Biomedical properties of (semi)synthetic molecules
This research line focuses on the evaluation of the anticancer, cholesterol-lowering, and neuroprotective properties of rationally-designed derivatives of bioactive molecules (natural-occurring polyphenols and hydrazones). According to a concerted approach that combines in silico (molecular docking) and bioanalytical methods (SPR biosensor, spectro-photometry/fluorometry, HPLC, SEM), these aims are pursued by characterizing the direct interaction of these molecules with established pharmacological targets (proteolytic and redox enzymes, DNA, transport proteins, amyloid proteins).
Next, their cytotoxic/protective activity is assessed in different human cell models (cancer and neuronal) using colorimetric and cytofluorimetric assays, and the mechanism underneath the observed effects is dissected by monitoring the levels of specific biomarkers using immunometric and enzymatic assays.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Molecular docking, Binding studies, Enzyme inhibition, Anticancer complexes, Anti-amyloid complexes
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Massimiliano Cuccioloni, Mauro Angeletti, Laura Bonfili, Valentina Cecarini, Anna Maria Eleuteri
External Collaborations
Prof. Riccardo Pettinari (Scuola del Farmaco, Unicam); Prof. Fabio Marchetti (Scuola Scienze e Tecnologie, Unicam); Prof. Fabio Piccinelli (Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, UniVr), Prof. Andrea Melchior (Dipartimento Politecnico di Ingegneria e Architettura - Chimica, UniUd); Paul Dyson (Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering - EPFL, Losanna)
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Analytical characterization and functionality of biological molecules
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
PRIN 2022 PNRR "The Cura - Theranostic Curcumin-Based Rare-Earth Agents"
Email Address
massimiliano.cuccioloni@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications