Debbie Hay, Professor of University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Debbie is a current James Cook Fellow and research in the Hay laboratory focuses on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These proteins are the cellular targets of natural hormones and are some of the most important drug targets. The research aims to contribute to the development of medicines to treat migraine, cancer, lymphatic insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, whilst revealing fundamental mechanisms of cell signalling. A particular focus of the lab is class B GPCRs and their interactions with accessory proteins known as “receptor activity-modifying proteins”. Work in the lab spans a range of areas with local and international collaborators, including: pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, peptide chemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry and culture of cell lines and primary cells. Debbie also has a particular interest in receptor nomenclature in association with the International Union of Pharmacology.
