The Natural Products Chemistry group is focused on the identification and development of novel hit/lead-drug candidates from natural sources though both isolation and molecular derivatization of novel bioactive chemical scaffolds from plants.
Targeting Multidrug Resistance (MDR) in cancer
We are focused on identifying effective plant-derived anticancer compounds and derivatives with emphasis on targeting multidrug-resistant cancer cells. Particularly, our main goal is to discover ABC-transporter modulators (P-gp, MRP1; ABCG2) and MDR-selective compounds against resistant cancer cells.
Antimicrobials for killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria
We are also interested in identifying compounds against resistant bacterial strains, from African medicinal plants used in traditional medicine.
Raimundo L, Paterna A, Calheiros J, Ribeiro J, Cardoso DSP, Piga I, Neto SJ, Hegan D, Glazer PM, Indraccolo S, Mulhovo S, Costa JL, Ferreira MJU, Saraiva S. BBIT20 inhibits homologous DNA repair with disruption of the BRCA1–BARD1 interaction in breast and ovarian cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2021, 3627–3647, DOI:10.1111/bph.15506.
- April 26, 2021
- Natural Products Chemistry
Cardoso DSP, Kincses A, Nové M, Spengler G, Mulhovo S, Aires-de-Sousa J, dos Santos DJVA, Ferreira MJU. Alkylated monoterpene indole alkaloid derivatives as potent P-glycoprotein inhibitors in resistant cancer cells. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 210: 112985. DOI:10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112985.
- January 15, 2021
- Natural Products Chemistry
Ferreira RJ, Spengler G, Orthaber A, dos Santos DJVA, Ferreira, MJU. Pedrolane, a Polycyclic Diterpene Scaffold Containing a Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane System, from Euphorbia pedroi. Org Lett 2021; 23: 274–278. DOI:10.1021/acs.orglett.0c03647.
- December 29, 2020
- Natural Products Chemistry
Reis MA, Matos, A M, Duarte N, Ahmed OB, Ferreira RJ, Lage H, Ferreira, MJU Epoxylathyrane Derivatives as MDR-Selective Compounds for Disabling Multidrug Resistance in Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11, DOI:10.3389/fphar.2020.00599.
- May 3, 2020
- Natural Products Chemistry
Mónico A, Ramalhete C, André V, Spengler G, Mulhovo S, Duarte MT, Ferreira, MJU. Cucurbalsaminones A-C, Rearranged Triterpenoids with a 5/6/3/6/5-Fused Pentacyclic Carbon Skeleton from Momordica balsamina, as Multidrug Resistance Reversers. J Nat Prod 2019; 82: 2138−2143 DOI:10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00019.
- July 24, 2019
- Natural Products Chemistry
Maria José Umbelino Ferreira
Group Leader
Email: mjuferreira@ff.ulisboa.pt
Phone: (+351) 217946474 (Ext. 379)
View Profile[lab_researchers_otherinfo_shortcode_output]
- Lab keywords:
- Medicinal plants; Anticancer agents; Multidrug resistance (MDR); ABC-transporters; Antibacterial
- Primary area of ıntegration within imed:
- Oncology, Scientific Hub
- Secondary area(s) of ıntegration within imed:
- Infectious Diseases, Scientific Hub