Lay summary
Full Stage Lay Summary
One of the hallmarks of cancer is increased formation of blood vessels (angiogenesis) and this process is mediated, in part, by a hormone known as adrenomedullin. Inhibition of angiogenesis has been clinically proven to stop tumour growth, so new approaches to reduce angiogenesis have potential as anticancer therapies. Adrenomedullin binds to the adrenomedullin 1 receptor, found on the surface of cells, and stimulates signalling to promote blood vessel growth. This project will use medicinal chemistry, combined with molecular modelling, to design and synthesise new molecules that selectively inhibit the binding of adrenomedullin to this receptor and so stop blood vessel growth. These molecules will be tested for their ability to selectively bind to the receptor in vitro and will be tested for their ability to inhibit angiogenesis in animal models. This project represents the first steps towards identifying a new drug capable of halting tumour growth.