Apolipoprotein AI (apo-AI) Mimetic Peptide Lipid Assembly

Apolipoprotein AI (apo-AI) mimetic peptides (AAMs) are amphiphatic -helical structures that can functionally mimic full-length apo-Ais. Diverse AAM derivatives have anti-inflammatory and anti- oxidant features that make them attractive candidates for the treatment of diverse pathologies including atherosclerosis and cancer, which remain the leading causes of death worldwide. AAMs may associate with lipids forming high density lipoprotein (HDL) mimetic nanoparticles (AAM-NPs) that could serve as an innovative class of drug delivery systems and therapeutics. Today, the molecular level knowledge of the interactions at play in such assemblies is lacking. In this project we harness the capabilities of complementary teams from Austria and France with interdisciplinary skills and expertise in physics, chemistry, biophysics and biosciences. Special methodological emphasis is on molecular simulation, chemical synthesis, physicochemical characterisation and biological validation of AAM- NPs. We aim to uncover new strategies for efficient and optimized use of innovative AAM-NPs in medical applications. The proposed project combines cutting edge molecular computational techniques, state-of-the-art biophysical techniques with advanced biological assays all to understand molecular parameter and structural features influencing the biological performance of specifically designed artificial HDL-like nanoparticles.