ICREA Research Professor, ERC Consolidator Grant
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Research information
Background
Many domains in multi-domain proteins are intrinsically disordered because they do not need to fold to perform their biological functions. This observation challenges the assumption that protein functions are derived from their three-dimensional structures, which dominated thinking in molecular biology since the inception of this field.
Research interests
The laboratory mainly aims to understand the mechanisms by which intrinsically disordered proteins perform their functions. Other aims are to rationalise how specific mutations in these domains lead to disease and to identify strategies allowing drug-like small molecules to inhibit therapeutic targets rich in intrinsic disorder, which are common in oncology and neurology.
The laboratory uses a multidisciplinary approach combining biophysical techniques, theory/molecular simulations, and cell/chemical biology to study the conformations, interactions, and phase transitions of intrinsically disordered proteins of biomedical relevance, in collaboration with partners across the globe.
The research group is keen to host BSc, MSc and PhD students interested in this field, as well as postdoctoral fellows. Applicants should contact Dr. Xavier Salvatella by E-mail to discuss ongoing projects, potential openings and in general to discuss their research interests and plans for future collaboration.
Selected publications
Projects
Project “Transcription factor condensates as drug targets”, funded by the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. Reference: ASP-II-4078105378
“ARtin. Discovery of new inhibitors of the disordered domain of the androgen receptor to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer”. El proyecto ARtin, con código INNO20010FRIG, ha recibido financiación del programa AECC Innova promovido por la Fundación Científica AECC
“Modulation of Tau seeding and pathology in tauopathies by BBB-nanocarriers, epitope selective vaccination and ectoPrP Tau receptor bodies” (STOPTauPATHOL) financiado por Fundación "la Caixa". Referencia: LCF/PR/HR19/52160007
"Aprovechamiento de la condensación biomolecular para el descubrimiento de fármacos", financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, y la Agencia Estatal de Investigación. Ref: PID2019-110198RB-I00 / AEI / 10.13039/501100011033)
"Intrinsically disordered proteins" finançat per l'Agencia de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca. Ref: 2021 SGR 00476
"Transiciones líquido sólido en condensados biomoleculares: determinantes moleculares" financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación; la Agencia Estatal de Investigación y el Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional. Referencia: PID2022-141816OB-I00
"Desarrollo de un nuevo fármaco potente y selectivo contra el cáncer de próstata resistente a castración dirigido a la región desordenada del receptor de andrógenos", financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033 y por la Unión Europea “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR. Ref: CPP2022-009651
"Investigating the role of polyglutamine expansion in AR aggregation in cells.", funded by the Kennedy's Disease Association
Group members
What are we doing now?
Join our research group under the framework of the INVESTIGO Programme. This is a great opportunity, check it out here!
