Overview
Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory
The focus of this laboratory is to understand the molecular basis of glioblastoma and inflammatory skin diseases including atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. Within this line of inquiry, the emphasis is on understanding how these diseases alter the function of Gprotein-couped receptors.
The focus of this laboratory is to understand the molecular basis of glioblastoma and inflammatory skin diseases including atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. Within this line of inquiry, the emphasis is on understanding how these diseases alter the function of Gprotein-couped receptors.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor in Anesthesiology
·
2003 - Present
Anesthesiology,
Clinical Science Departments
Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology
·
2010 - Present
Pharmacology & Cancer Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
·
2021 - Present
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences,
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Associate Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
1989 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Nanostring Transcriptomic Analysis Highlights IL-6 Family and TGF-β Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Prurigo Nodularis.
Journal Article JID Innov · January 2026 Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic, neuroimmune-driven skin disease characterized by intensely pruritic nodules and marked impairment in QOL. Although PN shares inflammatory features with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, its underlying pathogenesis remain ... Full text Link to item CiteSystemic immune profiling identifies elevated mas-related G-coupled receptor membrane X2 (MRGPRX2) with a distinct inflammatory signature in chronic pruritus of unknown origin.
Journal Article J Am Acad Dermatol · December 2025 Full text Link to item CiteEpigenetic profiling reveals neuroimmune and fibrotic pathway dysregulation in prurigo nodularis.
Journal Article Br J Dermatol · October 17, 2025 Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
GZ17-6.02 as a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Dermatologic
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Genzada Pharmaceuticals, LLC · 2020 - 2028Understanding the Role of Type 2 Inflammation in Prurigo Nodularis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Sanofi US · 2023 - 2026Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2021 - 2026View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Montreal (Canada) ·
1977
Ph.D.