My research interests focus on neurotransmitters, receptors and their associated signaling pathways that guide neuronal function.  Current research investigates expression, regulation and function of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP, Adcyap1) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the role of these neuropeptides in the stress response.  Two questions are under investigation. The first involves the identification of small molecule PACAP receptor antagonists.  I am collaborating with colleagues both here at the University of Vermont and at other institutions to identify small molecule receptor blockers; we will be using candidate molecules for molecular/cellular assays in vitro and behavioral assessments in vivo. The second, done in collaboration with Dr. Victor May, elucidate mechanisms regulating CNS PACAP expression during chronic stress. We are currently refining our abilities to measure PACAP levels in tissues and blood by radioimmunoassay; in combination with our molecular tools, we are assessing the signaling mechanisms that increase neuronal PACAP expression, and how promoters and 5' UTRs of PACAP transcript variants contribute to the overall levels of PACAP production.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>