(S)-Glutamic acid (Glu) is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Once released into the synapse, it activates a plethora of Glu receptors. To this date, 16 ionotropic Glu receptor subtypes, 8 metabotropic Glu receptor subtypes and 5 transporter subtypes (EAATs) have been identified.

The Glu neurotransmitter system has been shown to be involved in several physiological and neurological processes, such as memory and learning, pain, synaptic plasticity and motor functions, and thus a number of patophysiological conditions such as: stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Schizophrenia, anxiety and depression, may be directly related to disordered Glu neurotransmission.

Accordingly, Glu receptors and transporters are highly important drug targets. We are dedicated to the design and synthesis of novel ligands which interact in a selective way with the Glu neurotransmitter system.

Recent key publications: