From Protein Structures to Drug Discovery: Novel therapeutic opportunities.

My name is Amal, I am currently a Postdoc at the Protein X-ray Crystallography and Signal Transduction, in Charite' Berlin, Germany. I am investigating the signaling activity of Adhesion G protein- coupled receptors (aGPCRs), one of the 5 main families in the GPCR superfamily with atypical characteristics.These receptors are important in cell-cell adhesion and interaction with extracellular matrix proteins. my main aim is to understand their molecular mechanism of signaling by structural and functional studies. I have a bachelor & master’s degree in industrial biotechnology, where I was studying the application of stem cells in regenerative medicinal applications (mainly cardiovascular diseases). This sparked my interest in science research and I continued my studies for a doctoral degree in cellular and molecular biology in Milan, Italy. I did my PhD in part at the Membrane protein Lab in Oxford, UK and in part at the University of Milan. My main interests are protein structural biology and drug discovery, using X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, bio-chemical and physical methods for studying protein complexes in human physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, during my Ph.D I focused on the characterization of membrane proteins and nanobodies complexes to understand their pathological mechanism in diseases such as neurodisorders including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, ictus and genetic rare diseases. Therefore, by deciphering the impact of the pathological protein's function and structure, it would be possible to propose and rationally develop therapeutic approaches. I am inspired by scientists or people who made an impact in our history. for example, Steve Jobs and his iconic quote “the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Is motivating me a lot. I hope my current study will further advance our understanding of the mechanistic of rare, complicated diseases in which aGPCRs are involved.