On April 2, 2026, the Faculty of Pharmacy of Charles University in Hradec Králové hosted the 1st 4EU+ Seed Grant Workshop dedicated to the TACKLE project (Targeted Therapeutic Degradation of Aldo-Keto Reductases to Overcome Anthracycline Resistance in Cancer). The event brought together researchers from Charles University, the University of Milan, and the University of Warsaw, creating a dynamic platform for international collaboration in cancer research and targeted protein degradation.
The workshop featured a series of engaging presentations highlighting both experimental and computational approaches. Prof. Vladimír Wsól opened the program with an introduction to the AKR|SDR Research Group and its work on the role of aldo-keto reductases in anthracycline resistance. Dr. Nithin Chandran followed with insights into the Computational Biology Laboratory and the in silico design of AKR1B10-targeting PROTACs.
In the second part of the workshop, Prof. Carlo Matera presented innovative synthetic strategies for developing PROTACs, emphasizing their potential in chemical biology. Dr. Dattatrya Shetti then shared his research on AKR1B10 expression in lung cancer and outlined promising approaches for its inhibition and targeted degradation.
Beyond the scientific program, the workshop provided valuable opportunities for networking, discussion, and the exchange of ideas among participating teams. The day concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Dattatrya Shetti and informal discussions that further strengthened collaborative ties.
The meeting marked an important step forward for the TACKLE project, helping to align research efforts and define the next stages of collaboration. By bringing together complementary expertise from across Europe, the workshop reinforced a shared commitment to developing innovative strategies in cancer treatment.
Text: Vladimír Wsól and Dattatrya Shetti
This workshop was supported by the Charles University SEED4EU+ project „Targeted Therapeutic Degradation of Aldo-Keto Reductases to Overcome Anthracycline Resistance in Cancer”, grant no. SE/25/F1/0/170. We acknowledge the support of 4EU+ Alliance for providing the necessary resources and facilities.
