PRIN2017 - 2017WBZFHL_006 - Rocco Caliandro (DCM.AD007.108)

Thematic area

Chemical sciences and materials technology

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of Crystallography (IC)

Project manager

ROCCO CALIANDRO
Phone number: 0805929150
Email: rocco.caliando@ic.cnr.it

Abstract

Lysosome is not just an organelle devoted to degradation and recycling of cellular waste, but it acts as a signaling hub to regulate cell homeostasis, with an emerging role in many diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Recent studies provide clear evidence for a direct role of the endo-lysosomal pathway in mediating copper homeostasis. Less clear is the molecular nature of copper within the compartment and how does the lysosome regulate copper import and export.
Another emerging issue is the interplay between physiological metal ions (such as Cu and Zn having a structural or functional role) and exogenous metal ions (such as Pt drugs and metal nanoparticles) that also target lysosomal Cu-binding sites.
The aim of this project is to investigate, through an integrated approach, the intricate mechanism of the organelle-dependent control of metal homeostasis.
Transmetallation, which allows metal ions to move in proteins or to be transferred from one protein to another, can trigger signaling events linked to endo-lysosomal membrane trafficking. These processes have important implications for the trafficking of essential metal ions, detoxification of xenobiotics.

Goals

-

Start date of activity

29/10/2019

Keywords

bioinorganic Chemistry, drug delivery, nanoparticles

Last update: 20/05/2024