Faculty Appointments
Research Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Education
Ph.D., Pharmacology & Toxicology, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaB.A., History, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Office Address
7124A MRB III
TN 6600
TN 6600
Research Keywords
neuroscience, mice, neurotransmitter transporters, insulin signaling, psychostimulants, addiction, food intake, dopamine, norepinephrine, GPCR, Akt, diabetes, schizophrenia, ADHD
Clinical Research Keywords
neurotransmitter transporters, insulin signaling, dopamine, norepinephrine, addiction, diabetes, psychostimulants, food intake, obesity, Akt
Publications
Saunders C, Galli A. Insights in how amphetamine ROCKs (Rho-associated containing kinase) membrane protein trafficking. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A [print-electronic]. 2015 Dec 12/22/2015; 112(51): 15538-9. PMID: 26607447, PMCID: PMC4697384, PII: 1520960112, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1520960112, ISSN: 1091-6490.
Cartier E, Hamilton PJ, Belovich AN, Shekar A, Campbell NG, Saunders C, Andreassen TF, Gether U, Veenstra-Vanderweele J, Sutcliffe JS, Ulery-Reynolds PG, Erreger K, Matthies HJ, Galli A. Rare autism-associated variants implicate syntaxin 1 (STX1 R26Q) phosphorylation and the dopamine transporter (hDAT R51W) in dopamine neurotransmission and behaviors. EBioMedicine. 2015 Feb; 2(2): 135-46. PMID: 25774383, PMCID: PMC4353922, DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.01.007, ISSN: 2352-3964.
Hamilton PJ, Belovich AN, Khelashvili G, Saunders C, Erreger K, Javitch JA, Sitte HH, Weinstein H, Matthies HJ, Galli A. PIP2 regulates psychostimulant behaviors through its interaction with a membrane protein. Nat. Chem. Biol [print-electronic]. 2014 Jul; 10(7): 582-9. PMID: 24880859, PMCID: PMC4062427, PII: nchembio.1545, DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.1545, ISSN: 1552-4469.
Saunders C, Siuta M, Robertson SD, Davis AR, Sauer J, Matthies HJ, Gresch PJ, Airey DC, Lindsley CW, Schetz JA, Niswender KD, Veenstra-Vanderweele JM, Galli A. Neuronal ablation of p-Akt at Ser473 leads to altered 5-HT1A/2A receptor function. Neurochem. Int [print-electronic]. 2014 Jul; 73: 113-21. PMID: 24090638, PMCID: PMC4073299, PII: S0197-0186(13)00242-8, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.09.015, ISSN: 1872-9754.
Bowton E, Saunders C, Reddy IA, Campbell NG, Hamilton PJ, Henry LK, Coon H, Sakrikar D, Veenstra-VanderWeele JM, Blakely RD, Sutcliffe J, Matthies HJ, Erreger K, Galli A. SLC6A3 coding variant Ala559Val found in two autism probands alters dopamine transporter function and trafficking. Transl Psychiatry. 2014; 4: e464. PMID: 25313507, PMCID: PMC4350523, PII: tp201490, DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.90, ISSN: 2158-3188.
Hamilton PJ, Campbell NG, Sharma S, Erreger K, Hansen FH, Saunders C, Belovich AN, Sahai MA, Cook EH, Gether U, McHaourab HS, Matthies HJ, Sutcliffe JS, Galli A. Drosophila melanogaster: a novel animal model for the behavioral characterization of autism-associated mutations in the dopamine transporter gene. Mol. Psychiatry. 2013 Dec; 18(12): 1235. PMID: 24253181, PII: mp2013157, DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.157, ISSN: 1476-5578.
Hamilton PJ, Campbell NG, Sharma S, Erreger K, Herborg Hansen F, Saunders C, Belovich AN, , Sahai MA, Cook EH, Gether U, McHaourab HS, Matthies HJ, Sutcliffe JS, Galli A. De novo mutation in the dopamine transporter gene associates dopamine dysfunction with autism spectrum disorder. Mol. Psychiatry [print-electronic]. 2013 Dec; 18(12): 1315-23. PMID: 23979605, PMCID: PMC4046646, PII: mp2013102, DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.102, ISSN: 1476-5578.
