MSCA – Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) on Neurotrophins and cancer: exploring new frontiers in tumor biology and platinum-based therapeutics

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MSCA – Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) on Neurotrophins and cancer: exploring new frontiers in tumor biology and platinum-based therapeutics

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Job description

Neurotrophins are essential growth factors that regulate the development and survival of neurons, which exert their effects via the Trk family of tyrosine kinase receptors (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC) and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75^NTR^). These molecules are increasingly recognized as key regulators of tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in cancers such as breast, prostate, and ovarian. Simultaneously, platinum-based drugs-such as cisplatin-remain among the most effective chemotherapeutics. However, their use is limited by resistance and toxicity. To address these challenges, our project explores the design and synthesis of novel Pt-based complexes that interact with neurotrophins and/or their receptors, potentially leading to more selective and effective anticancer agents. These new complexes will be prepared using peptides derived from the terminal domains of the neurotrophins NGF, BDNF, and NT-3, as they contain residues capable of interacting with the receptors and mimicking the native proteins. The project adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating:

• Synthesis of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes functionalized with ligands that mimic or bind neurotrophins or their receptors.
• Characterization of new complexes and their chemico-physical features by means of NMR, spectroscopic, mass spectrometry and other relevant techniques.
• Interaction of new complexes with biological targets such as albumin and other plasma protein.
• Biological assays, cytotoxicity, migration/invasion, and apoptosis analysis on cancer cell lines. Evaluate the potential of these compounds to overcome drug resistance and reduce systemic toxicity.
• Molecular biology assays, (qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence) to study signaling pathway modulation and Trks expression.

This innovative research aims to open a new therapeutic window in cancer treatment by targeting neurotrophin signaling with specifically designed platinum complexes so to enhance selectivity in targeting cancer cells; reduce side effects compared to traditional platinum drugs and develop new strategies to combat resistance mechanisms.All measurements will be carried out at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, where the necessary equipment to perform the planned activities is available. The project will be supervised by Professor Diego La Mendola (Scopus ID: 6507174112; ORCID: ), Full Professor of General and Inorganic Chemistry, who has published extensively on peptides capable of mimicking neurotrophins, their interactions with metal ions and their activity on different cell lines.Eligibility criteriaApplicants must have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications (10th September 2025). Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply.At the call deadline, the applicant must have a maximum of 8 years experience in research, from the date of the award of their PhD degree. Years of experience outside research and career breaks will not count towards the above maximum, nor will years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe.Mobility Rule: The applicant may be of any nationality (European Fellowships) or nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Global Fellowships) but must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy (for European Fellowships) or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (in case of Global Fellowship) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before 10th September 2025.Application procedureExpressions of interest must be sent by email to no later than 23 may 2025 and must consist of two pdf files: * Complete and updated CV, clearly demonstrating all 3 eligibility requirements.

• Motivation letter, maximum one page.

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Location

Pisa

Job date

Thu, 01 May 2025 03:52:39 GMT

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