Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) awardee, Aurora Gaza During her STSM, Aurora bridged synthetic medicinal chemistry and advanced molecular parasitology by visiting the University of Glasgow (hosted by Prof. Harry de Koning) from her home institution, the University of Bologna (Prof. Maria Laura Bolognesi). Key Project Highlights: Innovative Screening: Evaluated a library of 15 Hydrophobic Tag (HyT) degraders targeting trypanothione reductase (TR), uncovering promising selective efficacy against intracellular Leishmania amastigotes without macrophage cytotoxicity. Target Validation: Utilized CRISPR-Cas9 technology to establish TR-Myc tagged and single-allele TR knockout L. mexicana cell lines to investigate target engagement and mechanism of action. Collaborative Impact: This mission expanded her expertise into molecular biology and cell-based assays, contributing to a book chapter (in press), a flash presentation at the NMMC30 Conference in Messina (September 2026), and upcoming joint publications!
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. The COST ACTIONS help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.
OneHealthdrugs CA21111
Title:
One Health drugs against parasitic vector borne diseases in Europe and beyond
