CHEMISTRY FOR LIFE SCIENCES

Abstract: Peptides are emerging as ideal antitumor drugs, mainly because of their specificity and low off-target effects. The poor pharmacokinetic properties of peptides, including plasma stability, can be overcome by using peptidomimetics, while retaining peptide versatility and feasibility. In the present project, we plan to perform in silico design to identify peptidomimetics and peptide(peptidomimetic)-drug conjugates with efficient antitumor activity. Then, a toolbox of non-coded amino acids, cyclization and conjugation methods will allow us to synthesize antitumor peptidomimetics as well as peptide-based conjugates/nanosystems for drug delivery. Bioassays will be used to test their efficacy and selectivity and the results will guide the development of optimized antitumor molecular systems. We will focus onthe following targets of therapeutic relevance: cell-surface receptors, SHP2 protein, DNA and cancer cell membrane

Activity : 2022-2024