The SIENA MEDCHEM Group, based at the Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy of the University of Siena, focuses on the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of innovative small molecules with potential therapeutic applications. We aim to translate molecular architecture into precision therapeutic tools for pain management, neuroinflammation, metabolic disorders and cancers.
· Rational Drug Design & Synthesis: Developing high-affinity receptor-, ion channel-, and enzyme-modulating ligands, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and identification of multi-target bioactive scaffolds.
Generation of predictive computational models to support the rational design of new drugs. Virtual screening protocols based on the application of ligand-based and structure-based pharmacophoric models are applied to in house compounds or to databases of commercially available compounds with the aim of identifying bioactive molecules. Molecular docking and dynamics calculations are also applied to simulate molecular interactions between ligands and their receptors.
· Photopharmacology: creating light-responsive molecules by integrating molecular switches into bioactive scaffolds. This approach enables spatiotemporal control over biological activity, allowing us to activate or deactivate drug effects "on-demand" with specific wavelengths of light.
· Precision Therapeutics: By integrating advanced medicinal chemistry with biological investigations, the group contributes to innovative strategies in modern drug discovery, aiming to reduce side effects and mimic physiological signalling dynamics.
(in alphabetical order)
Prof. Antonella Brizzi,
Prof. Fabrizio Manetti,
Prof. Claudia Mugnaini,
Prof. Marco Paolino