RICERCA ITALIANA     

Drug Research and Development(CHEM-PROFARMA-NET). Synthesis, biological and pharmacological characterization of organic molecules, bio-oligomers and natural compounds endowed with antidegenerative (neuro or cardiovascular) antiviral, and anti-infective activity.

Abstract

Considering that the strategic program FIRB 2003-2006 defined the general methods and the pharmaceuticals technologies, by activating three nodes namely drug design and synthesis, imaging e protein folding, and with the present program agreement of the FIRB 2005-2007 we intend to complete the Network FARMACHIM-NET by realizing four new nodes, three of which for the following therapeutical areas:
• neurodegenerative disorders
• oncological and dismetabolical disorders (natural extracts)
• infectious disease (new antibiotics)
And one one for enabling technologies:
• chemistry, molecular separation, chirality and drug delivery.
Adjunctive measures will be activated in order to fulfil the strategic approach taken in the first FIRB (200-2003). The present project aims to the realization of an advanced network of excellence among public and private centers with the scope of drug discovery (either synthetic or natural products) with antineurodegenerative, antiviral/infectious, chemopreventive, anticancer and of metabolic control (CHEM-PROFARMA-NET). The Network aims to develop methodologies and materials based on molecular recognition for the analysis, purification and delivery of molecules with pharmaceutical and biomedical relevance. We will concentrate on the research and development of new drug candidates, especially in extreme purity control (at ppb), isolation at preparative and production scale at lower cost, more efficient drug formulations>>>

Principal Investigator

Luca PANI, CNR

Research Goal

The four nodes and the operatine units are strongly integrated among them, as shown in the enclosed figures. Scope of the present network is to favour the growth of each unit in a significant relationship with all other partners of the network and with the centers previously financed. The objectives are the following:







A) Antivirals and Antibacterial
1. Definition of the role of cellular kinases and other intracellular redox regulated factors (Bcl-2 transcriptional factors, antioxidant enzymes) in infections caused by respiratory viruses and Herpes simplex.
2. Protein-protein interaction studies (e.g. p38 MAP kinase-NP influenza; MAP kinase-NFB) and isolation of corresponding reaction complexes to evaluate viral-induced modifications by the metabolomics approach.
3. Characterization of modifications of the intracellular redox balance in cells infected by respiratory viruses and of their role in other possible occurring cellular responses including inflammation and apoptosis.
4. Characterization of the alterations of Ca2+ homeostasis and signalling induced by viral infections, and determination of alterations in Ca2+ levels and signals capable of inhibiting viral replication.
5. Evaluation of the possible role of intracellular organelles as targets for the inhibition of viral replication and/or induction of the inflammatory responses.
6. Metabolic pathways that are specific>>>

Timescale

36 months