Overview
I am Dr. Mona Marie, a dedicated researcher with a strong background in pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology. Having earned my Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, I have a robust foundation in exploring the intricate roles of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in inflammation and cancer.
Background:
My journey in research began during my master's studies in Egypt, where I investigated the Effect of Cannabidiol on breast cancer progression. This early exposure to the complexities of molecular interactions fueled my passion for understanding the pharmacology of receptors.
Current Focus:
Building on my previous work, my current research, conducted in both in vivo and in vitro settings, centers around the roles of Olfactory receptors, another intriguing family of GPCRs. I am fascinated by their diverse functions, not only within the olfactory system but also in extra-nasal tissues.
Proposed Research:
Looking ahead, my research agenda aims to delve deeper into the pharmacology of olfactory receptors. I plan to unravel the specific molecular basis of olfactory receptor function and its direct translation to downstream molecular interactions, shedding light on their potential therapeutic applications.
Approach:
Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques such as ligand binding assays, cell signaling studies, and advanced imaging, I will dissect the pharmacological profiles of olfactory receptors. Furthermore, my exploration will focus on understanding the molecular aspects of olfaction by investigating how these receptors can be pharmacologically modulated. This investigation into receptor-ligand interactions not only enhances our comprehension of olfactory processes but also holds the potential to provide insights into the extranasal roles of these receptors, particularly in detecting in vivo ligands."
Significance:
Understanding the pharmacology of olfactory receptors holds promise for novel therapeutic interventions. Whether in the context of sensory perception or extra-nasal functions, deciphering the intricacies of these receptors can open avenues for the development of pharmacological agents with a wide range of applications.
Long-Term Goals:
In the long term, I aspire to establish myself as a leading researcher in the field of receptor pharmacology and translational medicine. My goal is to contribute to the development of targeted therapies based on a comprehensive understanding of receptor function, bridging the gap between basic research and practical applications.
In conclusion, my research endeavors are driven by a commitment to unraveling the pharmacological mysteries of olfactory receptors. By applying cutting-edge techniques and a multidisciplinary approach, I aim to contribute valuable insights to the broader field of pharmacology and lay the groundwork for potential therapeutic advancements.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Scholarly Works
Allosteric Gating Mechanism Regulates Odorant Selectivity and Antagonism in Odorant Receptors.
Journal article bioRxiv · July 10, 2026 Odorant receptors (ORs) belong to class A G protein coupled receptors that detect diverse small molecules, yet the steps that link odorant association to receptor mediated selectivity remains incompletely defined. Here we combined 1.26 milliseconds of all- ... Full text Link to item CiteRapid odorant metabolism organizes identity- and timing-based odor representations by olfactory bulb inputs and outputs.
Journal article bioRxiv · July 7, 2026 Sensory neurons encode information about external stimuli in the form of stimulus-specific patterns of activity across their population. In the mammalian olfactory system, olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) encode odor identity with odorant-specific combinat ... Full text Link to item CiteEvolution and functional characterization of olfactory receptors in birds
Conference CHEMICAL SENSES · 2026 Link to item CiteRecent Grants
STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS IN HUMAN ODORANT RECEPTOR FUNCTION
ResearchPostdoctoral Associate · Awarded by University of California - San Francisco · 2023 - 2028Decoding the Molecular Interactions of Odorant Receptors with Odor Mixtures
FellowshipPI-Fellow · Awarded by Ruth K. Broad Biomedical Research Foundation · 2025 - 2026View All Grants