Paolo Ruzza

EDUCATION 1985 Graduated in Medicinal Chemistry with honours (Laurea in Chimica e Tecnologia Farmaceutiche), University of Padua, Italy.

CURRENT POSITION 2021 (1) to date Director of Research at CNR, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Padova Unit, Padova, Italy.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 2020 (1) to date Head of the Secondary Office (RSS) of ICB in Padua.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES 2011 to date Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, degree course in Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology, University of Padova. 1998 to date supervision of graduate and PhD students.

MEMBERSHIPS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES Member of the ACS, APS, EPS, SCI, ItPS.

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS study of the structure and interactions of biologically active peptides with proteins and how these interactions can be influenced by the presence of small molecules. Particular attention is paid to molecules with osmolytic properties and how these can interfere and counteract protein misfolding.

The research activities are aimed at: i) development and validation of analytical methodologies (SRCD, fluorescence, NMR) for the characterization and monitoring of peptide / small molecule interactions with proteins; ii) study of misfolding and protein aggregation processes in peptide or protein models in order to quickly identify a protective activity by different molecules; iii) protein-protein interaction studies and development of molecules capable of modulating this activity; iv) design and characterization of peptides for the active targeting and delivery of anticancer drugs.

Tagliavini, V.; Honisch, C.; Serratì, S.; Azzariti, A.; Bonchio, M.; Ruzza, P.; Carraro, M. Enhancing the biological activity of polyoxometalate–peptide nano-fibrils by spacer design. RSC Adv. 2021, 11, 4952-4957.

Ruzza, P.; Honisch, C.; Hussain, R.; Siligardi, G. Free Radicals and ROS Induce Protein Denaturation by UV Photostability Assay. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22.

Parrasia, S.; Rossa, A.; Varanita, T.; Checchetto, V.; De Lorenzi, R.; Zoratti, M.; Paradisi, C.; Ruzza, P.; Mattarei, A.; Szabò, I.; Biasutto, L. An Angiopep2-PAPTP Construct Overcomes the Blood-Brain Barrier. New Perspectives against Brain Tumors. Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 129.

Honisch, C.; Ragazzi, E.; Hussain, R.; Brazier, J.; Siligardi, G.; Ruzza, P. Interaction of a Short Peptide with G-Quadruplex-Forming Sequences: An SRCD and CD Study. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13.

Honisch, C.; Osto, A.; de Matos, A. D.; Vincenzi, S.; Ruzza, P. Isolation of a tyrosinase inhibitor from unripe grapes juice: A spectrophotometric study. Food Chem. 2020, 305.