Abstract:

My research examined the synthetic peptide solnatide and ist ability to activate the epithelial sodium ion channel (ENaC), including mutants associated with peseudohypoaldosteronism. I studied how ENaC N-glycans play a key role in solnatide´s interaction and internalization. In parallel, I investigated lysosomal cathepsins, focusing on their role in the cytotoxicity of fungal secondary metabolites like Enniatin B and Beauvericin and their involvement in colon cancer cell resistance to radiation therapy. Notably, inhibiting certain cathepsins enhanced the effects of ionizing radiation. Finally, I investigated the relationship between proteases and ENaC, highlighting their importance in ENaC processing and activation.