Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biomedicine

Head of the Lab
Elena V. Leychenko, Ph.D., leychenko@piboc.dvo.ru

Lab staff
Alexandra N. Kvetkina (Researcher, Ph.D.), Alexandra P. Pavlenko (Junior researcher), Alexander S. Menshov (Junior researcher), Anna A. Klimovich (Researcher, Ph.D.), Daria V. Popkova (Junior researcher), Irina N. Gladkikh (Senior researcher Ph.D.), Nadezhda A. Priymenko (Junior researcher), Rimma S. Kalina (Researcher, Ph.D.), Yulia V. Deryavko (Junior researcher).

The main goals
The focus of the laboratory is the development of technologies of microbial synthesis for obtaining and further study of biologically active polypeptides and peptides of marine origin – potential ligands of pharmacologically significant cellular targets (enzymes, ion channels, receptors and signal pathways), and the creation of drugs of targeted action and preparations for agriculture. Within the framework of a comprehensive methodological approach using methods of biochemistry, genetic engineering, biotechnology, omics technologies, synthetic biology and cell electrophysiology, animal physiology and computer modeling, the molecular diversity of peptides, their biomedical properties and mechanisms of interaction with pharmacological targets are studied.

Our achievements
More than 20 new compounds were obtained and characterized, their pharmacological targets were established, and their biomedical potential was studied.

New inhibitors of mammalian α-amylases were discovered in the poisonous secretion of the sea anemone Heteractis magnifica. The structure was established, the mechanism of action was studied, and their high efficiency was shown as a means for the treatment and prevention of postprandial hyperglycemia, correction of excess weight and obesity (Patent RU2796823C1).

Preclinical trials were conducted and a technology for the industrial production of a peptide blocker of the TRPV1 channel, which is involved in pain transmission, was developed in order to produce an original non-opioid analgesic drug for postoperative care and palliative medicine on its basis (Patents RU2798545C1 and RU 2755206 C1).

Highlights and perspectives
Scientific results will be aimed at obtaining new active pharmacological substances and creating effective and highly specific drugs based on them to improve the treatment of socially significant diseases.