Description

The Trauner Group is interested in chemical synthesis, natural product chemistry, neuroscience, and photopharmacology. A substantial part of our research program is dedicated to chemical synthesis and natural product chemistry. We are convinced that the vast majority of natural products have not yet been found and that a wealth of interesting chemistry and biology awaits discovery. As synthetic organic chemists, we are intrigued by the structural beauty and functional sophistication of these molecules. Through total synthesis, we gain insight into their mechanism of action and biosynthetic origin. In addition, the total synthesis of complex natural products provides an ideal platform for the invention or discovery of new synthetic methodology or the validation of modern reactions in a challenging environment.

Neuroscience is one of the most exciting areas of research and synthetic chemistry can contribute much to its further development. Until recently, the molecular basis of neuronal activity was relatively little understood. With the emergence of numerous X-ray crystal structures of ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), this situation has changed dramatically and systems can now be rationally designed that were out of reach a few years ago. Our current focus lies on the functional manipulation of endogenous ion channels, GPCRs, and receptor linked enzymes with synthetic photoswitches, usually azobenzenes. The artificial photoreceptors so obtained can be inserted into neurons and other cell types and can be used to control various biological pathways with light (Photopharmacology). One of our major biological goals is the restoration of vision in the blind using synthetic photoswitches. We are convinced, however, that the reach of photopharmacology will go well beyond applications in neuroscience and sensory physiology.

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