Faculty Members: Nikos K. Karamanos, Achilleas D. Theocharis, Spyros S. Skandalis

Nikos K. Karamanos is a full Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Patras and Collaborative Faculty Member of the Foundation of Research & Technology (ICE-HT, FORTH) (Patras, Greece). 
MSc Zoi Piperigkou doing cell culture procedure
Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group has extensive experience in the areas of matrix pathobiology, cell signaling, molecular targeting and preclinical evaluation of drugs at cell level. More focus is given on proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, metalloproteinases and acidic glycoproteins and especially to their implication in tissue organization and the pathogenesis and progression of various disorders, such as cancer and atherosclerosis. The signal transduction pathways mediating their production by various normal or cancer cells and the regulation of their expression by cytokines and growth factors are also studied in deep details the last 10-years. In addition, this group has long-lasting expertise in the development of very sensitive bioanalytical methods and their application to identify macromolecular structure-activity relationship in physiological and pathological conditions as well as in pharmacokinetic studies.
Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group of the University of Patras, headed by Dr Karamanos, has developed long-lasting collaboration at National and European level. The synergy of the research team members and their outstanding expertise in matrix pathobiology, cell signalling and pharmacological targeting and particularly at the levels of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Glycoanalytics-Molecular Targeting (N.K. Karamanos, A.D. Theocharis, S.S. Skandalis), has resulted in the successful management of several National and International collaborative funding programs and a significant number of publications in peer-reviewed international scientific journals. An important element of the long-lasting research activity focused on matrix pathobiology is the international recognition of Karamanos’ group as a major contributor in this research field and the development of collaborations with leading research institutes at International level (Karolinska Institute, School of Medicine, Sweden; University of Insubria, School of Medicine, Varese-Italy; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Uppsala University, Sweden; University of Lund, Sweden; University of Trondheim, Norway; University of Paris 12, France; University of Oslo, Norway; University of Nantes, France) and National level (School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Patras; Institute of Biology “Demokritos” and Dept of Pharmacy, University of Athens; School of Medicine, University of Crete; Dept of Chemistry, Lab of Biochemistry, University of Thessaloniki; University Hospital of Patras, Larissa, Thessaloniki and Athens).
This is a graphic description of our research activities
This is a graphic description of our research activities.