GIUV2026-053
Our research group focuses on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel bioactive molecules of natural or synthetic origin. The study of active secondary metabolites (BSMs) isolated from plant species has provided structural models that inspire the development of efficient and versatile synthetic pathways.
A central part of our work is based on the synthesis of analogs of natural products, including isoquinolines, quinolines, benzopyrans, and other related structural frameworks. These heterocyclic frameworks, widely present in secondary metabolites, constitute a privileged source of chemical diversity for the identification of compounds with therapeutic potential, including PPAR modulators, dopaminergic and serotonergic receptor ligands, and molecules with cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines, among other applications.
Our main objective is the discovery of new bioactive molecules (hits), either from BSMs isolated from plant species or through the synthesis of libraries of heterocyclic derivatives inspired by natural structures. The structural elucidation of these compounds allows us to select initial candidates with relevant activity against specific targets. From...Our research group focuses on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel bioactive molecules of natural or synthetic origin. The study of active secondary metabolites (BSMs) isolated from plant species has provided structural models that inspire the development of efficient and versatile synthetic pathways.
A central part of our work is based on the synthesis of analogs of natural products, including isoquinolines, quinolines, benzopyrans, and other related structural frameworks. These heterocyclic frameworks, widely present in secondary metabolites, constitute a privileged source of chemical diversity for the identification of compounds with therapeutic potential, including PPAR modulators, dopaminergic and serotonergic receptor ligands, and molecules with cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines, among other applications.
Our main objective is the discovery of new bioactive molecules (hits), either from BSMs isolated from plant species or through the synthesis of libraries of heterocyclic derivatives inspired by natural structures. The structural elucidation of these compounds allows us to select initial candidates with relevant activity against specific targets. From these hits, we develop a hit-to-lead strategy based on the rational modification of natural skeletons, and through structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, we progressively optimize their properties, improving potency, selectivity, and pharmacological profile. This process allows us to transform promising molecules into leads with a greater degree of maturity and therapeutic applicability.
Likewise, our group investigates new biomarkers to identify molecular signals that allow us to better understand the mechanisms of action of our compounds, improve the prediction of biological response, and facilitate the development of more precise therapeutic strategies.
Overall, our research integrates natural product chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biomarker research, with the aim of progressing from the identification of hits to obtaining robust leads that can serve as a starting point for future drug development programs.
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- Desarrollamos la síntesis y aislamiento de nuevas moléculas, análogos de productos naturales con propiedades farmacológicas potenciales para modular procesos implicados en el metabolismo, inflamación, neurodegeneración (como la enfermedad de Parkinson) y cáncer.
- Investigamos nuevos biomarcadores que nos permitan mejorar la predicción de la respuesta biológica en patologías metabólicas, neurodegenerativas y oncológicas.
- Synthesis and isolation of new bioactive molecules.Our group investigates the production of novel bioactive molecules of both natural and synthetic origin. Molecules are purified using liquid column chromatography (conventional and high-pressure), solid-phase extraction, and other methods. We develop structural analogs and compound libraries to identify hits with relevant activity against various biological targets (PPAR receptors, dopaminergic receptors, serotonergic receptors, tumor cell lines, etc.). Structural elucidation of the compounds is performed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, allowing us to select candidates with promising profiles.
- Detection and quatification of biomarkers.We detect and quantify biomarkers associated with various pathologies, with a focus on inflammatory processes, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. We use advanced UHPLC-MS/MS and NMR technologies to obtain highly sensitive and specific measurements in a wide variety of biological matrices. We are working on the development of targeted metabolomics profiles that allow for detailed characterization of the biochemical changes associated with each clinical condition. These analyses provide key information for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms and for detecting subtle alterations that may go unnoticed with conventional techniques. Furthermore, we apply these biomarkers in monitoring strategies aimed at early diagnosis and disease progression assessment. Our goal is to contribute to the development of bioanalytical tools that support more precise, personalized, and evidence-based medicine.
| Name | Nature of participation | Entity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURIA CABEDO ESCRIG | Director | Universitat de València | |
| Research team | |||
| PALOMA MARIN VIVANCO | Member | Universitat de València | |
| JORDI FERRI CISCAR | Collaborator | Universitat de València | |
| JAVIER MILARA PAYÁ | Collaborator | Universitat de València | |
| JAVIER MILARA PAYÁ | Collaborator | Universitat de València | |
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- Pharmacology
