Prof. Dr. Gang Pei

Research Priorities: Signal transduction, stem cells, neurodegeneration, molecular pharmacology, development of medical drugs
Gang Pei is a Chinese biochemist and cell biologist. His research focuses primarily on signal transduction via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), central sites in cell communication. These receptors play a key role in neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. Gang Pei studies how GPCRs impact cell processes and which molecular mechanisms play a role. His objective is to derive novel therapeutic approaches from his work.
Gang Pei’s work focuses on the regulation of the signal pathways of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), proteins on the cell membrane which transmit signals into the cells. In order to achieve a deeper understanding of cell communication, Gang Pei analyses the interaction between GPCRs and other signal cascades, including the transcription factor NF-kB, the cell repair protein p53, and the enzyme gamma secretase. He places particular emphasis on the function of beta-arrestins, proteins which link GPCR signals with other signal pathways and which can even be transported to the cell nucleus in order to influence epigenetic processes there. These findings have fundamentally expanded scientists’ perspective on GPCR signal transduction and revealed new therapeutic target structures.
Gang Pei also conducts research into the biochemical aspects of stem cells, cell programming, and the immortalisation of cell lines. His work has shown that, through the use of small molecules and oxygen deprivation, neural progenitor cells can be generated without necessitating the addition of exogenous genes. He and his team also succeeded in using small molecules to generate human neural cells directly from adult astrocytes, specific glial cells in the central nervous system. In 2015, Gang Pei was able to demonstrate that human fibroblasts can be directly transformed into neural cells, solely through the application of a chemical cocktail made from seven small molecules. This method allows the neural progenitor cell stage to be bypassed in order to directly generate functional nerve cells. These chemically induced neural cells (hciNs) are morphologically, genetically, and electrophysiologically similar to induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and conventional induced neurons (hiNs). Gang Pei successfully applied this method to fibroblasts in cases of hereditary Alzheimer’s disease, thereby opening up new pathways for research into neurological conditions and regenerative medicine.
In addition to cellular biology, Gang Pei also pursues the rediscovery of traditional Chinese medicine and the use of natural substances for therapeutic purposes. His team was able to show that, in the animal model, the traditional recipe for “smart soup” significantly reduces the amyloid pathology and cognitive deficits of Alzheimer’s disease. At least one of the medicinal plants used in the recipe has active ingredients which encourage the proliferation of neural progenitor cells. Another plant ingredient reduces the production of β-amyloid and improves cognitive performance. A third plant extract has a positive influence on the morphological dynamics of activated microglia, thus highlighting the synergistic effect of the three medicinal plants. Clinical trials suggest that already authorised Alzheimer’s medication from the category of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in combination with “smart soup” might provide a therapeutic strategy.
Gang Pei’s innovative approach allows him to pursue the goal of developing new therapy options for neurodegenerative diseases and gaining a more profound understanding of the biology of ageing. By combining modern cellular biology and traditional healing methods, he is discovering novel therapeutic approaches which have the potential to sustainably supplement known courses of treatment.