Speed N, Saunders C, Davis AR, Owens WA, Matthies HJ, Saadat S, Kennedy JP, Vaughan RA, Neve RL, Lindsley CW, Russo SJ, Daws LC, Niswender KD, Galli A. Impaired striatal Akt signaling disrupts dopamine homeostasis and increases feeding. PLoS ONE [print-electronic]. 2011; 6(9): e25169. PMID: 21969871, PMCID: PMC3182178, PII: PONE-D-11-08652, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025169, ISSN: 1932-6203.
Matthies HJ, Moore JL, Saunders C, Matthies DS, Lapierre LA, Goldenring JR, Blakely RD, Galli A. Rab11 supports amphetamine-stimulated norepinephrine transporter trafficking. J. Neurosci. 2010 Jun 6/9/2010; 30(23): 7863-77. PMID: 20534835, PMCID: PMC2935280, PII: 30/23/7863, DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4574-09.2010, ISSN: 1529-2401.
Bowton E, Saunders C, Erreger K, Sakrikar D, Matthies HJ, Sen N, Jessen T, Colbran RJ, Caron MG, Javitch JA, Blakely RD, Galli A. Dysregulation of dopamine transporters via dopamine D2 autoreceptors triggers anomalous dopamine efflux associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. J. Neurosci. 2010 Apr 4/28/2010; 30(17): 6048-57. PMID: 20427663, PMCID: PMC2881830, PII: 30/17/6048, DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5094-09.2010, ISSN: 1529-2401.
Siuta MA, Robertson SD, Kocalis H, Saunders C, Gresch PJ, Khatri V, Shiota C, Kennedy JP, Lindsley CW, Daws LC, Polley DB, Veenstra-Vanderweele J, Stanwood GD, Magnuson MA, Niswender KD, Galli A. Dysregulation of the norepinephrine transporter sustains cortical hypodopaminergia and schizophrenia-like behaviors in neuronal rictor null mice. PLoS Biol. 2010; 8(6): e1000393. PMID: 20543991, PMCID: PMC2882427, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000393, ISSN: 1545-7885.
Lute BJ, Khoshbouei H, Saunders C, Sen N, Lin RZ, Javitch JA, Galli A. PI3K signaling supports amphetamine-induced dopamine efflux. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun [print-electronic]. 2008 Aug 8/8/2008; 372(4): 656-61. PMID: 18510945, PMCID: PMC2517853, PII: S0006-291X(08)01012-7, DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.05.091, ISSN: 1090-2104.
Williams JM, Owens WA, Turner GH, Saunders C, Dipace C, Blakely RD, France CP, Gore JC, Daws LC, Avison MJ, Galli A. Hypoinsulinemia regulates amphetamine-induced reverse transport of dopamine. PLoS Biol. 2007 Oct 10/16/2007; 5(10): e274. PMID: 17941718, PMCID: PMC2020502, PII: 06-PLBI-RA-2396, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0050274, ISSN: 1545-7885.
Wei Y, Williams JM, Dipace C, Sung U, Javitch JA, Galli A, Saunders C. Dopamine transporter activity mediates amphetamine-induced inhibition of Akt through a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II-dependent mechanism. Mol. Pharmacol [print-electronic]. 2007 Mar; 71(3): 835-42. PMID: 17164407, PII: mol.106.026351, DOI: 10.1124/mol.106.026351, ISSN: 0026-895X.
Holstein DM, Berg KA, Leeb-Lundberg LM, Olson MS, Saunders C. Calcium-sensing receptor-mediated ERK1/2 activation requires Galphai2 coupling and dynamin-independent receptor internalization. J. Biol. Chem [print-electronic]. 2004 Mar 3/12/2004; 279(11): 10060-9. PMID: 14701866, PII: M312039200, DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M312039200, ISSN: 0021-9258.
Galici R, Galli A, Jones DJ, Sanchez TA, Saunders C, Frazer A, Gould GG, Lin RZ, France CP. Selective decreases in amphetamine self-administration and regulation of dopamine transporter function in diabetic rats. Neuroendocrinology. 2003 Feb; 77(2): 132-40. PMID: 12624535, PII: 68650, DOI: 68650, ISSN: 0028-3835.
Clemons AP, Holstein DM, Galli A, Saunders C. Cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in the rat is significantly ameliorated by treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitors U0126 and PD98059. Pancreas. 2002 Oct; 25(3): 251-9. PMID: 12370536, PII: 00006676-200210000-00007, ISSN: 1536-4828.
