Alma universitas studiorum parmensis A.D. 962 - Università di Parma Alma universitas studiorum parmensis A.D. 962 - Università di Parma

Design and synthesis of bioactive compounds

  • QSAR, molecular modeling and pharmacoinformatics.
  • Design and synthesis of compounds modulating the kynurenine pathway and tryptophan degradation.
  • Design and synthesis of compounds acting on lipid signaling, with focus on endocannabinoids and related substances.
  • New methods in asymmetric synthesis and exploration of the reactivity of heterocyclic platforms for the preparation of bioactive compounds.
  • Characterization of metabolic and chemical reactivity of bioactive compounds through bio-analytical methods.
  • Design and synthesis of compounds interfering with the Eph-Ephrin system.
  • Design and synthesis of  bioactive compounds, interacting with enzymes, membrane or nuclear receptors or protein-protein interfaces.
  • Development of general procedures for simulating and predicting the enzymatic reactions with xenobiotics.

Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics

  • Innovative pharmaceutical forms for drug delivery.
  • Modified release of drugs, with focus on hydrophilic matrices and transdermal release systems.
  • Nasal, pulmonary, ocular and transmucosal administration of drugs; non-invasive administration of peptides, proteins; micro and nanosytems for drug delivery and targeting.
  • Solid state of drugs, particles, crystals, complexes and inclusion compounds.
  • Pharmaceutical polymers; biopharmaceutical polymers for tissue engeneering and controlled release of growth and differentiation factors.
  • Bioavailability of drugs and endogenous substances.
  • Drugs for the elderly and for infants.
  • Dermocosmesis and cosmeceuticals.
  • Nutraceuticals.

Biochemistry, biophysics e molecular biology

  • Mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis: regulation, stability and characterization of interactions with ligands having pharmaceutical relevance.
  • Expression and modification of proteins with pharmaceutical relevance, through site-specific mutagenesis and combinatorial approaches of protein engeneering.
  • Study of biomolecules and supramolecular complexes by Atomic Force Microscopy and optical tweezers.
  • Functional characterization of hemoglobins in solution, crystallized or encapsulated in silica gel; development of blood substitutes.
  • Proteomic analysis of organs, biological fluids and foods, for the identification of biomarkers and biomolecular targets for drugs and for toxicological investigations.
  • Stabilizing activity of natural polyphenols on the amyloidogenic protein, transthyretin.
  • Molecular and functional characterization of new compounds for the development of non-viral vectors in gene therapy.
  • Tissue kinetics of bioactive compounds with focus on thermodynamics of hydrophobic interactions.

Experimental pharmacology e toxicology

  • Mechanism of action for endogenous mediators involved in central or peripheral control of gastrointestinal motility and secretion.
  • Pharmacological modulation of hepatic metabolism for lipoproteins and unsaturated fatty acids; characterization of lipoprotein-receptor interactions.
  • Discovery of specific ligands for pharmacologically relevant targets, through in-vivo and in-vitro investigations.
  • Pharmacological study of the histaminic and muscarinic systems as targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Pharmacological study of the Eph-ephrin system and its possible implications in pharmacotherapy.
  • Endothelial dysfunctions and vascular remodeling in hypertension, dyslipidemias, diabetes and obesity.
  • Pharmacological  modulation of acute and chronic inflammation by innovative agents: tolerability, molecular mechanisms and tests in holistic experimental models.
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