Molecular Pharmacology (Drug Discovery & Target Finding)
Molecular Pharmacology (Drug Discovery & Target Finding)
In the specialization Molecular Pharmacology (Drug Discovery & Target Finding) you will investigate where and how the biological active molecule of a drug works within the human body. The research focuses on ligand-receptors interactions, signal transduction events, and novel concepts like ligand-independent signaling, biased signaling and receptor dimerization. You will learn concepts of molecular biology and pharmacology and use innovative imaging and biophysical approaches.
Programme components
- Compulsory courses (30)
- Compulsory choice course (6)
- Major research project (42)
- Literature thesis and colloquium (12)
- Ethics and academic skills (6)
- Elective: minor research project; abroad/company; optional courses (24)
Course overview
| Period | Month | Course component (EC) | Category |
| 1 | Sep – Oct | Drug Action (6) | Compulsory course |
| Chemical Biology (6) | Compulsory course | ||
| 2 | Nov – Dec | High-Throughput Screening (6) | Compulsory course |
| Signal Transduction in Health and Disease (6) | Compulsory course | ||
| Drug Induced Stress and Cellular Response (6) | Compulsory choice * | ||
| 3 | Jan | Ethics and academic skills (6) | |
| 4 | Feb – Mar | Computational Design and Synthesis of Drugs (6) | Compulsory course |
| ADME Processes and Toxic Side Effects (6) | Compulsory choice * | ||
| 5 & 6 | Apr – Jun |
Research topics
In the specialization Drug Discovery & Target Finding you can work on diverse research topics within the context of molecular biology and pharmacology.
Human and viral chemokine receptors as novel targets for therapeutic intervention of cancer
The cloning of the human genome resulted in the identification of many new drug targets, including new G-protein coupled receptors (GCPRs), histamine (H4) and chemokine (CXCR7) receptors. In the ‘Receptor Structure Function’ research group, we examinesthe role of these novel receptors in inflammation and cancer using in vitro (cell-based signaling assays) and in vivo (xenograft mouse) model systems. Moreover, genomes of herpes viruses contain genes encoding GPCRs, which show homology to chemokine receptors. Interestingly, these viral chemokine receptors display oncogenic properties and induce tumor formation in vivo. These viral receptors may therefore play a role in cancer after viral infection and can be considered as novel drug targets.
Bongers, Maussang, Smit, Lira et al. J Clin Invest 2010
Novel concepts in drug discovery
Our molecular receptor pharmacologists study ligand (drug) interactions with receptors, signal transduction events, and novel concepts like biased signaling, ligand-independent signaling and receptor dimerization. We utilize molecular biology, pharmacology, innovative imaging and biophysical approaches. These studies aim on elucidating the role of receptors in health and disease and ultimately to validate their potential as future targets for pharmaceutical intervention.
Network-based drug discovery to find new targets
In order to completely understand the key role of GPCRs in pathological signaling, we use a systems biology approach to map key signaling events and components. We investigate the role of (viral) GPCRs in pathology (cancer, inflammatory disease) using genome and proteome wide analyses. These studies unveil the intricate organization and interplay of signaling pathways involved. Besides identification of new drug targets, this approach will direct in vivo studies to examine and modulate the clinically relevant GPCR-induced signaling pathways.
Contact
If you would like to know more about Molecular Pharmacology (Drug Discovery & Target Finding), please contact the master coordinator:
Dr. Marco Siderius
Phone: +31 20 59 87564
E-mail: m.siderius@vu.nl
