My research focusses on the development of small molecules as selective ligands for G protein-coupled receptors, especially purinergic receptors, and enzyme inhibitors, particularly those involved in nucleotide and nucleoside metabolism .This includes synthesis of new compounds, including combinatorial approaches, analysis of structure-activity relationships, optimization of pharmacokinetic properties, and development of innovative high-throughput test systems. The small molecules developed are used as pharmacological tools for in vitro and in vivo studies (the latter in collaboration). Molecular probes are developed for biological and diagnostic applications. Our small molecule libraries, derived from chemical synthesis and from natural sources are applied to chemical genetic approaches. For a small number of specific targets which have been shown to be therapeutically relevant, we perform preclinical drug development programs in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies.