Objective Lysine acetylation is a key protein post-translational modification (PTM) found throughout the cellular environment and across the range of species. This PTM is dynamic, with histone acetyl transferases (HATs) acetylating lysine, and histone deacetlyases (HDACs) reversing the modification. In addition, proteins modules bromodomains, have been identified that bind to acetylated lysine (KAc) and mediate protein-protein interactions. In humans, bromodomains exist as part of larger proteins, many of which are involved in transcriptional regulation. Bromodomains contain a KAc-binding pocket for which small molecule ligands have been identified. These ligands prevent the interaction of bromodomains with KAc and have been invaluable in dissecting the fundamental biology mediated by bromodomain-containing proteins (BCPs). We and others have developed potent ligands for the human bromodomain and extra C-terminal domain (BET) bromodomains. These compounds have antiproliferative effects in cancer cells lines and modulate inflammation and atherosclerosis. This work led to an explosion of interest in developing BET bromodomain inhibitors, resulting in 5 compounds in clinical trials. Despite rapid progress in understanding the role of human bromodomains, their function in other species is poorly understood. Given the fundamental role played by bromodomains in humans, we hypothesise that BCPs will play equally important roles in other organisms.To understand the role of non-human bromodomains we will develop small molecule probes to study the function of BCPs in the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We have selected T. cruzi for two reasons: 1. Four BCPs (TcBDF1-4) have been discovered in T. cruzi; our collaborator Prof. Serra has cloned these proteins and we have the plasmids; 2. T. cruzi is the parasite that causes Chagas Disease and hence bromodomain ligands might ultimately represent a novel method of treatment for this disease. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicinemedicinal chemistry Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 183 454,80
