Research

Thesis title: "Identifying Nature’s c(h)AMPions: Func-tional and mechanistic characterization of natural product derivatives as PDE4 inhibitors."

Thesis outline: Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in regulating cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, impacting various physiological processes such as inflammation, cognition, and immune response. The thesis focuses on identifying and characterizing natural product derivatives that act as PDE4 inhibitors. By exploring these natural compounds, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic agents that can modulate PDE4 activity, offering potential treatments for inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. The thesis will employ a combination of biochemical assays, structural analysis, and pharmacological evaluations to elucidate the functional and mechanistic properties of these novel inhibitors.

Supervisors: Verena Dirsch, Alexander Perhal

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