Project Acronym: PhotoSCLART
Project title: Development of nature-inspired photoresponsive anticancer agents – sclareol and artemisinin derivatives in cancer multidrug-resistance models: a foundation for the theranostic approach
Project ID/Number: 7005
Project PI and Coordinating Institution: Prof. Dr Igor Opsenica, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Chemistry
Funding Institution: Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia
Call Information: PRISMA
Fields of Science: Natural Sciences
Consortium/Participating Institutions: University of Belgrade – Faculty of Chemistry (UBFC); Innovative Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, Belgrade, Ltd (ICFC); Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy – National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade (ICTM); Institute for Biological Research „Siniša Stanković“ – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade (IBISS)
Grant Duration: 1. October 2024 – 31. November 2026
Budget: 281.062.69 €
Project Abstract:
PhotoSCLART will deliver photoresponsive sclareol- (SCL) and artemisinin (ART)-based hybrid compounds with a potential for application in cancer diagnostics and therapy (theranostic approach). Hard-to-treat cancers with multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cell populations represent a challenge for treatment. In addition, there is a lack of tools for their diagnosis. Natural products or nature-inspired compounds account for 50% of approved anticancer drugs. Therefore, PhotoSCLART will create a chemical library of natural product derivatives (NPDs) through derivatization of SCL and ART which will be screened using pairs of human-sensitive and MDR cancer cell lines as well as corresponding normal cell lines to determine the most potent candidates. Compounds with optimal characteristics (selectivity toward cancer cells, preferably MDR cancer cells) will be transformed into Dye−NPD conjugates. Our aim is to obtain photoresponsive molecules that will undergo NPD release selectively in cancer cells or MDR cancer cells when irradiated with visible-light wavelengths that are not harmful to cells and tissue. In such a way, PhotoSCLART will provide a unique tool for cancer theranostics based on natural products. PhotoSCLART will also strengthen the professional capacities of young researchers involved in the project and foster collaboration between basic research and pharmaceutical companies/accelerators. The multidisciplinary knowledge gained within the project that integrates organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, cancer research, molecular biology, and drug development will have a strong impact on the scientific community. Ultimately, our aim is to show the applicative potential of our research and the benefits offered by photoresponsive NPDs as anticancer theranostic agents, particularly in eradicating MDR cancer cells.
Website: photosclart.rs
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