Saunders C, Ferrer JV, Shi L, Chen J, Merrill G, Lamb ME, Leeb-Lundberg LM, Carvelli L, Javitch JA, Galli A. Amphetamine-induced loss of human dopamine transporter activity: an internalization-dependent and cocaine-sensitive mechanism. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2000 Jun 6/6/2000; 97(12): 6850-5. PMID: 10823899, PMCID: PMC18764, PII: 110035297, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.110035297, ISSN: 0027-8424.
Saunders C, Limbird LE. Microtubule-dependent regulation of alpha(2B) adrenergic receptors in polarized MDCKII cells requires the third intracellular loop but not G protein coupling. Mol. Pharmacol. 2000 Jan; 57(1): 44-52. PMID: 10617677, ISSN: 0026-895X.
Saunders C, Limbird LE. Localization and trafficking of alpha2-adrenergic receptor subtypes in cells and tissues. Pharmacol. Ther. 1999 Nov; 84(2): 193-205. PMID: 10596906, PII: S0163-7258(99)00032-7, ISSN: 0163-7258.
Saunders C, Keefer JR, Bonner CA, Limbird LE. Targeting of G protein-coupled receptors to the basolateral surface of polarized renal epithelial cells involves multiple, non-contiguous structural signals. J. Biol. Chem. 1998 Sep 9/11/1998; 273(37): 24196-206. PMID: 9727043, ISSN: 0021-9258.
Saunders C, Limbird LE. Disruption of microtubules reveals two independent apical targeting mechanisms for G-protein-coupled receptors in polarized renal epithelial cells. J. Biol. Chem. 1997 Jul 7/25/1997; 272(30): 19035-45. PMID: 9228087, ISSN: 0021-9258.
Wozniak M, Keefer JR, Saunders C, Limbird LE. Differential targeting and retention of G protein-coupled receptors in polarized epithelial cells. J. Recept. Signal Transduct. Res. 1997 Jan; 17(1-3): 373-83. PMID: 9029502, DOI: 10.3109/10799899709036615, ISSN: 1079-9893.
Saunders C, Keefer JR, Kennedy AP, Wells JN, Limbird LE. Receptors coupled to pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins traffic to opposite surfaces in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. A1 adenosine receptors achieve apical and alpha 2A adrenergic receptors achieve basolateral localization. J. Biol. Chem. 1996 Jan 1/12/1996; 271(2): 995-1002. PMID: 8557716, ISSN: 0021-9258.
Cartier E, Hamilton PJ, Belovich AN, Shekar A, Campbell NG, Saunders C, Andreassen TF, Gether U, Veenstra-Vanderweele J, Sutcliffe JS, Ulery-Reynolds PG, Erreger K, Matthies HJ, Galli A. Rare autism-associated variants implicate syntaxin 1 (STX1 R26Q) phosphorylation and the dopamine transporter (hDAT R51W) in dopamine neurotransmission and behaviors. EBioMedicine. 2015 Feb; 2(2): 135-46. PMID: 25774383, PMCID: PMC4353922, DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.01.007, ISSN: 2352-3964.
Hamilton PJ, Belovich AN, Khelashvili G, Saunders C, Erreger K, Javitch JA, Sitte HH, Weinstein H, Matthies HJ, Galli A. PIP2 regulates psychostimulant behaviors through its interaction with a membrane protein. Nat. Chem. Biol [print-electronic]. 2014 Jul; 10(7): 582-9. PMID: 24880859, PMCID: PMC4062427, PII: nchembio.1545, DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.1545, ISSN: 1552-4469.
Saunders C, Siuta M, Robertson SD, Davis AR, Sauer J, Matthies HJ, Gresch PJ, Airey DC, Lindsley CW, Schetz JA, Niswender KD, Veenstra-Vanderweele JM, Galli A. Neuronal ablation of p-Akt at Ser473 leads to altered 5-HT1A/2A receptor function. Neurochem. Int [print-electronic]. 2014 Jul; 73: 113-21. PMID: 24090638, PMCID: PMC4073299, PII: S0197-0186(13)00242-8, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.09.015, ISSN: 1872-9754.
