Pamela England, PhD
Professor
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
School of Pharmacy

pamela.england@ucsf.edu 415-502-6606

Research in the England Lab focuses on the development and use of small molecules to manipulate and monitor the activities of biologically important ligand-receptor systems. Execution of these research projects typically involves a combination of synthetic chemistry, computational chemistry, structural biology, and appropriate biochemical and biological assays.

Two systems currently being studied are glutamate-gated ion channels and hormone-activated nuclear receptors.

The neurotransmitter glutamate drives specific changes in the functioning of synaptic glutamate-gated ion channels. These changes modulate the strength of synaptic transmission, encode information, and allow for adaptive behaviors. We are developing and using small molecules to track the functional states of glutamate-gated ion channels at neuronal synapses.

Natural hormones and other small lipophilic molecules drive specific changes in the structure and activity of nuclear receptors. In response to hormone binding, nuclear receptors form protein complexes that control gene transcription events underlying development, homeostasis, and many diseases. We are designing small molecules to manipulate gene transcription by precisely controlling the activity of nuclear receptors.

Awards

  • Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching, UCSF, 2021
  • Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, UCSF, 2021
  • CTSI Catalyst Award, UCSF, 2020
  • Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, UCSF, 2019
  • Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, UCSF, 2018
  • Roger's Family Foundation Bridging the GAP Award, UCSF, 2015
  • CTSI Catalyst Award, UCSF, 2014
  • McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award, UCSF, 2006
  • Grass Foundation Fellowship, Caltech, 1998
  • NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship, Caltech, 1997
  • Gosney Postdoctoral Fellowship, Caltech, 1996
  • Merck Index Award, UCLA, 1989
  • UCLA Chemists Association Award for Research, UCLA, 1989

Education & Training

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chamption Training University of California 2022
  • Postdoc Neuroscience Stanford University 2000
  • Neuroscience Woods Hole, Grass Fellow 2000
  • Postdoc Chemistry and Neuroscience California Institute of Technology 1999
  • PhD Chemistry Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1995
  • Neuroscience Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, Neurobiology Course 1995

Websites

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Grants and Projects

Publications (20)

Top publication keywords:
Androgen AntagonistsIndolesNitrilesMolecular ProbesQuinolinesDopamineAnilidesReceptors, AMPANuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2Enzyme ActivatorsNitro CompoundsDisulfidesTosyl CompoundsExcitatory Amino Acid AntagonistsSynapses