Research interests in the Department include five major areas: signal transduction, neuroscience, bioactive lipid metabolism, genetic basis of cardiovascular dysfunction, and drug metabolism. Molecules under investigation include G-protein coupled receptors (rhodopsin, adrenergic, serotonin and receptors), heterotrimeric G-proteins, ion channels, transporters and regulatory proteins such as arrestins, protein kinases and protein phosphatases.

A strength in our research and training environment is that Vanderbilt University has a world-acclaimed Division of Clinical Pharmacology, which links the Department of Medicine with the Department of Pharmacology. Faculty members in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology focus on human disease and clinical enigmas as the origin of their questions for research. Basic scientists who pursue their inquiries in this environment are continually informed by their colleagues of the pathophysiological and potential therapeutic relevance that can be achieved by appropriate focus of their efforts. We have created one of the first programs in the country to answer the call from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for more scientists trained in the area of drug discovery and development.

A unique feature of the department is our outstanding Ph.D. training program. Almost 60 scientists in training are addressing important issues in fields such neuroscience, cardiovascular development, receptor signaling, and drug metabolism. Scientists in these areas are linked by a common interest in, and understanding of, the basic principles of drug action and design. This perspective makes our trainees ideally suited for a wide range of careers and our program is committed to developing leaders in academia, industry, and regulatory affairs.