Höppner Lab
Research Projects
The research group of Dr. Höppner deals with structural biology of proteins and the in vitro characterization of proteases. A particular focus is on the SPP/SPPL proteases. With their catalytic sites located in the hydrophobic regions of cellular membranes these proteases cleave their substrates within this region. However, the enzymes also have hydrophilic domains both intracellularly and extracellularly. Its our primary goal to elucidate the interaction of these different domains in relation to substrate recognition and regulation.
3D Structure of SPP/SPPL Proteases
SPP/SPPL in vitro cleavage
The representatives of the SPP/SPPL protease family are intramembrane aspartyl proteases, which, similar to presinilins, cleave their transmembrane substrates within the hydrophobic membrane regions and are involved in various pathophysiological processes. However, identifying substrates and understanding cleavage mechanisms are major challenges.
Therefore, our goal is to develop assay systems that allow in vitro characterization of the SPP/SPPL proteases and enable unrestricted investigation of substrate recognition and enzymatic kinetics. In the future, these assay systems will contribute to the identification of complex partners, the confirmation of substrates, mutagenesis studies and the characterization of inhibitors. This will help to decipher complex molecular interactions, advance drug development, and promote a comprehensive understanding of enzyme functions in a controlled environment.
Funding
Intramural Research Funding
Project funding, Medical faculty of the University of Augsburg – Funding since 2023
Third Party Funding
DFG Research Grant: In vitro analysis of SPP/SPPL proteases: mechanistic insights and facilitated drug discovery – Funding since 2026