Project Leader: Dr. Magdalena Wujak
PULMONeX-PRO is an interdisciplinary research initiative focused on developing new therapeutic strategies for lung diseases and cancers. The project targets proteins that can serve as: (a) pharmacological modulation targets (e.g., via inhibitors, activators, antibodies), (b) carriers or platforms in drug delivery systems (e.g., scaffold proteins, antibodies, prodrug-activating enzymes), or (c) subjects of molecular engineering—through the design and synthesis of recombinant therapeutic proteins and their immobilization to enhance stability and functional properties. The project addresses the urgent need to identify novel therapeutic proteins and develop innovative, molecularly targeted therapies in light of the limited efficacy of current treatments for civilization diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and cancers.
PULMONeX-PRO employs a multidimensional research pipeline encompassing complementary areas: from the discovery of new molecular targets and the design and synthesis of small molecules, carriers, and therapeutic proteins, to comprehensive molecular characterization, functional validation, and assessment of therapeutic potential using in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models.
The scientific potential of PULMONeX-PRO lies in establishing a dynamic, horizontal collaboration space among researchers from diverse disciplines and specialties, including:
- Protein biotechnology and biochemistry
- Synthesis and characterization of bioactive compounds
- Analytical chemistry and materials engineering
- Molecular pharmacology and cell biology
- Computational chemistry and bioinformatics
- Biophysics and structural protein studies
- Toxicology and preclinical pharmacology
- Translational research using clinical biological material
PULMONeX-PRO aligns with the strategic development priorities of Nicolaus Copernicus University, promoting innovative, high-quality research through the implementation of advanced technologies such as protein crystallography and human disease models (e.g., PCLS, precision-cut lung slices), in accordance with the 3R principle and global trends in modern biomedicine.
If you share this vision or see potential synergies with your own research, we invite you to get in touch. PULMONeX-PRO represents an initiative that could form the foundation of a strong research area with real translational potential.