Dennis Dougherty

The Dougherty group conducts research in organic chemistry and chemical biology. The major focus of the group seeks a chemical-scale understanding of ion channels and neuroreceptors. These integral membrane proteins are the molecules of memory, learning, and sensory perception. They are also the targets of pharmaceuticals intended to treat Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, schizophrenia, learning and attention deficits, and many others disorders. By using a combination of organic synthesis, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and computer modeling, detailed structural and mechanistic insights into these complex systems can be obtained.