Endocrinology Research & Reproduction Branch

	Endocrinology Research and Reproduction Branch, NICHD, NIH

	The ERRB research programs include studies performed at the cellular, molecular, and ionic levels to determine the mechanisms by which hormones and neurotransmitters control the specialized functions of their target cells. Specifically, ERRB scientists investigate the control of gene transcription, electrical activity, cell metabolism, growth, and secretion by hormones and neurotransmitters that activate plasma-membrane receptors and receptor-channels, and their diverse intracellular signaling pathways. These basic research studies seek to elucidate normal and disordered endocrine, neuroendocrine, and neural regulatory mechanisms of relevance to physiological regulation and disease states.
		The major goals of the Branch research program include:
			Analysis of the structure-function properties and regulation of plasma membrane receptors and receptor-channels Elucidation of signal transduction pathways that are initiated by hormones and neurotransmitters, including phosphoinositide-based and calcium-dependent signaling pathways Analysis of signal-secretion coupling, with emphasis on the dynamics and mechanisms of exocytotic and endocytotic cycles Analysis of signal-transcription coupling, focusing on transcriptional regulation of gonadotropin and prolactin receptors Determination of the roles of specific protein and lipid kinases in cell regulation and function Characterization of structure-function relationships of peptide and protein hormones Investigation of the enzymatic control of steroid hormone metabolism

Sections & Units in ERRB: Section on Hormonal Regulation Section on Molecular Signal Transduction Unit on Molecular Structure and Protein Chemistry Section on Cellular Signaling Section on Molecular Endocrinology Section on Metabolic Regulation Section on Steroid Regulation				Other helpful links: National Institute of Child Health & Human Development National Institutes of Health Neuroscience at NIH Department of Health & Human Services FirstGov