In the laboratories of the Universidad Panamericana’s Faculty of Engineering, cutting-edge research is laying the groundwork for a new generation of treatments against melanoma and skin hyperpigmentation.
The project, directed by Dr. Yovani Marrero-Ponce, a research professor at Panamericana and a member of the National System of Researchers (SNII) level III, has obtained funding from the SECIHTI’s Science of the Frontier program.
Dr. Felix Orlando Martínez Ríos, a research professor at the Universidad Panamericana’s Faculty of Engineering, and Dr. Luis Antonio Garcia González, from the UNAM’s Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Center, are also collaborating.
Biomedical innovation for melanoma treatment
The project, titled Discovery of Multitarget Inhibitors of Melanogenesis , has the central objective of identifying compounds, both natural and synthetic, capable of simultaneously inhibiting four key proteins in melanin production: the enzymes TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, and the transcription factor MITF, the latter considered a master regulator in melanoma progression.
Beyond current treatments
Most currently available inhibitors target only the tyrosinase enzyme (TYR), which limits their long-term effectiveness. Dr. Marrero-Ponce explains the need for a multiple approach: “Melanogenesis is a complex biological process. Attacking a single target allows other pathways to compensate for the inhibition”.
He also adds: “Our multitarget strategy seeks to block the process comprehensively, which translates into greater efficacy and reduces the risk of resistance being generated, both in therapeutic applications against cancer and in depigmenting treatments”.
A hybrid strategy: from the digital world to the laboratory
The project’s methodological innovation resides in the integration of computational methods (known as the DRY approach) with experimental validation (WET approach).
On one hand, the team uses Artificial Intelligence algorithms, molecular modelling, and virtual screening to analyse millions of compounds and predict how they interact with the target proteins. On the other hand, the compounds with the best results are synthesised and evaluated in the laboratory through enzymatic and cellular assays to verify their real effectiveness.
“This integration allows us to be faster and more precise. We drastically reduce the time and costs associated with traditional drug discovery,” highlights the researcher.
Scientific and social impact products
In addition to the candidate molecules, the project will generate valuable resources for the scientific community:
- A specialised database with structural information and biological activity of the compounds, which will be available to other researchers.
- Open-access software for virtual screening and molecule design, which can be downloaded from the platform http://mobiosd-hub.com/.
The most promising molecules will be protected by patent, with the aim of developing prototypes of antitumor drugs or depigmenting agents for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Training the new generation of scientists
The project is also a training platform for young researchers who are still students, such as Ricardo H. Guerrero Lara, from the Doctorate in Artificial Intelligence at the Universidad Panamericana, and Greneter Cordoves Delgado, a doctoral student from the Department of Computer Science at the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE). Both actively participate in the project, acquiring skills in bioinformatics, medical chemistry, and molecular biology.
“For our students, this is an opportunity to get involved in an integral project that goes from theory to application, promoting a translational vision of science,” comments Dr. Marrero-Ponce.
With this research, the Universidad Panamericana reaffirms its commitment to frontier science and the search for innovative solutions that positively impact health and society.
Learn more about what researchers at the Universidad Panamericana do at: https://www.up.edu.mx/tema/noticias/investigacion/
Researcher Data:
- Dr. Yovani Marrero-Ponce, Research Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Panamericana. SNII level III. ymarrero@up.edu.mx
- Dr. Félix Orlando Martínez Ríos, Research Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Panamericana, SNII level I. fmartin@up.edu.mx
- Dr. Luis Antonio Garcia González, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Center, UNAM. lgarciaag89@gmail.com
Students:
- Greneter Cordoves Delgado, Doctoral Student, Department of Computer Science, Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE).
- Ricardo H. Guerrero Lara, Student of the Doctorate in Artificial Intelligence, Academy of Information Technology and Analysis, Universidad Panamericana.
