iHEAD
Research Initiative
Synthesis and exploration of nucleotide-based prodrugs, signaling molecules and synthetic analogs
In iHEAD, we are developing modified signaling molecules with enhanced biological properties. Recent studies by the Parker group of (Max-Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne) in 2022 revealed two pairs of plant TIR-catalyzed nucleotide-based small molecules (SMs) that were previously unknown in nature. Specific binding of these compounds to EDS1-PAD4 or EDS1-SAG101 dimer complexes, which are intracellular receptors for the SMs, causes an allosteric change in the dimers which promotes their association with a co-functioning nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat domain (ADR1 or NRG1) to induce pathogen resistance.
Within the framework of iHEAD we investigate the action of these compounds on a molecular level. We therefore aim to probe the delivery and localization of the SMs in vitro and in vivo as well as further investigate the mechanism of the protein-protein interaction between the ADR1 or NRG1 domain with the EDS1/PAD4 or EDS1/SAG101 complexes using the natural and modified SM.
Publications published within the framework of iHEAD:
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Patents: "Plant protective agents, uses and methods of synthesis thereof" J. Strippel, S. Le Hung Cheng, C. Domnick, S. Kath-Schorr, J. Parker; Anmeldenummer: EP25191966.8 (Eingereicht am 25.07.2025)
Prof. Dr.
Stephanie Kath-Schorr
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since 09/2025 W3 Professorship for Organic Chemistry, University of Cologne
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since 10/ 2020 W2 Professor for Organic Chemistry, University of Cologne (Tenure Track W3)
Dr. Christof Domnick
Christof joined the iHEAD initiative in 2023 and works on the synthesis of nucleotide prodrugs.