Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules

This research unit works on the discovery of small molecular weight molecules with activity on relevant biomedical and/or biological processes, with an emphasis on the metabolism and function of lipids, especially sphingolipids. Sphingolipids play crucial roles in the outbreak and progression of a wide range of diseases, from rare diseases (sphingolipidoses) to diseases of high socio-economic impact (cancer, infectious and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes type 2, etc.). Therefore, sphingolipids are attractive targets for the discovery of hits and targets of therapeutic interest and to the development of diagnostic and prognostic tools. Research carried out include the design and synthesis of individual molecules and small libraries and biological studies in in vitro preparations, cells in culture and, occasionally, animal models.