GARY L. JOHNSON, Chair
*George R. Breese (15) Drugs and Neural Plasticity, Molecular Neurobiology
*Frank C. Church (107) Proteases and Their Inhibitors Involved in Regulating Thrombosis and Tumor Cell Invasion
Fulton T. Crews (88) Excitotoxicity, Gene Delivery, Neuroprogenetor Stem Cells and Addiction
Channing Der (74) Ras Protein Superfamily, Signal Transduction and Oncogenesis
Kenneth H. Dudley (28) Drug Biotransformation, Penicillin Hypersensitivity
*Linda Dykstra (55) Opioid Analgesics, Drugs of Abuse
*H. Shelton Earp (63) Growth Regulation, Growth Factor and Protein Kinases
Barry Goz (29) Virus and Cancer Chemotherapy
K. Hahn (126) Development of Fluorophores for Site-Specific Protein Labeling; Live Cell Biosensors and their Biological Applications; Motility, Apoptosis and Crosstalk in Signaling
T. Kendall Harden (37) Receptor Biochemistry, Regulation of Second-Messenger Signaling
Gary L. Johnson (124) Receptors/G-Proteins, Defining the Signal Relay Systems Initiated by Various Cellular Stimuli (Including Cytokines), Growth Factors, Antigens, and Drugs Used to Treat Human Disease
*Larry G. Johnson (113) Gene Therapy, Epithelial Ion and Macromolecular Transport
Rudolph L. Juliano (62) Membrane Biochemistry of Cell Interactions, Drug Delivery Systems
*J. Stephen Kizer (34) Molecular and Cellular Biology of Post-Translational Processing
Ryszard Kole (57) RNA Splicing, RNA-Protein Interactions, Antisense Oligonucleotides
*Richard B. Mailman (52) Neuropharmacology, Structure and Function of Dopamine Receptors, Molecular Drug Design
*William Maixner (64) Pain Research and Autonomic Nervous System Research
Ken D. McCarthy (42) Neuronalglial Interactions Studied in situ Using Electrophysiology, Confocal Imaging and Conditional Knockouts
*Beverly S. Mitchell (73) Molecular Mechanisms of Nucleoside Activation, Cancer Pharmacology
*Leslie Morrow (105) Molecular Neuropharmacology of GABA Receptors and Alcohol
*Robert A. Mueller (32) Neuronal Stimulation and Oncogene Expression
Robert A. Nicholas (68) G-Protein-Coupled P2Y Receptors, Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance
*David A. Ontjes (30) Endocrine Pharmacology, Clinical Endocrinology
Leslie V. Parise (70) Adhesion Receptors and Signal Transduction in Platelets, Sickle Cell Disease and Cancer
Robert L. Rosenberg (69) Regulation of Ion Channels
R. Jude Samulski (77) Development of Efficient Viral Vectors for Gene Delivery into Eukaryotic Genes
Gene A. Scarborough (36) Molecular Basis of Plasma Membrane Structure and Function
*Dhiren Thakker (97) Drug Delivery and Metabolism
*Adrienne D. Cox (90) Ras Family Oncogenes, Lipid Modification and Protein Function
*H. G. Dohlman (127) Receptors and Signal Transduction: Mechanisms of Drug Desensitization
Lee M. Graves (89) Growth Factor-Mediated Signal Transduction
*Cam Patterson (115) Vascular Biology, Angiogenesis, and Protein Folding and Degradation
David Siderovski (111) Structure and Function of Regulator of G-Protein Signaling (RGS) Proteins
John Sondek (100) X-Ray Crystallography and Transmembrane Signaling
JoAnn Trejo (112) Internalization and Subcellular Trafficking of G-Protein-Coupled Protease-Activated Receptors (PARs)
Pilar Blancafort (128) Tumorigenesis and Tumor Progression
Tim Elston (129) MAPK Activation in the Pheromone Response Pathway of Yeast, Noise in Gene Regulatory Networks, Airway Surface Volume Regulation Diffusion in Viscoelastic Fluids, DlycineMetabolism, and the Motion Protein Dynein
Franck Polleux (125) Signaling Pathways in the Mammalian Cerebral Cortex
Jozef Spychala (81) Regulation of Adenosine, Nucleotide and Nucleoside Analogues, Metabolism
Suresh K. Alahari (109) Integrin Associated Proteins and Antisense Therapeutics
Gavin E. Arteel (118) Alcohol-Induced Liver and Pancreatic Injury, Oxidative Stress
Laurie Betts (116) Structural Biology of G-Protein Signaling, X-ray Crystallography
Bonita Blake (121) G-Protein Signaling in the Central Nervous System
James T. McLaughlin (117) Structure and Function of Ion Channels
Zhi Zhong (119) Hepatotoxicology, Renal Toxicology, Organ Transplantation
