Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins represent a critical point of control for many cellular processes and signaling cascades initiated by inhibitory G proteins. While many traditional pharmacotherapies, target G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) directly, RGS proteins may represent a unique and untapped target for modulating these signaling events.

Our lab, along with others, has an interest in targeting RGS proteins for potential therapeutic benefit. While peptide and a small molecule inhibitor of RGS4, CCG-4986, have been published, development of a potent, selective, cell permeant small molecule inhibitor of a RGS protein remains in infancy.

In order to explore the benefit of modulating RGS activity, our lab has a wide range of interests. First, we are interested in examining the modulation of individual RGS proteins in vitro by examining other protein or lipid partners that can bind and modulate their GTPase accelerating activity, using purified protein components and flow cytometry (FCPIA). Second, we are interested in the role the RGS proteins may play in a variety of disease states from Schizophrenia (RGS4) to Parkinson’s Disease (RGS9). And third, we have interest in exploring the genome for novel protein-protein interactions that help regulate signal transduction pathways.

Dr. Roman also has longstanding interest in the development and implementation of High Throughput Screening (HTS) methods for mining small molecule libraries for novel ligands that alter protein-protein interactions.