By Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC)
Sphingolipids are essential components of cells, both under normal physiological conditions and in pathological states. Under healthy conditions, they act as key signaling molecules in the regulation of various cellular functions. However, sphingolipids can also promote the development of diseases, from rare pathologies (sphingolipidoses) to conditions of major impact. Our research ranges from the development of chemical probes for diagnostic applications to the discovery of disease biomarkers (lipidomics) and the identification of chimeras targeting the proteolysis of proteins relevant to sphingolipid metabolism and functions. These objectives are achieved by combining disciplines such as computational design and synthesis of molecules, as well as the study of their biological activity in both cell-free systems and cell culture models.
