Molecular recognition - Galectin chemistry and biology
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Chemistry of neural interfaces - Malarial DHODH medicinal
chemistry
The research interest in our group is focused on
molecular recognition studies in biological systems and in
artificial model systems, biology and medicinal chemistry
of galectins and DHODH enzymes, and chemistry at
CNS-machine interfaces.
One project concerns the synthesis of receptors designed
to recognize biomolecules. Mimicking Nature's recognition
molecules by de novo synthesis of small and specific
receptors would greatly simplify the study of
recognition events in aqueous solution, thus complementing
studies of e.g. carbohydrate-binding proteins. A second
project concerns the synthesis of ligands for the
galectins, a family of 14 mammalian lectins recognizing
ß-D-galactose- containing glycoconjugates, playing
critical roles in inflammation and cancer. The research on
galectin proteins is part of a larger network
at Lund University. Furthermore, chemistry for optimizing
biocompatibility, mechanical stability, and signal
properties of neural interfaces are developed. Finally, a
medicinal chemistry project exploiting fragment-based
design and screening is aiming at developing selective and
efficient inhibitors of dihydrooretate dehydrogenase
(DHODH), a newly characterized target protein for Malaria.
Coworkers
Ann-Louise Noresson (Ph.D. student)
Alexander Holmqvist (PhD student)
Kristoffer Peterson (PhD student)
Annika Friberg (postdoc)
Santanu Mandal (postdoc)
Yuanyuan Zhang (postdoc)
Priya Verma (postdoc)
Prashant Verma (postdoc)
Bader Salameh (visiting professor)
Past coworkers
About professor Nilsson
List of publications
Co-founder of Lundonia
Biotech AB
Co-founder of Galecto
Biotech AB
See news featured in the Biocentury January 2 2012 issue, in Berlingske January 3 2012, and in MedNous January 3 2012.
Contact
Telephone: +46 46-2228218
Telefax: +46 46-2228209
Postal Address: Box 124, SE 221 00 Lund
E-mail: Ulf.Nilssonatorganic.lu.se