The major focus of the laboratory is the process by which the binding of hormones to cell-surface receptors is translated into the regulation of target enzymes and ion channels. The laboratory is specifically interested in pathways defined by GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins). Current studies include mapping linkages among receptors and G proteins in intact cells, defining post-translational modifications of G protein subunits that influence targeting and protein-protein interactions, exploring the roles of novel G proteins, and defining connections between G proteins and various transcription factors. The context of greatest interest is cell proliferation and differentiation. Pathways receiving the greatest attention currently are those used by lysophosphatidic acid, sphingosine 1-phosphate, and thromboxane A2.