Caroline Patten
Veterinarian
Blackhorse Pike Veterinary Hospital
VMD: 2009
PhD: 2007
Graduate Group: Neuroscience
Thesis Topic: Intracellular signaling pathways of the melanocortin type 3 and type 4 receptors
Dr. Patten studied intracelluar signaling pathways of the melanocortin type 3 and type 4 receptors. Both of these receptors are found in the brain and are important for regulating food intake and energy homeostasis. Her research involved evaluating the structural and signaling requirements for the intracellular signaling pathways of these receptors. She evaluated how different mutations in the receptors, some of which are naturally occurring and are known to be associated with obesity, affect the intracellular signaling pathways.