Toxic Enzymes and Immunotargeting

Research projects

1. The study of plant toxins with rRNA N-glycosylase activity, known for their cytotoxic and antiviral activity.
2. The study of the pathogenic mechanisms of cellular damage caused by plant toxins.
3. Experimental immunotherapy for tumors using immunoconjugates.
4. The study of plant lectins’ cytotoxic and mitogenic properties.
5. The study of the qualitative and quantitative variations in the enzyme xanthine oxidoreductase in humans with different pathological conditions.

Ongoing research objectives

1. Purification and characterization of new plant toxins which inactivate ribosomes (rRNA glycosylase).
2. For ricin and chemical weapons belonging to Schedule 1, according to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW): isolation of complex matrices, chemical-physical and quantitative analyses, and immunological and cytotoxic analyses.
3. Evaluation of the cytotoxic effects and mechandsms of cell deat caused by rRNA N-glycosylase.
4. Evaluation of the cell signaling pathway created by various serotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis.
5. Immunoconjugates containing plant rRNA N-glycosylase and an evaluation of their therapeutic effectiveness as an anti-cancer drug in sarcomas and hematological cancers.
6. Chemosurgery through bicatenary toxins in oculomotor pathologies and for other loco-regional treatments.

Collaborators

Cecilia Chiarelli Olivari, Borsista

Chiara Roncuzzi, Laureata frequentatrice

Andrea Di Vincenzo, Tirocinante

Elisa Viviani, Tirocinante

 Dott.ssa Marangoni e Dott. Foschi, Microbiologia, DIMES;

Prof. Ferreras e Prof.ssa Iglesias, Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología, Università di Valladolid (Spagna);

Dott.ssa Soragni, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UCLA (USA);

Dott.ssa Davanzo, Centro Antiveleni, Ospedale Niguarda, Milano;

Dott. Steinkhuler, ITALFARMACO S.p.A., Cinisello Balsamo (MI);

Dott. Modena, FOMET S.p.A., S. Pietro di Morubio (VR)

Prof. Sharifi-Rad, Phytochemistry Research Center, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran (IRAN);

Dott.ssa Lei Guo, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing (P.R.CHINA);

Ministero della Salute, Direzione Generale della Prevenzione, Roma;

Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico, Divisione IX, Sezione Armi Chimiche, Roma

Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, Direzione Generale per gli Affari Politici e di Sicurezza, Ufficio V – Disarmo, Controllo degli Armamenti e Non Proliferazione, Roma