Research focus
Steroids are isoprenoid compounds with a wide range of biological properties. Their structure is derived from sterane (cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene). They are essential for the vital functions of various organisms, particularly plants and animals, and therefore continue to hold significant pharmacological importance. In our group, we study both the chemistry and biology of these natural compounds. Among plant steroids, we focus primarily on synthesizing one group of plant hormones—brassinosteroids, their precursors, and non-natural analogs. These compounds are used to study plant physiology and hormonomics.
In the field of medicinal steroid research, we aim to discover new analogs of plant and animal steroids (e.g., sterols, androgens, estrogens, corticosteroids, etc.) that could serve as templates for novel drugs. We investigate the biological activity of steroid compounds in cancerous and healthy human cells, focusing on cytotoxic, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. For active steroids, we also synthesize modified derivatives to study their mechanisms of action.
Research leader
Team members
- Lucie Rárová
- Marie Kvasnicová
- Karoll Ferrer Pertuz
- Helena Kordinová
- Kristýna Šomodiová