Danilo D'Angelo receives poster prize at the International Max Planck Research School Symposium 2025

Danilo D’Angelo, a third-year Ph.D. student, was awarded a poster prize at the International Max Planck Research School Symposium 2025 "Molecules in Motion", recognizing his contributions to advancing targeted cancer research. His work centers on the biological characterization and crystallization of Akt, which is crucial in supporting the structure-based design of isoform-selective covalent allosteric inhibitors (CAAIs) that selectively target the Akt isoforms. Through detailed structural studies and functional assays, his research provides essential insights into the distinct biological roles of these isoforms in cancer progression and cellular metabolism. By facilitating a deeper understanding of Akt isoform behavior and enabling the design of selective inhibitors that engage a unique allosteric pocket, his efforts aim to develop more precise and effective cancer therapies with fewer off-target effects.