MFAG Grant

MFAG grant  financed by AIRC (Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro)

Starting Date: January 2nd 2015

Project Title: Structure-based design of anti-cancer therapeutics targeting the Sam domain of Ephrin A2 receptor

PI: Marilisa Leone (Researcher)

Fellow: Flavia Anna Mercurio

Internal Collaborators: Daniela Marasco (Associated Scientist); Rosanna Palumbo (Researcher); Stefania De Luca (Researcher); Emilia Pedone (Researcher).

The overall goal of the project is to design molecule antagonists of  heterotypic Sam (Sterile Alpha Motif)-Sam domain interactions involving the EphA2 receptor, and evaluate their ability to modulate receptor endocytosis and consequent degradation. EphA2 is over-expressed in many tumors and exhibits several pro-cancer activities; the process of receptor endocytosis is under investigation as a potential route to reduce tumor malignancy.

The project relies on a multidisciplinary approach based on extensive use of solution NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) techniques, molecular  modeling, CD (Circular Dichroism), ITC (Isothermal Titration Calorimetry), SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) and in vitro cell-based assays.

Link to the Airc website: http://www.airc.it/finanziamenti/ricerca/under-40/