CHEMISTRY FOR LIFE SCIENCES
TRAPping tumor growth: designing molecules to perturb the chaperone TRAP1, from enzymatic activities to cell-cell interaction
Abstract: Chemical targeting of biomolecular organization to regulate cellular signaling is a fascinating goal. The key challenge is to design chemical tools able to selectively interfere with functional substates, partner interactions, downstream effects of proteins, and cell communication mechanisms in specific pathways. Such molecules will permit to address the biology of selected targets in their natural environments, enhancing our understanding of complex systems and unveiling unique therapeutic opportunities. Here, we will focus on the functions, interactions, signaling pathways, and roles in the communication between cancer cells and macrophages of TRAP1, a mitochondrial chaperone of the Hsp90 family. Our goal is to develop a strategy integrating computation, synthesis, molecular and cell biology in vitro and in vivo, to design molecules for the selective perturbation of TRAP1 activity and interactions in cancer cells and their microenvironment.
Activity : 2022-2024
SCITEC Contact: Greta Bergamaschi head of CNR unit
Email : greta.bergamaschi@scitec.cnr.it