Research and Publications
Selected publications:
For a full list of publications, please refer to PubMed or GoolgleScholar.
GPCR molecular pharmacology and drug discovery
Starting from nature-derived scaffolds, such as macrocyclized plant peptides or stabilized neuropeptide analogs found in animals, we use computational tools or peptide chemistry approaches to design novel peptide ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) – focusing on oxytocin/vasopressin- & opioid-receptors – to explore their molecular signaling properties, structural details of the ligand/receptor interaction and explore biomedical applications to identify possible therapeutics for pain or autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disorders.
Discovery and function of nature-derived peptides
Utilizing state-of-the-art mass spectrometry combined with genome/transcriptome mining we isolate peptides from diverse sources, including plants (knottins, cyclotides and AMPs), insects (neuropeptides and AMPs) and venomous animals (conotoxins), analyze their structural diversity and enzymatic biosynthesis, and explore their biological function and application as enzyme inhibitors, ligands of GPCRs and modulators of immune function.
Comparative neuropeptide physiology and pharmacology
Using ants and their endogenous inotocin (oxytocin/vasopressin-like) signaling system, we explore neuropeptide signaling in insects to gain novel insights into their function. Utilizing computational biology and comparative pharmacology we study the molecular details of the human peptide/receptor systems to advance our understanding of GPCR signaling.