University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · PharmacologySmrcka Lab
Alan V. Smrcka · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Research Focus
Dr. Smrcka's lab studies how signals from G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) influence various cellular functions, particularly in heart cells. By exploring the complex interactions and pathways of GPCR signaling, the lab aims to uncover new ways that these receptors can control gene expression and heart growth, which could lead to better treatments for heart disease.
G protein-coupled receptorssignal transductioncardiac myocytesheart hypertrophyproteomics
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the novel protein interactions involved in GPCR signaling.
AIM 02Characterize the role of intracellular adrenergic receptors in cardiac myocytes.
AIM 03Identify new signaling pathways mediated by G proteins during receptor recycling.
AIM 04Explore how β-adrenergic receptors regulate gene expression related to cardiac hypertrophy.
AIM 05Uncover the protective signaling mechanisms of α2-adrenergic receptors in the heart.
Skills the Lab Values
proteomicsmass spectrometrycell culturegene expression analysisimmunofluorescence microscopy
Output against the department
Publications248top 33% of dept.151st of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations12ktop 32% of dept.147th of 462
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.