Laurie Sutton

Laurie Sutton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). She joined UMBC in Fall 2019, leading an independent research laboratory focused on the molecular and physiological roles of orphan receptors in the brain.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, 2011
• M.S. in Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, 2005
• B.S. in Biochemistry, University of Waterloo, 2003

Her research centers on orphan receptors—a class of G protein-coupled receptors whose natural ligands and functions remain largely unknown. These proteins are highly expressed in brain regions involved in mood, stress, and reward processing. Dr. Sutton’s lab investigates how these receptors regulate neuronal signaling, particularly through cAMP and G protein pathways, to influence behaviors related to depression and addiction. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays in animal models.

The recent publications indicate a strong focus on proteins such as GPR158 and RGS7, which modulate neural excitability and stress responses in cortical and striatal circuits. Her work reveals novel mechanisms linking cell signaling to psychiatric conditions, with potential implications for developing targeted therapies. She teaches courses in cell biology and neuroscience, contributing to both undergraduate and graduate education at UMBC.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Dr. Sutton leads an active research group investigating fundamental questions in neurobiology. Her lab has secured funding to explore the uncharted biology of orphan receptors, aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets for mental health disorders. While specific grant details are not mentioned, her publication record in top-tier journals suggests competitive funding support. She collaborates with experts in neuroscience and signal transduction, building on her postdoctoral experience at Duke University and The Scripps Research Institute.

Her lab, known as the Sutton Lab, is based in the Biological Sciences Building at UMBC and continues to explore the physiological functions of understudied neural proteins. Future work will likely expand on the role of orphan receptors in homeostatic regulation and disease states.