PhD Project ESR1
Computer aided molecular design and simulation of modulators of Tubulin-Tubulin and MAPs-Tubulin interactions.
SUPERVISORS
Prof. Stefano Pieraccini, University of Milan
Prof. Alexandre Varnek, University of Strasbourg (secondment)
INVOLVED UNIVERSITIES
INVOLED COMPANY
PhD COURSES
Industrial Chemistry (UNIMI)
Ecole Doctorale des Sciences Chimiques (UNISTRA)
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the project is the design and modelling of the action mechanism of peptides and molecules targeting either Tubulin-Tubulin or MAPs-Tubulin interactions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
The Early Stage Researcher (ESR) will model with molecular dynamics-based techniques the effects on Tubulin structure and dynamics of different Tubulin binding agents, both peptidic and non peptidic. Then, the ESR will design modified peptides and small molecule ligands in order to tailor their effect on microtubules. Furthermore, Tubulin-MAPs interaction modulators will be also studied. The results obtained from ESR activity will support the work of chemoinformatics and chemical synthesis units operating within the network.The ESR will be enrolled by the University of Milan (https://www.unimi.it/) under the supervision of Prof. Stefano Pieraccini and will be awarded a Double Doctorate degree in co-tutelle with the University of Strasbourg (https://en.unistra.fr/), under the supervision of Prof. Alexandre Varnek.
The selected candidate will participate in the network’s training activities and work placements in the laboratories of the participating academic and industrial partners.