CONFERENCE REPORT

«Peptide Chemistry Day» 

Zagreb, Croatia , 21 May 2025.

The symposium “Peptide Chemistry Day” was held on May 21 at the University of Zagreb. It was the third symposium organized by the University of Zagreb in collaboration with the Ruđer Bošković Institute and the Croatian Chemical Society, under the patronage of the European Peptide Society. The organization of the symposium was supported by sponsors Labtim and BICRO BioCenter. The symposium was also supported by the Croatian Science Foundation through the project HRZZ-IP-2024-05-1216: “Antimicrobial peptides based on natural marine antimicrobials: Design and study of their mode of action.” The symposium was opened by Prof. Tomislav Josip Mlinarić, Vice-Rector for Innovation, Technology Transfer, and Cooperation with the Economy. https://www.unizg.hr/nc/vijest/article/simpozij-peptide-chemistry-day-na-sveucilistu-u-zagrebu-2/

The symposium continues the mission of bringing together researchers from across Croatia and international guests, facilitating knowledge exchange, and promoting scientific collaboration in the field of peptide chemistry. This year was a special honor, as distinguished scientists in the field of peptide chemistry, Prof. Anna Maria Papini and Prof. Paolo Rovero from the University of Florence, participated in the symposium and delivered plenary lectures. Professor Papini and Professor Rovero are respected members of the European Peptide Society and co-chaired the 14th International Peptide Symposium/37th European Peptide Symposium in Florence in 2024 with great success. We are truly grateful that they accepted the invitation from the organizing committee, took part in the symposium, and shared their work and research findings with the participants.

Professor Papini delivered a lecture titled “From Chemical Immunology to Medicinal Chemistry: The Power of Peptides to Elucidate the Mystery of Molecular Mimicry,” in which she presented an overview of research findings on bioactive peptide-based compounds of pharmaceutical and diagnostic interest. The work emphasizes the use of sustainable synthetic methodologies, which are transferred to relevant stakeholders in order to translate the latest scientific achievements into production and to launch new companies.

Professor Anna Maria Papini and professor Paolo Rovero with Organizing Committee (left), symposium audience (right)

Professor Paolo Rovero scientific interests focus on the design, synthesis, conformational analysis, and biological characterization of peptides of pharmaceutical and biotechnological relevance. Professor Rovero delivered a lecture titled “Collagen Modulator Peptides as Valuable Cosmeceutical Active Ingredients.” In his presentation, he shared research findings aimed at developing peptides that act as serine protease inhibitors and have shown activity in reducing collagen degradation in in vitro models. Since type I collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a fundamental role in the strength, elasticity, and appearance of the skin, this opens the possibility of using this peptide as an active ingredient in a skincare product line called KP1, which optimizes skin appearance and texture by preserving and increasing collagen levels. Invited lectures were also given by distinguished scientists from various peptide research areas. Professor Žiga Jakopin from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, delivered a lecture on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of desmuramyl peptide NOD2 agonists, which are potent immunomodulators. He provided an overview of the structural prerequisites that shape the physicochemical and immunomodulatory profiles of the synthesized NOD2 agonists.

Professor Žiga Jakopin (left), professor Larisa Zoranić (midle) professor Gordan Horvat (right)

Professor Larisa Zoranić from the Faculty of Science, University of Split, presented the research results of her group related to mechanical studies and molecular dynamics simulations of new and potent antimicrobial peptides, in particular, helminth-derived peptides, which are adapted to complex host environments, and the methodology used to discover candidates with strong antimicrobial activity and low toxicity. Professor Gordan Horvat from the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, gave a lecture on the results of his research on cyclopeptides, which represent a class of multifunctional macrocyclic anion receptors. Anion binding by various natural and synthetic receptors is a very important aspect of supramolecular chemistry research. Dr. Mihaela Matovina from the Ruđer Bošković Institute delivered a lecture on the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3), whose physiological role is not yet fully understood; however, it is believed to play an important role in physiological processes, including the regulation of blood pressure and pain. Therefore, peptides and peptidomimetics that inhibit DPP3 are considered potential therapeutics in conditions involving elevated DPP3 concentration and activity. Andrea Kišić Rašeta from Pliva Inc. gave a lecture on 2D-LC/HRMS characterization of impurities in a therapeutic peptide preparation. Young researchers also had the opportunity to present their research findings, including postdoctoral fellow Dr. Mladena Glavaš and PhD candidate Lea Pašalić from the Ruđer Bošković Institute, PhD candidate Marcela Šišić from the Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Azmiera Zamri from the University of Graz, and Ena Dražić from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development, University of Rijeka.

Doctoral students presented their research in ten poster presentations, and at the end of the symposium, the best poster was selected. The symposium award and certificate for the best poster were presented to Gaja Hinić and Mia Jozić from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development, University of Rijeka, for their poster titled “Effect of C-terminal amidation on self-assembly and gelation of short peptides.”

The authors of the awarded poster Gaja Hinić and Mia Jozić with prof Toni Todorovski and  prof Ruža Frkanec (left); Female part of the DeShPet laboratory with the head, Prof. Daniela Kalafatović (right).

A Book of Abstracts from the symposium was also published (ISBN 978-953-8250-44-6), edited by Ruža Frkanec and Danijel Namjesnik. The organizing committee is grateful to everyone who joined the symposium—whether through lectures, poster presentations, or simply as participants—for enriching the event and making it a meaningful and valuable platform for advancing peptide chemistry in Croatia. We thank the University of Zagreb and all the sponsors, especially the European Peptide Society, whose support is invaluable and without whom it would not have been possible to organize this symposium. Finally, sincere thanks to all colleagues from the University of Zagreb, especially Arijana, Sandra, Maja, Bojana, Marcela, Danijelo, Siniša, Ivona, and Tomislav, who helped organize the symposium—each in their own way.

At the end, it was an exceptionally engaging day filled with fascinating lectures, lively discussions, and conversations among researchers—especially young researchers in the field of peptides—all within a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. We look forward to the next symposium and warmly invite all members of the peptide community to join us.

Prof. Ruža Frkanec, PhD

Chair of the Scientific and Organizing Committee

Relaxed networking and discussions during breaks, poster sessions, and after the official symposium program.