B.S., Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, NEPAL
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Cecilia Hillard Email: lshresth@mcw.edu Phone: (414) 955-8620
Research Interest
Endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in modulating a number of physiological processes, including pain sensation, appetite, depression, anxiety and cognitive and emotional states. ECS comprises of two cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) together with their endogenous ligands or endocannabinoids, and the enzymes responsible for their metabolism. Endocannabinoids levels are tightly controlled by enzymatic biosynthesis and degradation in vivo; the enzymes responsible for these processes are considered central components of ECS. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) are the key enzymes involved in the degradation of endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA), and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) respectively.
Primary focus of my research is to understand the mechanisms of regulation of the enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). I am currently studying the post-translational modifications of MAGL using pharmacological, bio-chemical and molecular biology approaches.
Publications
Endogenous cannabinoid signaling is essential for stress adaptation. Hill MN, McLaughlin RJ, Bingham B, Shrestha L, Lee TT, Gray JM, Hillard CJ, Gorzalka BB, Viau V,
PNAS 107(20): 9406-11 2010.