The effective recovery of the function of the CFTR channel can be achieved with correctors when administered in the presence of allosteric inhibitors of HSP70 (Heat Shock Protein 70), a protein involved in the assembly of protein complexes (such as CFTR). The aim of this project is therefore to identify novel HSP70 inhibitors. Researchers will synthesize new HSP70 inhibitors using conventional methods of chemical synthesis and, with biochemical and functional assays, they will test the effectiveness of the CFTR recovery in the presence of correctors. With bioinformatics methods, chemical synthesis and functional assays, the researchers also aim to generate analogues of a known inhibitor of HSP70, rhodocyanine MKT-077. Combinations of inhibitors and correctors (VX809 and others) will be tested on primary bronchial epithelial cells.

XIX Convention FFC Ricerca – download here a brief presentation of the project