From Protein Structures to Functional Biomimetics
DRA lecture held by Professor, Dr Tom N. Grossmann, Chair of Biomimetic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The development of complex molecular scaffolds with defined folding properties represents a central challenge in chemical research. Proteins are natural scaffolds defined by a hierarchy of structural complexity and have evolved to manifest unique functional characteristics e.g., molecular recognition capabilities that facilitate the binding of target molecules with high affinity and selectivity. We use protein structures as starting point for the design of bioactive proteomimetics by introducing non-natural small molecular scaffolds. For that purpose, minimal interaction motifs within a protein are identified to develop peptide-derived molecules that allow the targeting of therapeutically relevant proteins not addressable with small molecules. The lecture will highlight design principles and synthetic strategies that enable the conformational control of complex molecules and their delivery into living cells.
The lecture is organised on behalf of the graduate programme in pharmaceutical sciences, Drug Research Academy, by Associate Professor Joseph Rogers, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.
The DRA lecture is free of charge and open for attendance by all interested parties. It is not necessary to pre-register.