Research focus
Purines are heterocyclic compounds present in all known organisms, playing a fundamental role as nucleic acid bases and cofactors for various proteins involved in virtually all cellular processes. Additionally, a vast array of purine derivatives can be synthesized, covering an extensive chemical domain with potential to interfere with numerous cellular processes. Interest in the biological properties and therapeutic potential of purine derivatives has recently been enhanced by the development of high-throughput screening assays for novel protein/molecular targets and techniques for synthesizing highly diverse purine libraries.
Initially, our focus was on the primary mechanisms of action of plant hormones called cytokinins (N6-substituted adenine derivatives) in the cell division cycle of plants and mammals. We discovered several derivatives, including topolin, olomoucine, bohemine, roscovitine, and pyratine. Our current research is centered on phytohormones that regulate plant growth, development, and senescence. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that these compounds can also have diverse effects on animal cells and tissues, particularly their ability to protect cells from various forms of stress and mitigate some harmful effects of cellular aging.
In this context, we aim to evaluate the protective effects of many natural and synthetic purine derivatives at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels in both plants and animals. We are also interested in studying the potential application of cytokinins for treating age-related diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory conditions, and abnormalities caused by aberrant cell proliferation.
Research leader
Team members
- Lutfun Nahar
- Hana Martinková
- Jan Strnad