Structure-function relationships of the mineralocorticoid receptor

Project description

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is an important therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease. We have identified interactions of the receptor that differ between the physiological hormones, aldosterone and cortisol. We also have access to novel therapeutic agents in development. Understanding these interactions and their structural basis will lead to the development of new therapeutic agents. The studies involve the use of yeast-2-hybrid screens, transactivation assays, structural analysis, mutation detection, comparative biology and a series of unique transgenic mouse models in which the MR has been either mutated or “knocked-out.” This work is also associated with our clinical program.