SEMINAR POSTPONED UNTIL A DATE TO BE DETERMINED - Alessio Ciulli FRS FRSE FRSC - "Charting the Evolution & Future of Targeted Protein Degradation: From Fundamental Mechanisms to Translational Impact"

Professor Alessio Ciulli FRS FRSE FRSC
Professor of Chemical Structural Biology
Founder and Director, Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom


Short CV

Abstract
Our laboratory at the Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation (CeTPD) reveals molecular information on protein interactions and ubiquitination complexes and mechanisms to design novel molecular therapeutics and concept. Protein degrader, also known as PROTACs (PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras) and molecular glues, recruit a target protein to a ubiquitin E3 ligase for targeted protein degradation. Formation of a stable ternary complex between the degrader, the E3 ligase and the target is a critical step that leads to productive tagging of the target protein by ubiquitination, and subsequent proteasomal degradation. I will be reflecting on the evolution of the TPD field, from early design principles to today’s landscape of PROTACs and molecular glues. Latest advances from the Ciulli Lab in mechanistic understanding and chemical biology of degraders ternary complexes will be showcased. I will also highlight collaborative academic-industry consortia tackling grand challenges with undruggable targets in paediatric cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, charting the next-generation of proximity-based therapeutics.