Our research group is interested in the design, synthesis, analysis, conformations, dynamics and structure-biological activity relationship of biologically active peptides, glycopeptides and peptidomimetics with special interest in hormones and neurotransmitters that affect human behaviour.

To achieve these goals, an interdisciplinary research approach based on the combined and integrated use of synthetic organic and bioorganic chemistry, physical and analytical chemistry, structural chemistry, and biology to examine the relationships of structure and information transduction is taken.

Some projects include:

• Studies of the products generated in the nonenzymatic reaction between sugars and peptides/proteins (the Maillard reaction) implicated in a number of pathologies of diabetes and degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, as well as affecting quality, flavor and color of processed food.
• Synthesis of novel biomarkers for monitoring degenerative changes in hyperglycemia.
• Design and synthesis of new analogs of antibacterial peptides with rigid hinge connecting two peptide segments.
• Synthesis and biactivity of peptides derivatized with carbohydrate moieties as potential leads for the development of carbohydrate-containing drugs capable of modulating tumor cell growth.
• Incorporation of unusual (artificial) amino acids and peptidomimetic structural elements into peptides with the goal of developing highly specific pharamacological tools or potential drugs.