Clinical Chemistry and BiochemistryOur Research focuses on understanding, diagnosing, monitoring and treating metabolic diseases with an emphasis on the molecular mechanism of such diseases.
The anti-inflammation research group investigates the role of the resolution of inflammation on chronic inflammatory diseases, with the aim to better understand the pathogenetic mechanisms and to outline novel approaches to interfere with inflammatory diseases. The metabolic disease group investigates tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-cofactor deficiency due to classical and non-classical hyperphenylalaninemias (HPA or phenylketonuria PKU) and monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency. We are particularly interested in the regulation of BH4 metabolism and effect of BH4 on gene expression in patients with BH4-responsive HPA/PKU. The gene therapy research group is developing a long-term gene therapeutic correction of PKU. Current approaches for using animal models involve liver transfer of the PAH gene or ectopic expression of the hepatic PAH system in skeletal muscle using recombinant Adenoassociated viral (AAV) vector mediated gene transfer or naked DNA constructs. The MS group performs research and development in the fields of metabolism, hematology, and molecular biology. We intend to detect highly specific target markers for metabolic disorders, identify hemoglobin variants, and analyze DNA polymorphisms. The endocrine diseases group directs their efforts to investigate the determination and regulation of sex determination and development in humans and to the analysis of the pathophysiology of monogenic forms of diabetes (e.g. MODY) and of type I diabetes. Special emphasis in diabetes research is placed on β-cells regeneration as a possible alternative for the treatment and cure of diabetes. Supported by:
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