معرفی
Prof. Peter Gmeiner is a Full Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), where he has chaired the Department since October 1996. He leads the Gmeiner Laboratory, which focuses on the discovery of probes and drug candidates targeting G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). His research group investigates the design, chemical synthesis, and pharmacological properties of biogenic amine analogs and peptide mimetics, contributing significantly to CNS-active drug development.
Prof. Gmeiner's educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in 1986 from the University of Munich
- Postdoc at the University of California, Berkeley (1987-1988)
- Dr. habilitus in 1992, honored with the Johann-Wolfgang-Döberreiner prize of the DPhG (1993)
Prof. Gmeiner's research spans the structure-based design, synthesis, and pharmacological investigation of bioactive molecules addressing G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), with a focus on aminergic and peptidergic receptors. His group aims to discover probes and drug candidates for GPCRs by investigating the design, chemical synthesis, and pharmacological properties of biogenic amine analogs and peptide mimetics. Through radioligand binding studies and functional assays, they reveal the structural origins of subtype selectivity and intrinsic activity. The laboratory has substantial experience in designing, synthesizing, and biologically investigating bioactive molecules, contributing to developments in CNS-active drugs.
Recent publications reflect a strong focus on GPCR-targeted drug discovery, with particular emphasis on pain management, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric disorders. The research spans from basic structural biology of receptor-ligand interactions to translational applications in disease models. Key areas include neurotensin receptor ligands for Parkinson's disease, selective serotonin receptor agonists for pain treatment, and novel approaches to non-opioid analgesics targeting adrenergic receptors.
Prof. Gmeiner has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to pharmaceutical sciences:
- Carl Mannich Medal from the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG) in 2023
- Reinhart Koselleck grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG) in 2024
- Johann-Wolfgang-Döberreiner prize of the DPhG in 1993
Prof. Gmeiner has supervised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with current students including Omed Akreyi, Jana Bláhová, Tobias Braun, and others working on GPCR ligand development. His research has been supported by significant grants, including the Reinhart Koselleck funding of one million euros over five years for research into pain medications that target multiple receptors to minimize side effects. He has also led the DFG Research Training Group GRK 1910 "Medicinal Chemistry of Selective GPCR Ligands" and collaborated with pharmaceutical companies on drug development projects.
The Gmeiner Laboratory at FAU comprises a diverse team of senior scientists, postdocs, PhD students, technicians, and administrative staff working collaboratively on GPCR research. The laboratory has established strong collaborations with research groups at institutions including ETH Zürich, University of North Texas, Cornell University, and the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). Recent work has included collaborations with Nobel laureate Brian Kobilka on determining crystal structures of GPCR complexes. The laboratory's research has led to significant discoveries, including the development of the biased ligand PZM21 for analgesic therapy with reduced respiratory depression and addictive effects.
