Posters

SoPRano is a novel label-free screening platform using specifically derivatised gold nanoparticles in solution form. It enables SPR-based screening in high throughput using simple homogenous assay protocols on a standard absorbance plate-reader. SoPRano is flexible and can be applied to many affinity screening applications.

The three-dimensional model of a-subunit of Biphenyl dioxygenase (BphA) from Comamonas testosteroni B-356 has been constructed. The kinetic parameters of biphenyl compounds were well matched with the docking results. The binding properties of these biphenyl compounds along with identification of critical active site residues could be used for further site-directed mutagenesis experiments in order to identify their role in activity and substrate specificity.

The heart-wood of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. is reported to be used in traditional medicinal practices, of which anti-inflammatory is one. The present work evaluates the effect of the heart-wood extract on the carrageenan induced rat paw edema. The drug was found to be active at lowest of 3 doses tried. the drug can be said to posses anti-inflamatory activity but needs further evaluation of discover the pathway of the same.

We demonstrate the necessity of quantum mechanics (QM) for predicting binding free energy by comparing the results of the linear interaction energy model with continuum model (LIECE) and the equivalent model with QM (QMLIECE).

Screening of a natural compound library led to the identification of resorufin, as a highly selective and potent inhibitor for protein kinase CK2. Out of 52 kinases tested only CK2 was inhibited. The IC50 values determined for the CK2 holoenzymes were 1.5 µM and for the free catalytic subunits ca. 4 µM. In different cancer cell lines treatment with resorufin led to cell death and endogenous CK2 was inhibited.

We developed and validated a high throughput in vitro setting to experimentally determine hSA and Orosomucoid affinities, fraction absorbed, Log BBB and Redox potential of NCEs using gold nanoparticles functionalized with proteins, lipids or conductive polymers. Such automated ADME assays provide means for more objective decisions in early drug discovery.

Prostanoids originate from PGHS action on the 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid: DGLA, AA and EPA. We used cDNA expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and enzyme immunoassays to compare the activities of two mouse PGHS isoforms and cDNAs encoding mouse prostaglandin I synthase and thromboxane A synthase and genomic DNA encoding Trypanosoma brucei prostaglandin F synthase. All genes were active and were put in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants producing DGLA.

PMD, an insect repellent that can be derived from steam distillate residue of leaves of lemon eucalyptus. No QSAR studies are known in literature. We performed ab initio (RHF/6-31G**) study of PMD derivatives. A 3D pharmacophore for repellent activity was also developed. Results indicate lipophilicity, MEP separation and localized negative MEP by oxygen atom have roles for repellency. The pharmacophore is consistent and allowed design of more effective insect repellents.

As part of the Drug Design in Medicinal Chemistry Program of the UNAM, new methylthiomorpholinphenol compounds with cardiovascular effect, were studied. One of them, FESCDIPINE II, was an excellent antihypertensive drug, that has low toxicity and preliminary studies indicate that the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) system is the biological target of this compound.