Silicon-Switch in Medicinal Chemistry: Design of Silicon-based Compounds for Therapy and Imaging

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Angela Casini; Professor Dr. Shigeyoshi Inoue
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation ; Pharmacy
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 586651924

The proposal has two main objectives: 1) The development of novel silicon containing drugs by the addition of silyl moieties into the structural motifs of established APIs. We will focus on anticancer drugs acting and antibacterial agents. A conceived initial choice of target structures is outlined in WP1. The compounds will then be tested for their antiproliferative activities in cancerous and bacterial cells in vitro. 2) the design and synthesis of peptide targeted (SiFA)SeFe-bearing radiotracers for diagnostic or theranostic applications will be accomplished via a radiohybrid approach. The selected targets include GRPR, CXCR4, integrins and FAP receptors overexpressed in cancer cells.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants