Biomolecular engineering

Research group 

Alessandro Angelini, Associate Professor
Sara Linciano, PhD Student
Stefano Pluda, PhD Student
Matteo Trande, Research Grant Holder

Web site: https://www.angelinilab.com/

Collaborations

Prof. G.D. Victora, Rockefeller University, New York, USA
Prof. C. Heinis, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
Dr. M.W. Traxlmayr, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
Prof. L. Cendron, University of Padua, Italy

Research topics

The Biomolecular engineering group is focused on the development of novel peptides and proteins for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Genetically encoded peptides and proteins are engineered using in vitro directed evolution approaches. Phage and yeast surface display techniques are used to select molecules with desired qualities from large combinatorial libraries. Engineered properties include: binding affinity and specificity, molecular size, solubility and stability. Fine tuned molecules are further produced and characterized experimentally using a broad range of analytical methodologies across multiple disciplines such as molecular, chemical and structural biology. The efficacy of the engineered molecules is finally assessed ex vivo and in vivo. 

  • Engineering multispecific protein fusions for the cancer immunotherapy
  • Generation of disulfide-constrained peptide inhibitors for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases
  • Development of novel methods for the in vitro evolution of proteins and peptides

The ultimate goal of our research efforts is the development of state-of-the-art peptides and proteins with a novel mechanism of action that have the potential to overcome the limitations of current therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Last update: 14/02/2024