The Italian Association of Cell Cultures (AICC-APS) meeting entitled “TARGETED PROTEIN DEGRADATION: from biology to pharmacology”, held in Bologna at the IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli on June 4th 2024, was the first meeting in Italy entirely devoted to the exciting and emerging field of targeted protein degradation. The meeting was opened by Dr. Andrea Testa, Senior Director of Discovery Chemistry at Amphista Therapeutics, Cambridge, UK and previously researcher at the University of Dundee, who provided a comprehensive overview of targeted protein degradation-based modalities, including degraders such as PROTACs and molecular glues, from mechanisms of action to the latest chemical advances in the development of these agents.
The meeting encompassed two main sessions which discussed advantages and challenges of targeted protein degradation-based approaches, from early preclinical development to clinical use. The first session faced with the modalities of identification of novel targets susceptible to targeted protein degradation as well as chemical approaches to identify novel degraders. The second session, faced with the efficacy of novel identified degraders in addressing unmet human diseases such as neurodegenerative and infectious diseases as well as pediatric cancers. The latest innovations in studying protein degradation were presented by companies in two technical talks during the meeting. Issues of targeted protein degradation in the clinical setting were traced by the closing lecture held by Prof. Gabriele Cruciani, University of Perugia, who particularly discussed those criticisms that still need to be addressed to maximize the efficacy of
these agents in patients. We sincerely thank all the national and international speakers for the adhesion to our meeting: the excellent scientific content of their talks favored discussion, produced great participation, and triggered novel trans-disciplinary collaborations.
A big thank to all the participants, who joined us in Bologna from all the parts of Italy and decided to support the activities of the Italian Association for Cell Cultures.