Bowton E, Saunders C, Reddy IA, Campbell NG, Hamilton PJ, Henry LK, Coon H, Sakrikar D, Veenstra-VanderWeele JM, Blakely RD, Sutcliffe J, Matthies HJ, Erreger K, Galli A. SLC6A3 coding variant Ala559Val found in two autism probands alters dopamine transporter function and trafficking. Transl Psychiatry. 2014; 4: e464. PMID: 25313507, PMCID: PMC4350523, PII: tp201490, DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.90, ISSN: 2158-3188.
Hamilton PJ, Campbell NG, Sharma S, Erreger K, Hansen FH, Saunders C, Belovich AN, Sahai MA, Cook EH, Gether U, McHaourab HS, Matthies HJ, Sutcliffe JS, Galli A. Drosophila melanogaster: a novel animal model for the behavioral characterization of autism-associated mutations in the dopamine transporter gene. Mol. Psychiatry. 2013 Dec; 18(12): 1235. PMID: 24253181, PII: mp2013157, DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.157, ISSN: 1476-5578.
Hamilton PJ, Campbell NG, Sharma S, Erreger K, Herborg Hansen F, Saunders C, Belovich AN, , Sahai MA, Cook EH, Gether U, McHaourab HS, Matthies HJ, Sutcliffe JS, Galli A. De novo mutation in the dopamine transporter gene associates dopamine dysfunction with autism spectrum disorder. Mol. Psychiatry [print-electronic]. 2013 Dec; 18(12): 1315-23. PMID: 23979605, PMCID: PMC4046646, PII: mp2013102, DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.102, ISSN: 1476-5578.
Speed N, Saunders C, Davis AR, Owens WA, Matthies HJ, Saadat S, Kennedy JP, Vaughan RA, Neve RL, Lindsley CW, Russo SJ, Daws LC, Niswender KD, Galli A. Impaired striatal Akt signaling disrupts dopamine homeostasis and increases feeding. PLoS ONE [print-electronic]. 2011; 6(9): e25169. PMID: 21969871, PMCID: PMC3182178, PII: PONE-D-11-08652, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025169, ISSN: 1932-6203.
Matthies HJ, Moore JL, Saunders C, Matthies DS, Lapierre LA, Goldenring JR, Blakely RD, Galli A. Rab11 supports amphetamine-stimulated norepinephrine transporter trafficking. J. Neurosci. 2010 Jun 6/9/2010; 30(23): 7863-77. PMID: 20534835, PMCID: PMC2935280, PII: 30/23/7863, DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4574-09.2010, ISSN: 1529-2401.
Bowton E, Saunders C, Erreger K, Sakrikar D, Matthies HJ, Sen N, Jessen T, Colbran RJ, Caron MG, Javitch JA, Blakely RD, Galli A. Dysregulation of dopamine transporters via dopamine D2 autoreceptors triggers anomalous dopamine efflux associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. J. Neurosci. 2010 Apr 4/28/2010; 30(17): 6048-57. PMID: 20427663, PMCID: PMC2881830, PII: 30/17/6048, DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5094-09.2010, ISSN: 1529-2401.
Siuta MA, Robertson SD, Kocalis H, Saunders C, Gresch PJ, Khatri V, Shiota C, Kennedy JP, Lindsley CW, Daws LC, Polley DB, Veenstra-Vanderweele J, Stanwood GD, Magnuson MA, Niswender KD, Galli A. Dysregulation of the norepinephrine transporter sustains cortical hypodopaminergia and schizophrenia-like behaviors in neuronal rictor null mice. PLoS Biol. 2010; 8(6): e1000393. PMID: 20543991, PMCID: PMC2882427, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000393, ISSN: 1545-7885.
Lute BJ, Khoshbouei H, Saunders C, Sen N, Lin RZ, Javitch JA, Galli A. PI3K signaling supports amphetamine-induced dopamine efflux. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun [print-electronic]. 2008 Aug 8/8/2008; 372(4): 656-61. PMID: 18510945, PMCID: PMC2517853, PII: S0006-291X(08)01012-7, DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.05.091, ISSN: 1090-2104.
