The Benovic laboratory studies the molecular and cellular basis of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling with a primary focus on the biochemistry and cell biology of GPCR kinases (GRKs) and arrestins and understanding how dysregulation of GPCRs and G proteins contributes to the development of disease. We have significant experience studying arrestin-mediated regulation of GPCRs, such as the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) and the chemokine receptor CXCR4. This work has involved extensive characterization of the mechanisms involved in receptor phosphorylation and arrestin binding, the structural basis for GRK and arrestin interaction with GPCRs, and how these processes regulate signaling and trafficking. We have also developed strategies to bias GPCR signaling with our initial efforts focused on the use of peptides and small molecules to mediate biased signaling through the β2AR. In addition, we study the role of Gq signaling in airway disease and uveal melanoma and are currently trying to develop inhibitors to treat these diseases. Overall, we utilize a variety of strategies in our work including biophysical approaches, biochemical and genetic analysis, and molecular and cellular biology. There are currently five primary areas of research in the lab.

G protein-coupled receptor kinases. Use biophysical approaches to understand the structures of GRKs in complex with other proteins such as GPCRs and calmodulin. We also study the role of GRK mutations in the development of disease.

Role of arrestins in G protein-coupled receptor regulation. Current efforts are focused on: 1) elucidating the role of a family of arrestin domain containing (ARRDC) proteins in GPCR trafficking and signaling and 2) using biophysical approaches to study the structure and dynamics of β-arrestin interaction with GPCRs.

Biased signaling. Collaborative efforts have identified a number of small molecules that can function as either biased agonists or biased allosteric modulators of the β2AR. These molecules provide an opportunity to yield insight on the structures and dynamics that control selective protein interactions with GPCRs and are currently being pursued in the context of airway disease (for Gs bias) and heart failure (for β-arrestin bias).

Regulation of CXCR4 function. CXCR4 has served as an important model for understanding the mechanisms linking GPCR phosphorylation, signaling and sorting. Current efforts are focused on understanding the function of CXCR4 in WHIM Syndrome and cancer metastasis.

Uveal melanoma. Current efforts involve understanding the role of mutant G protein signaling in uveal melanoma and developing strategies to treat this disease.

PhD, Biochemistry, Duke University - 1986
BS, Biochemisty, Pennsylvania State University - 1976

Fellowship

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Fellow, 1987-1989