Page 23 - RxBound Winter 2020

the binding of a small molecule agonist called Yoda1,” Luo
said. “Next we will investigate how these structural changes
are propagated toward protein regions responsible for the
generation of electro-chemical signals. To this aim, our team
will use several techniques including electrophysiology,
protein engineering, fluorescence imaging, molecular
dynamic simulations and advanced computational analyses.
If successful, this project will lead to a better molecular
understanding of mechanotransduction and will pave the
way for the rationale design of new pharmacological agents
which may help treat hypertension, chronic pain,
lymphedema and malaria.”
Annual Fund

makes it possible

“If successful, this project will
Gifts to the WesternU Annual Fund, the College of
lead to a better molecular Pharmacy’s scholarships and programs make a difference for
WesternU students.
understanding of Your generosity provides promising, talented young scholars

with access to a life-changing education. You have also
mechanotransduction and will signaled to students, faculty and the world that WesternU
alumni, parents, and friends are invested in the University’s
pave the way for the rationale commitment to excellent teaching, innovative research, and
the personal and intellectual growth of students.
design of new pharmacological
WesternU is committed to providing a rigorous,
agents which may help treat personalized, quality health care education designed to
inspire our students to pursue solutions through their
hypertension, chronic pain, work as health care professionals and community leaders.
To continue this important work we need the ongoing
lymphedema and malaria.” support of alumni and friends.
Thank you for being an investor and partner in the WesternU
Annual Fund.

To make a gift to the annual fund please visit
Obtaining an NIH R01 grant is a significant achievement for
Drs. Luo and Lacroix, said College of Pharmacy (COP) https://www.westernu.edu/advancement/
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Chair Stephen advancement-give/advancement-annual-giving/
O’Barr, PhD.
“One of our College goals is to ‘foster an environment that
facilitates innovative, collaborative, and externally funded
research programs,’” O’Barr said. “This grant is a direct
result of the support COP Dean Daniel Robinson gives to
our research program and puts the College on the map as a
top-tier research organization dedicated to enhancing health
outcomes.”
“We have assembled a great group of scientists whose
collaborative efforts are central to their success,” said
College of Pharmacy Dean Daniel Robinson, PharmD,
FASHP. “Advancing knowledge through science has been
and will continue to be a high priority at WesternU.” n

WesternU, College of Pharmacy 21