Emmanuel J. Diliberto Jr. (61) Neuropharmacology
James W. Putney (84) Second Messenger Signaling
Jose Boyer (79) Regulation of Signal Transduction Mechanisms
Kenneth S. Korach (85) Biochemistry and Biology of Steroid Hormone Receptors
Howard A. Rockman (108) Molecular Modeling and Cardiovascular Disease
John P. O'Bryan (114) Signal Transduction by Tryosine Kinases, Role of Adaptor Proteins, Oncogenesis
Hugh J. Burford
Philip L. Carl (Research Associate Professor)
Curtis Harper
John T. Gatzy
Philip F. Hirsch
Tom S. Miya
Paul L. Munson
William Henry Pearlman
Doris T. Poole
Roy V. Talmage
Svein U. Toverud
* joint faculty members
The Department of Pharmacology offers a program of study that leads to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology. The curriculum is individualized in recognition of the diverse backgrounds and interests of students and the broad scope of the discipline of pharmacology. The basic course requirements for the PhD degree include introductory and advanced courses in pharmacology and related programs in accord with the principal interest of the students in molecular pharmacology, neuropharmacology, or in toxicology. In addition, in order to satisfy the requirements of the department and The Graduate School, the student must pass written and oral doctoral examinations, write a dissertation based on original research, and submit to a final oral examination. Under special circumstances, the department will offer a program leading to the MS degree. The requirements are appropriate course work, a written comprehensive examination, a thesis based on original research, and a final oral examination.
The department offers a variety of research areas including: 1) receptors and signal transduction; 2) ion channels; 3) neuropharmacology; 4) cancer pharmacology; 5) gene therapy; and 6) pharmacology of alcohol and drugs of abuse. The student is expected to begin independent research early in his or her training and to participate in an intensive program of research seminars. Close personal contact between preceptor and trainee is encouraged.
Laboratory facilities and a wide variety of research equipment are available in the department, which is located primarily in the Mary Ellen Jones Building, where it occupies approximately 26,000 square feet (exclusive of classrooms and animal facilities). In addition, several faculty members are located in the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Thurston Bowles Alcohol Center, and the N. C. Neurosciences Hospital.
Financial assistance is provided to all students. The stipend is currently $23,000 per year. In addition, tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage are provided.
The Department of Pharmacology will consider applications from interested students who have or expect to receive a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline. Applications may be made at any time during the year, but consideration for fall admission is given to those sent by January 1.
643 [117] CELL STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND GROWTH CONTROL I (BIOC 643) (CBIO 643) (MCRO 643) (Var.). Prerequisite, undergraduate cell biology or biochemistry or permission of the instructor. Comprehensive introduction to cell structure, function, and transformation. Fall. Cox, Jacobson, Lee, Meissner.
644 [118] CELL STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND GROWTH CONTROL II (BIOC 644) (CBIO 644) (MCRO 644) (Var.). Prerequisite, undergraduate cell biology or biochemistry or permission of the instructor. Comprehensive introduction to cell structure, function and transformation. Spring. Cox, Jacobson, Lee, Meissner.
701 [201] INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY (2). Permission of the instructor required. A first-year pharmacology course outlining the basic of molecular pharmacology, including molecular biology, drug/receptor interactions, receptors and ion channels, regulation of second messengers, and drug metabolism. Two lecture hours a week. Fall. Trejo, Siderovski.
