With over 220 thousand venomous species, each venom is a unique blend, typically containing more than 100 different pharmacologically active polypeptides or toxins. The collection of toxins comprises millions of distinct molecules, each with varying specificity in their effects on physiological targets. Understanding the composition of these venoms is crucial for developing effective treatments for envenomations. Animal toxins also play an exceptional role as molecular tools in fundamental research on complex physiological systems. They serve as a rich reservoir of potential medicinal compounds and contribute to advancements in fields such as medical diagnostics, agriculture, and biotechnology. I will conclude the lecture by presenting groundbreaking discoveries that offer hope for breakthroughs in treating two of today’s most pressing pathologies: Alzheimer’s disease and venous thromboembolism, conditions whose consequences significantly impact people’s lives through disability, dependence, and mortality.
Design of functional metal-organic frameworks through computational crystal structure prediction
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly versatile materials with diverse functional applications in gas storage and separation, catalysis, water purification and sensing, to name a few. The design of new MOFs is a challenging task, heavily reliant on experimental...
