Peptide Therapeutics and Membrane Biology research group is focused on ‘breaching cell membranes with cell penetrating peptides’. This relates to the use of cell penetrating peptides as scaffolds to cross cell membranes and deliver macromolecules inside cells. We are applying this approach to: design a new generation of drugs against intracellular targets to treat cancer; optimise peptides to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria; and as research tools to modulate functions within microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, algae).
Our research involves design of peptide-based drugs, drug delivery, cell entry mechanisms and cell membrane biology. Cell membranes can be drug targets; presenting an obstacle to reach intracellular therapeutic targets; and also, the matrix where therapeutic membrane receptors are located. Thus, our research is focused on understanding how peptides interact/cross cell membranes, and implications for peptides’ function, toxicity, selectivity and potency. These studies are of the utmost importance for improving the application of peptides as drug leads and as research tools.
Our research activities involve Biochemical and Biophysical studies (e.g. fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy) with model membranes and cells to characterize cell membrane properties, to identify the membrane properties that modulate peptide bioactivity, and to follow cell entry mechanisms.