Prof. Dr. Steffen Pockes is a W3 Professor and Heisenberg Professor at the University of Regensburg, holding the Chair of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry I since April 2025. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota, Department of Medicinal Chemistry since April 2022. His research group (AK Pockes) is part of the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy at the University of Regensburg. Dr. Pockes' research focuses on the synthesis of selective ligands for G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly histamine and dopamine receptors, as well as orphan GPCRs like GPR3. His work also encompasses the development of selective caspase-2 inhibitors for treating neurodegenerative diseases, the creation of NanoBRET-based assays for GPCR characterization, and the synthesis of radioligands and fluorescent ligands for receptor studies. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding bivalent ligands for receptor dimers. Analysis of Prof. Pockes' recent publications reveals a strong focus on molecular pharmacology, particularly GPCR research. His work spans structural biology of histamine receptors, development of fluorescent tools for dopamine receptor imaging, and investigations into cardiac effects of various compounds through histamine receptor mechanisms. His research also addresses neurodegenerative disease mechanisms through caspase-2 inhibition, showing interdisciplinary connections between medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and neuroscience. Dr. Pockes has received several prestigious awards, including: Acceptance into the DFG Heisenberg Programme (2024) Innovation Award for Medical/Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2022 awarded by the Medical Chemistry Section of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) together with the Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry Section of the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG) Academic Research Sabbatical Program at Universitat de Barcelona (2021) DFG research grant at University of Minnesota (2019) Prof. Pockes actively mentors students and researchers in his laboratory, with current team members including Vivien Czipper, Jonas Daschner, Dr. Lisa Forster, Laura Heitzer, Alexander Hubmann, Dr. Denise Mönnich, and Bernadette Vallaster. His former students include Dr. Merlin Bresinsky, Dr. Martin Nagl, Dr. Niklas Rosier, and Dr. Lukas Wirth. His research has been supported by multiple grants, including from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and collaborations with institutions like the University of Minnesota and Universitat de Barcelona. The AK Pockes laboratory maintains a strong collaborative network with researchers worldwide, particularly in the fields of GPCR pharmacology and neurodegenerative disease research. The lab employs advanced techniques including NanoBRET assays, fluorescent ligand development, cryo-EM structural studies, and development of novel therapeutic compounds targeting histamine receptors and caspase-2.
