Projects / Programmes
Pharmaceutical biotechnology: man and environment
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.06.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Biotechnology |
|
| 1.05.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
|
| 1.09.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Pharmacy |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T490 |
Technological sciences |
Biotechnology |
Biotechnology, Plants, Fungi, Proteases, Recombinant proteins, Monoclonal antibodies, Drugs, Cancer
Researchers (32)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The quality of life of modern man depends on the health care and environment managing. The modern approaches in the field of biotechnology enable both, they can be used either in medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions or for improvement of the environment. For example, the investigations of plant peptide and protein molecules which are protective for plants and ensure the equilibrium in the living world, can be used as lead compounds for design of drugs for human or veterinary use. On the other hand, the knowledge on molecular mechanisms of various human diseases helps us to prepare the substances with regulatory properties in plants. It is well accepted that the interdisciplinary studies in the above mentioned scientific fields resulted in a qualitative breakthrough in pharmaceutical and plant biotechnology developing completely new products, or enabled production of those which were not available in sufficient quantities in the past. Many potential pharmaceutical drugs as well as sweet proteins which are under development in our laboratories are of plant origin.
An important field of our investigations are enzyme inhibitors, isolated from plants or fungi, prepared as recombinant proteins in various microorganisms or as synthetic peptides. We try to obtain substances with inhibitory activity against thrombin, pancreatic lipase and other enzymes involved in the metabolism of lipids and synthesis of endogenous cholesterol. Important targets for enzyme inhibitors are proteases, which are responsible for normal tissue and cell homeostasis, however, at pathological conditions such as cancer or arthritis their uncontrolled action is associated with the progression of the disease. In cancer proteases and their inhibitors may serve as tumour markers for prediction of diagnosis, prognosis and response to therapy. Besides plant, recombinant and synthetic inhibitors we investigate also therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and RNA silencing technologies as potential anti-tumour approaches. We develop systems for delivery of protein drugs and oligonucleotides to specific cells and tissues to improve drug efficacy, transport through biological membranes and to enable controlled release of the drug at the site of action. Our studies are focused also on the genetic origin of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, psoriasis and cancer and on the impact of the environmental and endogenous factors on the incidence of these diseases.
Significance for science
The research work of the programme group is part of the advanced trends in science aimed at increasing our understanding of living processes, improving health care and creating a sustainable environment. Understanding the basic mechanisms of cell function will also help to reveal mechanisms of the development and progression of diseases. We are aware that understanding the main factors in these mechanisms and processes enables the identification of new targets for more effective diagnosis and therapy. Recent achievements of the members of the programme group, reflected in numerous publications, citations and patents, constitute a significant contribution to universal understanding. An important part of the work is screening and developing new potential drugs and new diagnostic, analytical and biotechnological procedures. Moreover, our group is introducing into our research area the most recent techniques and methods. The collaboration with other researchers in Slovenia and worldwide guarantees rapid transfer of knowledge, good science and valuable applications.
Significance for the country
In Slovenia biotechnology and in particular pharmacy constitute the leading scientific and economic priority. The pharmaceutical industry has exhibited outstanding growth in recent years, and an increasing segment of their production comprises biological drugs. After the expiry of the industrial property protection of some biological drugs, bio-similar drugs have entered the market in the last two years, representing a challenge for the pharmaceutical industry in Slovenia. The scientific experience and products arising from top class research in this field are essential for the future development of our industry. Our group is generating such experience and successfully transferring it to our partners through common projects or through education of experienced candidates. The most recent methods and techniques used in our work can easily be adopted by industrial laboratories. Besides medical treatment, health care and prevention are important elements in the socio-economic development of modern human society, and every step towards better health is important.. Probiotics and antilipemics, a subject of our research, can significantly contribute to this status.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
