Dr Michał Ponczek from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz (UŁ), together with scientists from Pakistan, developed a method for detecting inhibitors of the PCSK9 protein, which may enable the development of more effective drugs for atherosclerosis. The mechanism was described in the PLOS ONE magazine.

Subtilisin / Kexin-9 Proprotein Convertase (PCSK9) is one of the proteins contributing to elevated cholesterol levels and the onset of atherosclerosis.

The work “Finding inhibitors for PCSK9 using computational methods” describes a method of finding potential PCSK-9 inhibitors using computational methods (thanks to advanced computer technologies). Such chemical compounds could become new anti-atherosclerotic drugs in the future.

Dr Michał Ponczek explained, that PCSK-9 inhibitors could partially replace the long-known statins or be used together with them to prevent blood vessel blockage, leading to fatal strokes and heart attacks.

More:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0255523