MCMP Graduate Program - Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology

A major emphasis in this program is the study of the effects of drugs at their respective molecular targets, which include G protein-coupled receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, ion channels, neurotransmitter transporters, non-receptor protein kinases and transcription factors. The areas of neuropharmacology and cancer pharmacology are of particular interest. Specific areas of research in neuropharmacology include investigations into the acute and chronic activation of dopamine receptors and the effects on G proteins and recombinant adenylate cyclases; behavioral and biochemical signaling properties of novel serotonergic and dopaminergic ligands; the structure/function and modulation of L-type calcium channels and their role in neuronal and biochemistry, as well as many of the medical sciences, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pathology, toxicology, cellular physiology, immunology, endocrinology and virology.

Many of the faculty are actively involved in cancer research, with particularly strong programs in carcinogenesis, drug design and experimental therapeutics, chemoprevention, membrane biochemistry and cell biology.

Graduate studies in cancer research at Purdue are decentralized, providing each of the participating departments and their students flexibility. In Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, students may elect a major or minor course concentration in cancer research.

The Purdue Cancer Center, authorized and funded by the National Cancer Institute, promotes communication (including a seminar program) and research collaborations that cross the boundaries between laboratories and departments. It is through the excellent research fostered by such cooperation that Purdue has recently made substantial contributions to major advances in understanding carcinogenesis and cancer treatment.