LIDo banner

Recent projects

Apply now

Find out more about the different routes to entry and our eligibility criteria

Find out more

The Molecular Recognition and Function of the TGFβ1 – Neuropilin Interaction: a Computational, Biophysical and Biological Study

D.Selwood Research Image

Immune targeting agents are transforming the treatment of cancer. We have identified the TGFβ1 – NRP1interaction as an important signaling axis in controlling the immune response to tumours. This project works out the details of the molecular interactions for TGFβ1 – NRP1using computational, biophysical and cell biology methods. The results will provide fundamental knowledge important in the development of new therapies for cancer.

Disciplines and Techniques
Project supervisor/s
Professor David Selwood
David is interested in research on the edge of chemistry and biology using the latest techniques and developing new ones for the study of biological systems.
University College London
Professor Snezana Djordjevic
Snezana's research includes enzymatic studies, ITC and UV/VIS spectroscopy, molecular modelling, and site-directed mutagenesis that complemented X-ray crystallographic analysis of the proteins of interest.
University College London/Birkbeck University of London
References
Tuftsin signals through its receptor neuropilin-1 via the transforming growth factor beta pathway
Nissen JC, Selwood DL, Tsirka SE. .
J Neurochem ;127(3):394-402. doi: 10.1111/jnc.12404. PMID: 24033337
2013 Nov
Ablation of NRP11 from glioma-associated microglia and macrophages slows tumor progression
Miyauchi JT, Chen D, Choi M, Nissen JC, Shroyer KR, Djordevic S, Zachary IC, Selwood D, Tsirka SE.
Oncotarget. ;7(9):9801-14. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.68
2016 Mar 1
Small Molecule Neuropilin-1 Antagonists Combine Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Activity with Immune Modulation through Reduction of Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ1) Production in Regulatory T-Cells
Powell J, …Djordjevic S, Tsirka SE, Zachary IC, Selwood DL.
J Med Chem 10;61(9):4135-4154 doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00210. PMID: 29648813
2018 May
Architecture and hydration of the arginine-binding site of neuropilin-1
Mota F, Fotinou C, Rana RR, Chan AWE, Yelland T, Arooz MT, O’Leary AP, Hutton J, Frankel P, Zachary I, Selwood D, Djordjevic S.
FEBS J. ;285(7):1290-1304. doi: 10.1111/febs.1
2018 Apr