Session 2A: Lectures by Fellows/Associates

Chairperson: Vinod K Gaur, Bengaluru

Redox Dynamics in Health and Disease: Pathways from Inorganic Chemistry to Therapeutic Innovation

In the realm of scientific exploration, biological inorganic chemistry stands as a burgeoning frontier. Our research consortium is dedicated to the pioneering development of molecules and materials poised to exert a positive influence on human health. Employing an innovative approach grounded in modern inorganic, organometallic, supramolecular, and nanomaterials chemistry, our focus revolves around the strategic conception and fabrication of novel metal-based drugs. These compounds are meticulously designed to wield the transformative power necessary to perturb cellular metal trafficking and homeostasis, thereby fortifying our armamentarium against emergent pathogens and infections. Central to our endeavour is a profound emphasis on unravelling the intricate dynamics of metal–ligand interactions, fuelling our pursuit of site-selective drug discovery. As the scientific landscape burgeons with investigations into metalloenzymes and coordination chemistry, a novel platform is being forged—one that harnesses the potential of metal- biologically relevant ligand interactions to usher in a new era of therapeutic interventions. Our focus spans a spectrum of ailments, encompassing neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic or autoimmune syndromes, and microbial infections.
lab unfolds with precision, encompassing key facets: (a) the design and synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant drugs driven by the dynamics of metal–ligand interactions, (b) the creation of transition metal complexes endowed with the potential for biological processes such as electron transfer, small molecule catalytic activation, and redox sensing, (c) the exploration of novel applications for these ligands and metal complexes in therapeutics, diagnostics, immune modulation, anion recognition, and metal ion sensing, and (d) the judicious utilization of proteomics and metabolomics profiles to elucidate the mechanism of action and identify the precise target site.
In this pursuit, our scientific expedition converges at the intersection of cutting-edge research and translational impact, visualizing a future where the coordination of metal-based interventions directs a symphony of therapeutic and diagnostic potential across diverse realms of human health.