APPLICATION OF THE EIIP/ISM BIOINFORMATICS PLATFORM IN DISCOVERY OF NOVEL TERAPEUTIC TARGETS AND POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC MOLECULES

The first goal of the project, representing extension of the previous research performed in the Center for Multidisciplinary Research in the Institute VINCA, is the generation of a new and deeper basic knowledge about the protein-protein interactions (i) underlying the interaction between HIV virus, H5N1 and A(H1N1) influenza viruses and anthrax with the host. This knowledge will represent the ground for identification of new therapeutic targets and development of new generation of drugs against AIDS, influenza and anthrax which target pathogen/host interaction. The second goal of the project is increase of knowledge about interaction between proteins which are involved in pathogenesis of myeloid leukemia and breast cancer, which represents candidate therapeutic targets for treatment of these diseases. This research will mainly be based on application of the EIIP/ISM bioinformatics concept allowing study of the long-range protein-protein and small molecule – protein interactions. The expected results of the project will be (i) identification of novel therapeutic targets and candidate therapeutic molecules against HIV-1, H5N1, A(H1N1) viruses and anthrax, targeting host/pathogen interaction, and (ii) identification of proteins involved in pathogenesis of myeloid leukemia and breast cancer, which represent potential novel therapeutic targets.