Our research focuses on the molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amyloid precursor protein, APP, plays a central role in AD.

We are interested in both the molecular mechanisms of its pathogenic function and its physiological function. The latter appears to be of particular importance, as there is increasing evidence that disturbances in the physiological function of APP lead to impaired morphology and defective transmission of neurotransmitters at the synapse.

The subcellular localization of APP and the APP homologous proteins APLP1 and APLP2 has a significant influence on their physiological function and pathogenic effect. Therefore, we are interested in the regulation of the subcellular anterograde and retrograde transport of APP.

Since nerve cells and especially their axons are very complex and cannot be renewed in the course of life, they represent the Achilles' heel of the brain and are very susceptible to changes in the course of ageing. Since the APP gene family also plays an important role in maintaining the axonal structure, this is another major research focus of our group.

To address these topics, we use a broad spectrum of classical and state-of-the-art structural biology, biochemical, cell biological and microscopic methods, which allow us to analyze the molecular processes of disease development in detail.