MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF HUMAN AROMATASE, A POTENTIAL TARGET FOR ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS
Prof. Gianfranco Gilardi, Prof. Giovanna Di Nardo
Key words: aromatase, cytochrome P450, estrogens, endocrine disruptors, new chemical entities
The project aims to study the structure-function relationship in human aromatase, the enzyme converting androgens into estrogens.
In particular, the research is divided in three lines.
- Aromatase molecular mechanism of action. The study of human cytochromes P450 dynamics also when interacting with their physiological redox partner is becoming a hot topic in the cytochromes P450 field. Aromatase offers a model study for those cytochromes P450 that are involved in key reactions for life, such as the synthesis of estrogenic hormones.
- Aromatase as a target of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Aromatase is part of the endocrine system and a possible target for the so-called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The project aims at the screening and identification of chemicals that alter aromatase activity and the characterization of their mechanism of action.
- Aromatase polymorphism. Polymorphisms in aromatase gene have been reported and associated to an increased risk for breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
The project aims to study also how the structure and activity of human aromatase are altered in presence of such polymorphisms.
