at the Atomic Level

The Zheng lab unveils the molecular mechanisms underlying various human disorders using cutting-edge structural biology approaches.

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Cannabinoid Research

Cannabinoid receptors and brain damage

The Stella lab studies the impact of cannabis use on the developing brain and in neurodegenerative diseases.

DRUG DISCOVERY & PRECISION MEDICINE

GENE ARCHITECTURE
& ACTION

INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING

MOLECULAR BASIS
OF DISEASE

NEUROBIOLOGY
AND BEHAVIOR

PROTEIN STRUCTURE

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DRUG DISCOVERY & PRECISION MEDICINE

GENE ARCHITECTURE & ACTION

INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING

MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE

NEUROBIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

PROTEIN STRUCTURE

GENE ARCHITECTURE
& ACTION

MOLECULAR BASIS
OF DISEASE

NEUROBIOLOGY
AND BEHAVIOR