Neuroproteomics
The Neuroproteomics Group supports all research units of the institute and, as founding member of the local scientific network Göttingen Proteomics Forum also collaborates with other Göttingen Campus groups working in the field of molecular neuroscience.
Our approaches include screening of protein interactors, charting of subcellular protein fractions, and quantitative profiling of entire proteomes, which we mainly apply to neuronal and glial protein preparations to study the synapse and the myelin sheath as key elements of the nervous system. To be able to address these complex questions and in line with increasing demand for routine differential proteome profiling of mutant versus control mice, we have developed a technology platform based on automated sample preparation protocols, label-free protein quantification by mass spectrometry, and customized data analysis pipelines. Complementing the behavioral, functional, and morphological phenotyping approaches applied within the institute’s research program, our "proteomic phenotyping" workflow aims at providing mechanistic insights into the biology and pathology of mouse models of neurological and psychiatric relevance.
Independent research of the group focuses on the characterization of synaptic protein complexes with peptidic tools. For this purpose, we design and synthesize functionalized peptides, such as fluorescent probes for imaging, photoreactive probes for structural proteomic approaches, and conjugatable probes for affinity enrichment experiments.
