HGF/SF is a growth factor involved in epithelial cell replication and motility which has been strongly implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. It represents a potentially valuable extracellular target for therapeutic inhibition. Simple glycomimetics, based on heparin, have been discovered with selective inhibitory activity against HGF/SF activation of its specific signalling receptor MET.
Subsequently, an even simpler mimic has been made which shows good potency in a wound healing assay. The purpose of this project is to synthesise a series of simple heparin mimics for evaluation in wound-healing assays and to establish whether the wound healing inhibition is related to HGF-Met interaction and whether these compounds have potential in cancer chemotherapeutics.
Grant Award – Studentship 2016-2017
Funding Award – £2000
Funding Awarded to – Dr Jim Wilkinson
Research Location – University of Salford
Lead Researcher – Dr Jim Wilkinson
0161 295 3864 