Seminar

NMR-driven identification and development of bioactive compounds

Prof. Cristina Airoldi

The versatility of NMR-based molecular recognition studies has been exploited in our laboratory for the characterization of several ligand-receptor pairs of biological and biomedical relevance. In particular, we have characterized binding events involving amyloid species, key enzymes for the survival of pathogenic bacteria, oncoproteins, cell wall or membrane receptors. In addition, we have set up new methodologies allowing the analysis of heterogeneous systems, like samples containing nanoparticle and cells, or complex mixtures, such as natural extracts, exploiting NMR, in the last case, for both molecular recognition and metabolomics studies. Combining NMR with biochemical and cellular assays, we have identified and/or rationally designed new antiamyloidogenic, antitumor and antibacterial compounds. Some selected examples will be provided in this presentation.