Howard Gu

About

Biography

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by presynaptic neurons to communicate with other neurons and cells. Neurotransmitter transporters (NTTs) terminate neurotransmission by the re-uptaking and recycling the released neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft and surrounding areas. Dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET) are high affinity targets for the psycho-stimulants cocaine and amphetamines. The transporters are also molecular targets for therapeutic drugs, such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (Sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine),Wellbutrin (bupropion), etc. These drugs are used to treat several neurological and mental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, Autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and minimal brain dysfunction. My laboratory focuses on these important transporter proteins and studies their structures and functions, their roles in drug addiction and mental disorders.

Credentials

Research