All multicellular organisms are highly dependent on the capacity developed by their cells to communicate with each other and with their environment. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) play a central role in controlling this communication. These seven transmembrane receptors regulate numerous physiological mechanisms in health and disease and thus, bear an immense pharmacological potential. One class of to date enigmatic GPCR are Adhesion GPCR (aGPCR). Despite their essential functions in processes such as neurobiology, immunology or development and their unique architecture facilitating cell and matrix interactions, Adhesion GPCR are by far the most poorly understood receptor class.

Our group aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying Adhesion GPCR activation and activity and how these are translated into physiological functions in development as well as metabolic processes. In both processes, Adhesion GPCR play so far unappreciated roles. We are interested in answering the following questions:

• How do Adhesion GPCR function in a physiological context?
• Which molecular mechanisms are required?

We use different model organisms as well as various cell culture models and a broad range of cell biological, biochemical, and pharmacological methodologies to address these questions and to link physiological functions with molecular mechanisms.