Overview
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Certain ligands can selectively activate some of the multiple cellular responses downstream of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), an enormous family of membrane proteins that is also the single largest class of drug targets. The Wingler lab seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of how these ligands differentially modulate GPCR signaling. To accomplish this, the laboratory utilizes multidisciplinary approaches, including biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology, cell biology and protein engineering. Ultimately, this work could inspire strategies to develop therapeutics for GPCRs that have greater specificity of action.
Certain ligands can selectively activate some of the multiple cellular responses downstream of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), an enormous family of membrane proteins that is also the single largest class of drug targets. The Wingler lab seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of how these ligands differentially modulate GPCR signaling. To accomplish this, the laboratory utilizes multidisciplinary approaches, including biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology, cell biology and protein engineering. Ultimately, this work could inspire strategies to develop therapeutics for GPCRs that have greater specificity of action.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology
·
2020 - Present
Pharmacology & Cancer Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Assistant Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2020 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Angiotensin receptor conformations stabilized by biased ligands differentially modulate β-arrestin interactions.
Journal Article J Biol Chem · December 29, 2025 "Biased" ligands of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) preferentially activate G protein or β-arrestin pathways by stabilizing distinct receptor conformations. Here we show that β-arrestin-biased AT1R ligands vary in their ability to stabilize diffe ... Full text Link to item CiteProgress on the development of Class A GPCR-biased ligands.
Journal Article Br J Pharmacol · July 2025 Class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) continue to garner interest for their essential roles in cell signalling and their importance as drug targets. Although numerous drugs in the clinic target these receptors, over 60% GPCRs remain unexploited. More ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Pharmacological Sciences Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Mechanistic diversity in biased angiotensin receptor ligands
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2029Modulation of Cardiomyocyte Physiology and Signaling by Mechanistically Diverse Beta-Arrestin-Biased AT1R Ligands
FellowshipPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by American Heart Association · 2026 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Columbia University ·
2011
Ph.D.