Chemical Biology of Sterol-Regulated Processes

The research in Luca Laraia’s group focuses on the chemical biology of processes governed or controlled by sterols. By integrating organic synthesis, cell biology, and mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we seek to discover small molecules and protein regulators that modulate cholesterol biosynthesis, metabolism, and trafficking. The work has broad potential applications across multiple disease areas, linking fundamental chemical biology with therapeutic innovation, with applications such as anti-cancer and anti-infective agents. The group is part of the Chemical Biology unit of Organic Chemistry.

Research

Our activities include the synthesis of sterol-inspired compound collections designed to probe and modulate biological pathways. Furthermore, we systematically identify and validate targets of naturally occurring oxysterols, uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying sterol-regulated processes. Another focus is the identification, validation, and application of small molecule inhibitors targeting selected cholesterol transfer proteins, aiming to enable the precise control of cholesterol transport and metabolism. Across all projects, we combine chemical design and cellular studies to advance understanding of sterol biology and develop potential therapeutic strategies.

Contact

Luca Laraia

Luca Laraia Professor Department of Chemistry Phone: +45 45252495 Mobile: +45 50652777

Vacancies

All positions will be announced at the central DTU webpage here.

Group members