11:30 – 12:00 Dr Alexis Barr: A safe space for cancer cells and how to prevent it
12:00 – 13:00 Main Visiting Speaker: Dr Luc Brunsveld: Protein-Protein Interactions – from supramolecular concepts to drug discovery
Abstract:
Our group combines organic synthesis, peptide and protein chemistry with chemical biology and supramolecular chemistry to develop novel concepts, molecules and materials to study and modulate protein-protein interactions.
In this presentation I aim to show you that a “supramolecular” point of view to protein-protein interactions allows to better understand and apply concepts such as multivalency and cooperativity. By analysing interactions between nuclear receptors and cofactors and 14-3-3 proteins and binding partners we get insights into important parameters that can subsequently steer drug discovery and compound optimization. Some selected ongoing drug discovery and chemical biology studies on RORgT and caspases will subsequently be used to highlight the power of this approach.
Biography:
Luc Brunsveld is Professor of Chemical Biology at the Department of Biomedical Engineering. His research interests are focused on chemical biology approaches studying protein-protein interactions, particularly drug discovery and supramolecular signalling systems. Since 2011 the Chemical Biology group has been embedded in the interdepartmental Institute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) and the NWO Gravity Research Center for Functional Molecular Systems. The group has developed a strong expertise in organic synthesis, peptide and protein chemistry, chemical biology, and supramolecular chemistry, enabling the development of new molecules and materials to study, engineer, and modulate protein-protein interactions. The realization of a synthetic cell and novel drugs via the modulation of protein-protein interactions are high on the group’s wish list. Next to academic activities, the group is also developing biotech spin-off activities. Our group has extensive contacts, collaborations and joint publications with industrial partners. Target proteins currently explored are the Nuclear Receptors RORgT and RXR, 14-3-3 client protein interactions, and caspases.