FFC#21/2015

Exploiting the potential of gallium for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection

FFC#21/2015

Exploiting the potential of gallium for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Paolo Visca (Dipartimento di Scienze, Laboratorio di Microbiologia Clinica e Virologia – Università di Roma Tre, Roma)

Partner

Francesco Peri (Dip. di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze – Università Bicocca, Milano); Raffaella Sorrentino (Dip. di Farmacia – Università Federico II, Napoli)

RESEARCHERS

17

CATEGORY

AREA 4 Lung inflammation

DURATION

2 years

GOAL

€ 65.000 €

RESULTS

Researchers generated a panel of luminescence-based biosensors which allowed them to elucidate the mechanism of the Pseudomomas aeruginosa siderophore pyochelin (PCH) and its correlation with Ga3+ transport and utilization. Moreover, they have optimized some reactions in the multistep synthesis of Ga3+ carriers and developed novel dry powders for inhalation. Remarkably, all in vivo results clearly prove the possibility of using Ga3+ for inhalation, since they did not observe any toxicity, at least after a single dose and up to 14 days. In addition, the pharmacokinetic results confirm the possibility to reach significant Ga3+ levels in the lung. The research continues with the Extension project (FFC#18/2017) with the aim to explore if Ga3+-derived compounds may represent good candidates to generate broad-spectrum (not only antiPseudomonas, but the other major CF pathogens) antimicrobials and to investigate their toxicology and pharmacokinetics.

OTHER RESULTS

FFC #3/2024

Two molecules are effective in activating Heat Shock Proteins and enhancing the action of CFTR correctors with the F508del mutation in vitro.

FFC#5/2024

Some peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) re-sensitise Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the antibiotic meropenem in vitro and reduce its virulence.

FFC#1/2023

Tezacaftor, one of the components of Kaftrio, induces an accumulation of dihydroceramides both in vitro and in vivo in animal models