Ruthann Nichols Ph.D.
| 4008 Natural Science Building 1048 |
| Ann Arbor, MI 48109 |
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My research interests include understanding the role of neuropeptides and receptors in physiology. A long term goal is to determine how the misexpression of a neuropeptide results in a neurological disorder. We are studying the conserved FMRFamide peptide family. FMRFamide peptides affect muscle movement of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tissues. We have isolated Drosophila FMRFamide peptides and applied a molecular approach to elucidate regulation of expression and mechanism of action, and to demonstrate that TDVDHVFLRFamide (DMS) and SDNFMRFamide are cardioinhibitory peptides. We are isolating the mouse FMRFamide peptide homologs in order to utilize a molecular genetics approach to delineate the role of this peptide family in mammalian physiology.
Nichols, R., Lim, I., McCormick, J.: Antisera to multiple antigenic peptides detect neuropeptide processing. Neuropeptides 33:35-40, 1999.
Robbins, J., Aggarwall, R., Nichols, R., Gibson, G.: Genetic variation for Drosophila heart rate. Gen. Res. 74:121-128, 1999.
Nichols, R., Kaminski, S., Walling, E., Zornik, E.: Regulating the activity of a cardioacceleratory neuropeptide. Peptides 20:1153-1158, 1999.
Nichols, R., McCormick, J., Lim, I.: Structures and functions of Drosophila melanogaster FMRFamide-related peptides. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 897:264-272, 1999.
Richer, S., Stoffolano, J.G, Jr., Yin, C.M., Nichols, R.: Innervation of dromyosuppressin (DMS) immunoreactive processes and effect of DMS and benzethonium chloride on the Phormia regina (Meigen) crop. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 421:136-42, 2000
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