702 [202] PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY (TOXC 702) (3). Permission of the instructor required. Introduces students to the major areas of pharmacology and toxicology and serves as a basis for more advanced courses. Three lecture hours a week. Spring. Parise.
705 [323] BEHAVIORAL PHARMACOLOGY (NBIO 705) (PSYC 705) (3).
707 [207] ADVANCED TOXICOLOGY (TOXC 707) (3). Prerequisite, PHCO 702 or permission of the course director. Cellular and physiological basis of toxicity of environmental chemicals, with emphasis on: inhalation toxicology, developmental toxicology, immunotoxicology, radiation toxicology, renal toxicology, and neurotoxicology. Three lecture hours a week. Fall. Swenberg.
710 [210] CELL MEMBRANES (2).
715 [205] THE MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY OF CANCER (2). Prerequisites, advanced graduate or advanced undergraduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology. This course deals with the molecular and cellular basis of anticancer and antiviral chemotherapy, with emphasis on novel approaches including immunotherapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and gene therapy. The course includes faculty lectures and student presentations. Fall. Kole.
721 [221] SEMINAR COURSES IN PHARMACOLOGY (1-3). This is a series of seminar courses dealing with advanced topics in modern molecular pharmacology based mainly on discussion of current literature.
722 [222] CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY I (PHYI 722) (Var.). Lecture/discussion course on the physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of the nervous system. Topics include: function and structure of ion channels, neurotransmitter biosynthesis and release mechanisms, neurotransmitter receptors, and intracellular signaling pathways. Fall. Stuart.
722A [222A] INTRODUCTION TO CELL MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY (BIOC 722A) (NBIO 722A) (PHYI 722A) (2).
722B [222B] CELL & MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY B (BIOC 722B) (NBIO 722B) (PHYI 722B) (2).
722C [222C] ELECTRICAL SIGNALS (BIOC 722C) (NBIO 722C) (PHYI 722C) (2).
723 [223] CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY II (PHYI 723) (Var.). Lecture/discussion course on the physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of the nervous system. Topics include: function and structure of ion channels, neurotransmitter biosynthesis and release mechanisms, neurotransmitter receptors, and intracellular signaling pathways. Spring. Stuart.
723A [223A] CELL & MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY A (BIOC 723A) (NBIO 723A) (PHYI 723A) (2).
723B [223B] PRESYNAPTIC MECHANISMS (BIOC 723B) (NBIO 723B) (PHYI 723B) (2).
724 [221A] RAS SUPERFAMILY PROTEINS AND SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION (2). Seminar/discussion course covering recent advances in the role of these proteins in signaling and growth. Fall. (Alternate years.) Der, Cox.
725 [221B] SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION (2). Seminar/discussion course on molecular aspects of the receptors, G-proteins, effector proteins, kinases, and phosphatases that mediate hormone, neurotransmitter, growth factor, and sensory signaling. Spring. (Alternate years.) Harden.
726 [221C] ADHESION RECEPTORS AND SIGNALING IN CANCER AND CV DISEASE (2). Examines the growing number of families of cell adhesion receptors and their role in biological processes including signal transduction, control of gene expression, hemostasis, cancer, neuronal development, immunobiology, and embryologic development. Spring. (Alternate years.) Juliano/Parise.
727 [221D] STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF ION CHANNELS (2). Seminar/discussion course on the physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of ion channel proteins. Spring. (Alternate years.) Rosenberg, Oxford.
728 [221E] NEUROPHARMACOLOGY OF ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE (3). A lecture/discussion course on the biological bases of alcohol and substance abuse. Spring. (Alternate years.) Morrow.
729 [221F] GENE THERAPY: MEDICINE FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY (2). A seminar/discussion course on recent advances in targeted gene delivery and gene therapy. Spring. (Alternate years.) Samulski.
