Research areas of Prof. Dr. Oliver Werz
- Functional metabololipidomics
- Sex- and age-specific regulation of inflammatory processes
- Molecular and cellular functions of natural products
- Enzyme modulators to promote lipid mediator class switching
- Encapsulation and targeted application of compounds
- Bioanalytical mass spectrometry platform (lipid mediators)
We investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the initiation, progression and resolution of inflammatory reactions. The focus is placed on bioactive lipid mediators that exhibt pro-inflammatory (prostaglandins, leukotrienes) or anti-inflammatory properties (resolvins, protectins, maresins and lipoxins) and are produced by cells of the innate immune system. In this context, we investigate pharmacologically relevant target structures (especially lipoxygenases) and mechanisms of inflammation-resolving agents at the molecular and cellular level. In addition, we identify and characterize new potential active agents for the treatment of inflammatory diseases (including infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory neurodegeneration, and cancer). Important aspects of our research activities are (i) the consideration of biological sex and age to enable “personalized” pharmacotherapy, (ii) the focus on natural products as pharmacologically active substances, and (iii) the encapsulation of the substances for targeted drug delivery and improvement of the bioavailability.