Name:
Ralph Oude Ophuis
Department Neuroscience and Pharmacology
Section Neurobiology of behavior
Function:
Postdoc
E-mail:
r.j.a.oude-ophuis@umcutrecht.nl
Tel: +31 88 75 68638
Supervisor:
prof. Roger Adan
Research group:
Neurobiology of behavior
Title research:
Dimerization of G-protein coupled receptors
Summary research:
The dogma that G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) perform their function as a monomer is changing to an understanding where GPCRs act as a homo- or heterodimer (or multimer). Many of these receptors are present in the brain where they play an intricate role in the regulation of synaptic transmission, fe. affecting neurotransmitter release. Our research is focused on novel concepts in GPCR constitutive activity and dimerization which affect signal transduction in the brain, involved in processes like reward and motivation regarding food and drugs. The aim of this project is to identify GPCR homo- or heterodimers and investigate the possible effects on receptor activity. In this research we use various molecular techniques (ISH, PCR, cloning, activity- and binding studies), advanced microscopy and cell culture expression systems to elucidate the role of GPCR dimerization. This knowledge can eventually be used to design new, more potent and specific pharmaceuticals which will induce fewer side effects than conventional medicines.
Publications:
Oude Ophuis RJ, Mulders SA, van Herpen RE, van de Vorstenbosch R, Wieringa B, Wansink DG. DMPK protein isoforms are differentially expressed in myogenic and neural cell lineages. Muscle and Nerve In press
van Herpen RE, Tjeertes JV, Mulders SA, Oude Ophuis RJ, Wieringa B, Wansink DG. Coiled-coil interactions modulate multimerization, mitochondrial binding and kinase activity of myotonic dystrophy protein kinase splice isoforms. FEBS J. 2006 Mar;273(6):1124-36.
Oude Ophuis RJ, Morrissy CJ, Boyle DB. Detection and quantitative pathogenesis study of classical swine fever virus using a real time RT-PCR assay. J Virol Methods. 2006 Jan;131(1):78-85
van Herpen RE, Oude Ophuis RJ, Wijers M, Bennink MB, van de Loo FA, Fransen J, Wieringa B, Wansink DG. Divergent mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum association of DMPK splice isoforms depends on unique sequence arrangements in tail anchors. Mol Cell Biol. 2005 Feb;25(4):1402-14.