Welcome to the Smrcka Lab

Our laboratory studies mechanisms for cellular communication via G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The GPCR superfamily includes receptors for adrenaline, serotonin, acetylcholine, taste molecules, smell, and even light! They are the largest family of cell surface receptors and 30-40% of marketed drugs target GPCRs. Our laboratory uses a wide variety of methods to study the involvement of these receptors in physiology and disease. Learn more »

THE LATEST:

June 2026: Rongxi and Carolina presented their work at the Phophorylation and G protein-Mediated Signaling Networks Gordon Research Conference.

May 2026: Jacob Ormes published his thesis work in Molecular Pharmacology on mechanisms for gallein mediated antinociceptive potentiation.

April 2026: Joe Loomis published his work on interactions between Galphaq and proteins in the nucleus involved in chromatin regulation and RNA splicing. Congratulations.

July 2025: YiYi Cao and Beiyun Wang defend their Master’s Theses in Pharmacology. Congratulations.

July 2025: Nathalies pager on Go interactions with Rap1GAP and the impact of Go encephalopathy mutations was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Great job Nat!

May 2025: Nathalie Momplaisir defended her Ph.D. thesis in Pharmacology. Congratulations Nathalie.

May 2024: Wei’s paper on the cardioprotective mechanism of beta2 adrenergic receptors was accepted for publication in Circulation Research. Congratulations Wei!

March 2024: Tyler’s paper on the molecular nature of Gi subunit specificity was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Great work Tyler!