PRIMARY FACULTY

T. John Wu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology
 
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda MD 20814
Office: 301-295-9691
Fax: 301-295-0419
twu@usuhs.mil

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms underlying Peptide Hormone Action
 
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH-I) was first isolated in the mammalian hypothalamus and shown to be the primary regulator of the reproductive system through its initiation of pituitary gonadotropin release. Subsequently, it has been shown to also have non-pituitary actions. While the regulation of LHRH-I synthesis and release in brain and periphery has been extensively studied, there is additional evidence to suggest processing represents another layer of regulation. My laboratory has focused on the formation of LHRH-(1-5) by the zinc metalloendopeptidase, EC3.4.24.15 (EP24.15), which cleaves LHRH-I between Tyr5-Gly6 bond and its biological action.
 
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms underlying Steroid Hormone Action
 
The recent discoveries of multiple forms of steroid hormone receptors and the lack of specificity in agonist or antagonist action have resulted in controversies in their clinical applications. The new generations of SERMS (selective estrogen receptor modulators), for example, have allowed us to better understand mechanisms of action. Our laboratory focuses here on how steroid hormones regulate behaviors such as motivation and anxiety with a central interest in animal models of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Recent Publications

10 published in last 5 years. 7 submitted.

Funding

National Science Foundation; Department of Defense; Private
 
Selected Publications

Resources