730 [330] SEMINAR IN RECENT ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (1). Students meet as a group with faculty members to develop skills in critical reading and to summarize and discuss selected aspects of current pharmacological literature. Two hours a week. Fall and spring. Cox, Blancafort.
731 [331] SEMINAR IN GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY (1). A series of weekly lecture-seminars by graduate students, faculty members, and visiting scientists on current research in pharmacology. One hour a week. Fall. McCarthy.
732 [332] GRANT WRITING (2). Prerequisites, PHCO 701 and permission of the course director. A discussion course covering the elements of successful grant proposals and scientific ethics. Fall, spring, and summer. Parise.
733 [221G] DRUG DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT (2). A seminar/discussion course on the research, development, and regulatory processes involved in bringing new drugs to clinical use. Spring. (Alternate years.) Carl.
734 [221H] PAIN AND ANALGESIA (2). A lecture/discussion course on pain transmission and pain measurement. The neuropharmacological basis of pain modulation will be discussed. Fall. (Alternate years.) Maixner, Dykstra, Hollins, Light.
735 [221I] DISCOVERY BIOLOGY AND PHARMACOGENOMICS (2). Lecture/discussion course covering a variety of aspects of new biological and computational technologies. The course is predominantly in a lecture format with computer-based and literature assignments. Spring. (Alternate years.) Siderovski, Sondek.
736 [221J] PROTEIN KINASES AS TARGETS FOR NOVEL PHARMACOLOGICAL INHIBITORS (2). A seminar/discussion course to evaluate the use of small molecule inhibitors of protein kinases from a structural and signal transduction perspective. Spring. (Alternate years.) Graves, G. Johnson.
737 [221K] TARGET-BASED DRUG DISCOVERY AND CANCER TREATMENT (2). A lecture/discussion course that emphasizes preclinical and clinical studies for the development of anti-cancer drugs that target signal transduction. Topics include: target identification and validation, drug discovery, the process of government approval for clinical trials, design of clinical trials, and new genetic-based technologies to foster drug development. Spring, alternate years. Der, Cox.
750 [250] DATA ANALYSIS FOR BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (CBIO 750) (PATH 750) (TOXC 750) (1). This largely self-study course will deal with basic statistical and quantitative methods for the analysis and interpretation of biomedical data. This course is required for pharmacology, toxicology, and pathology graduate students. Permission of the instructor is required for other students. Fall. Nicholas.
850 [290] SEMINAR IN NEUROBIOLOGY (BIOC 850) (NBIO 850) (PHYI 850) (3). Prerequisites, one graduate course in the biological sciences and permission of the director of the neurobiology program. An intensive consideration of selected topics and problems. Spring. Members of the neurobiology curriculum.
900 [499] SPECIAL PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH (3-6).
901 [301] RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY (5 or more). Prerequisite, permission of the staff. Fall, spring, and summer. Graves.
911, 912 [211, 212] INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH (Var.). A course for first-year graduate students majoring in pharmacology. A series of research projects of limited scope, under the supervision of a different faculty member. Twelve laboratory hours a week. Fall and spring. Graves.
913 [213] INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH (Var.). Prerequisites, PHCO 911 and 912. This is a continuation of PHCO 911 and 912. Six laboratory hours a week, first summer session. Graves.
914 [214] INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH (Var.). Prerequisites, PHCO 911, 912, and 913. This is a continuation of Pharmacology 911, 912, and 913. Six laboratory hours a week, second summer session. Graves.
951 [310] RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY (BIOC 951) (NBIO 951) (PHYI 951) (PSYC 951) (BIOL 951) (3-12). Prerequisite, permission of a staff member of the neurobiology program. Research in various aspects of neurobiology. Six to twenty-four hours a week. Fall and spring. Members of the neurobiology curriculum.
989 [299] SPECIAL PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH (3-6).
993 [393] THESIS FOR MASTER'S DEGREE (3 or more). Prerequisite, permission of the staff. Fall, spring, and summer.
994 [394] DOCTORAL DISSERTATION (3 or more). Prerequisite, permission of the staff. Fall, spring, and summer.