The project is aimed at the discovery of new scaffolds for GABAA receptor modulators, and at the identification of hERG channel blockers.

In house extract libraries are screened in automated functional assays using transfected Xenopus oocytes. Activity in extracts is localized by HPLC-based activity profiling combined with on-line and off-line spectroscopy. Physicochemical properties of molecules for drug-likeness are analyzed. Selected GABAA receptor modulators are characterized with respect to receptor subunit specificity, and most promising compounds tested in behavioural pharmacology paradigms in mouse models.

HERG channel blockers are identified from a focused extract library prepared from commonly used medicinal herbs, spices and food plants. Means to selectively remove active compounds from extracts are being developed.