Henrik Dohlman

Henrik Dohlman, PhD is the Sanford Steelman Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He is also a member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on G protein signaling, cell desensitization mechanisms, and the role of Regulators of G protein Signaling (RGS proteins) in modulating signal transduction pathways. His work integrates genetic, biochemical, and computational approaches to study signaling networks in yeast and mammalian systems.

Research Highlights:

• Discovered RGS proteins as molecular 'brakes' in G protein signaling
• Investigates how nutritional and stress signals regulate signaling pathway cross-talk
• Develops computational models of signaling networks in collaboration with Tim Elston's lab
• Studies G protein mutations linked to diseases like uveal melanoma and developmental epileptic encephalopathies

Lab activities focus on:

• Mechanisms of G protein activation/desensitization
• Role of ubiquitination and phosphorylation in signaling
• Systems biology approaches to signal integration

Collaborations include multi-omics analyses and structural biology studies to understand conformational dynamics of G proteins. His lab's work bridges basic research with potential therapeutic applications in pharmacology and oncology.