Alexander Sorkin, PhD

Research in the Sorkin laboratory is currently split into two major directions which are apparently distinct from each other with respect to the cell type, relation to the human disease, and experimental models used. However, the main idea underlying both directions is conceptually the same - to understand how trafficking regulates function(s) of transmembrane proteins, such as receptors and transporters. One major project aims at elucidating the molecular mechanisms of endocytosis of growth factor receptors and analyzing the role of endocytosis in regulation of signal transduction by these receptors using a prototypic member of the family, epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor as the main experimental system. Another major research direction is the study of the role of trafficking processes in the regulation of the plasma membrane dopamine transporter in central nervous system. In both of these research areas we are using a multidisciplinary approach, and a combination of in vitro and in vivo experimental models.