EXPL/BIA-BQM/0011/2021
Understanding ligand interaction and allosteric modulation of the norepinephrine transporter (NET)
Aldino Viegas has been awarded an exploratory research grant, aiming at providing a better understanding of the molecular determinants that define hNET allosteric binding and selectivity in order to facilitate the discovery of compounds with PAM activity.
NETexplore will run in parallel and lay the foundations for the implementation and development of the PI’s ongoing scientific employment contract awarded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) in the 2020 Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus (2020.00043.CEECIND).
This research grant is supported by a team of experts in molecular biology, including MP production in native-like conditions and NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, a Master student will be hired with full-time dedication to the project.
NETexplore - Scientific merit of the project from an international standpoint
"The project is hypothesis-driven with a specific focus, and the objectives are clearly delineated. It is based on an incipient postulate that positive allosteric modulators can amplify human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) activity, which presents an intriguing and adventurous idea that is highly worthy of study in this exploratory proposal. If positive results are found, there is very good potential for this area of research to be fruitful. The project aligns very well with SDG Goal 3, specifically 3.4 on treatment of non-communicable diseases."
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