Williams JM, Owens WA, Turner GH, Saunders C, Dipace C, Blakely RD, France CP, Gore JC, Daws LC, Avison MJ, Galli A. Hypoinsulinemia regulates amphetamine-induced reverse transport of dopamine. PLoS Biol. 2007 Oct 10/16/2007; 5(10): e274. PMID: 17941718, PMCID: PMC2020502, PII: 06-PLBI-RA-2396, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0050274, ISSN: 1545-7885.
Wei Y, Williams JM, Dipace C, Sung U, Javitch JA, Galli A, Saunders C. Dopamine transporter activity mediates amphetamine-induced inhibition of Akt through a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II-dependent mechanism. Mol. Pharmacol [print-electronic]. 2007 Mar; 71(3): 835-42. PMID: 17164407, PII: mol.106.026351, DOI: 10.1124/mol.106.026351, ISSN: 0026-895X.
Holstein DM, Berg KA, Leeb-Lundberg LM, Olson MS, Saunders C. Calcium-sensing receptor-mediated ERK1/2 activation requires Galphai2 coupling and dynamin-independent receptor internalization. J. Biol. Chem [print-electronic]. 2004 Mar 3/12/2004; 279(11): 10060-9. PMID: 14701866, PII: M312039200, DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M312039200, ISSN: 0021-9258.
Galici R, Galli A, Jones DJ, Sanchez TA, Saunders C, Frazer A, Gould GG, Lin RZ, France CP. Selective decreases in amphetamine self-administration and regulation of dopamine transporter function in diabetic rats. Neuroendocrinology. 2003 Feb; 77(2): 132-40. PMID: 12624535, PII: 68650, DOI: 68650, ISSN: 0028-3835.
Clemons AP, Holstein DM, Galli A, Saunders C. Cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in the rat is significantly ameliorated by treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitors U0126 and PD98059. Pancreas. 2002 Oct; 25(3): 251-9. PMID: 12370536, PII: 00006676-200210000-00007, ISSN: 1536-4828.
Saunders C, Ferrer JV, Shi L, Chen J, Merrill G, Lamb ME, Leeb-Lundberg LM, Carvelli L, Javitch JA, Galli A. Amphetamine-induced loss of human dopamine transporter activity: an internalization-dependent and cocaine-sensitive mechanism. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2000 Jun 6/6/2000; 97(12): 6850-5. PMID: 10823899, PMCID: PMC18764, PII: 110035297, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.110035297, ISSN: 0027-8424.
Saunders C, Limbird LE. Microtubule-dependent regulation of alpha(2B) adrenergic receptors in polarized MDCKII cells requires the third intracellular loop but not G protein coupling. Mol. Pharmacol. 2000 Jan; 57(1): 44-52. PMID: 10617677, ISSN: 0026-895X.
Saunders C, Limbird LE. Localization and trafficking of alpha2-adrenergic receptor subtypes in cells and tissues. Pharmacol. Ther. 1999 Nov; 84(2): 193-205. PMID: 10596906, PII: S0163-7258(99)00032-7, ISSN: 0163-7258.
Saunders C, Keefer JR, Bonner CA, Limbird LE. Targeting of G protein-coupled receptors to the basolateral surface of polarized renal epithelial cells involves multiple, non-contiguous structural signals. J. Biol. Chem. 1998 Sep 9/11/1998; 273(37): 24196-206. PMID: 9727043, ISSN: 0021-9258.
Saunders C, Limbird LE. Disruption of microtubules reveals two independent apical targeting mechanisms for G-protein-coupled receptors in polarized renal epithelial cells. J. Biol. Chem. 1997 Jul 7/25/1997; 272(30): 19035-45. PMID: 9228087, ISSN: 0021-9258.
Wozniak M, Keefer JR, Saunders C, Limbird LE. Differential targeting and retention of G protein-coupled receptors in polarized epithelial cells. J. Recept. Signal Transduct. Res. 1997 Jan; 17(1-3): 373-83. PMID: 9029502, DOI: 10.3109/10799899709036615, ISSN: 1079-9893.
Saunders C, Keefer JR, Kennedy AP, Wells JN, Limbird LE. Receptors coupled to pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins traffic to opposite surfaces in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. A1 adenosine receptors achieve apical and alpha 2A adrenergic receptors achieve basolateral localization. J. Biol. Chem. 1996 Jan 1/12/1996; 271(2): 995-1002. PMID: 8557716, ISSN: 0021-9258.