Berend Gagestein

Specialized pro-resolving mediators are a class of lipid signaling molecules. To understand their biosynthesis and mode of action, a number of probes will be made. These probes consist of the biomolecule itself with an additional photoreactive group and a ligation handle. With the former, proteins that interact with the biomolecule can be bound covalently. With the latter, the attached protein can be isolated for identification or visualized to follow them using FACS or microscopy. With these probes, the proteins interacting with these lipids will be identified and ultimately targeted with small molecules to combat diseases caused by dysfunctional inflammation.