Biochemical Neurobiology (Wolf-Eberhard Siems)

Our group deals with the biochemical, pharmaceutical and molecular aspects of peptidases. The research is focussed on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neutral endopeptidases (NEP) and some related enzymes. ACE and NEP cleave a broad spectrum of endogenous substrates and play an important role in essential functions of the body. In recent years, the use of molecular techniques, the knowledge of the 3-dimensional structure and the availability of genetically modified animals in peptidase research resulted in the discovery of very new functions and perspectives. Strongly based on specific ACE/NEP - substrate interactions we evaluate the biochemical and functional relations of these peptidases to various diseases like seeking for alcohol, obesity, neuronal disorders, problems in male fertility and heart diseases.