Abstract:
Depression is a major public health problem for which anti-depressant drugs are commonly prescribed, yet their mechanisms are not entirely understood. Additionally, approximately one-third of patients do not experience long-term remission after treatment. It is known that depressed patients have decreased cAMP levels in the brain; chronic anti-depressant treatment leads to increase cellular cAMP levels. The Gαs-protein, which stimulates cAMP production, is activated by G-protein coupled protein receptors (GPCRs). These proteins are held in lipid rafts in depressed subjects; anti-depressant treatment translocates the Gαs-proteins from the lipid rafts. My talk will describe this system and how it can be targeted therapeutically to improve treatments for depression.

Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP here by Friday, March 10 at noon.