Speakers

Title: Rational design and mechanistic characterization of novel antifungal agents targeting squalene epoxidase

Abstract: The increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance, particularly against terbinafine, represents a growing challenge in the treatment of dermatophytic infections. Resistance mechanisms, mainly associated with mutations in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) enzyme, significantly compromise the efficacy of current therapies. In this context, the development of new antifungal agents with improved activity and reduced susceptibility to resistance is urgently needed. In this work, we report the rational design, synthesis, and comprehensive evaluation of a series of novel sulfonamide-based compounds targeting SQLE in Trichophyton species. The molecular design strategy was based on combining structural features of known inhibitors while reducing steric hindrance and modulating physicochemical properties to overcome resistance-associated limitations. Five compounds were synthesized and evaluated against clinical isolates of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Among them, compound 2 exhibited outstanding antifungal activity in the nanomolar range, surpassing the reference drug terbinafine. Structure–activity relationship analysis revealed that subtle structural modifications significantly influence biological activity, highlighting the importance of scaffold flexibility and aromatic substitution patterns. To gain mechanistic insight, an integrated computational strategy was employed, including homology modeling of fungal SQLE, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. These studies revealed that compound 2 adopts a stable binding mode within the hydrophobic active site, driven by favorable π–π and hydrophobic interactions with key residues such as Leu393 and Phe397, which are directly implicated in resistance mechanisms. Importantly, the proposed scaffold avoids the steric limitations associated with the naphthyl group present in terbinafine, enabling improved accommodation within the binding pocket and potentially reducing susceptibility to resistance. The combination of experimental and computational results establishes a clear correlation between molecular design, binding affinity, and biological activity. Overall, this study provides a robust framework for the development of next-generation antifungal agents and highlights the power of integrating synthetic chemistry, biological evaluation, and in silico approaches to address drug resistance. These findings pave the way for further optimization and future structural validation studies toward clinical translation.

Title: Analysis of Ligand Selection Criteria in Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Studies

Abstract:  Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies help establish a link between a molecule’s chemical structure and its biological activity. They are essential in medicinal chemistry for optimizing the efficacy and selectivity of compounds. The selection of molecules is based on several criteria, including structural diversity, to explore different functional groups. It is also important to have reliable biological data covering a broad spectrum of activity. Physicochemical properties, such as molecular weight, lipophilicity, and polarity, must be taken into account. The quality of experimental data is essential to ensure reproducibility. Experimental approaches include synthesis and biological testing. In silico approaches, such as molecular docking and QSAR, complement this analysis. A sound selection strategy enables the identification of key pharmacophores; it thus helps optimize candidates and accelerate the discovery of new molecules

Title: Research in human physiology in the field of big data.

Abstract: In the age of big data, research in human physiology is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the integration of digital technologies and advanced analytical tools. The analysis of large volumes of data from diverse sources—including biological, clinical, and connected device data—enables a more nuanced and dynamic understanding of physiological functions. This approach facilitates the modeling of complex systems, the identification of new biomarkers, and improved prediction of pathological conditions. It thus paves the way for a more integrative approach to physiology, focused on precision medicine and biomedical innovation.

Title: Structure–Antimicrobial Activity Relationships of Recombinant Host Defence Peptides Against Drug‐Resistant Bacteria. 

Abstract: Host defence peptides (HDPs) represent a valuable class of antimicrobial agents with the potential to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Here, we have studied recombinant constructs based on a combination of HDPs fused to the GFP protein and multidomain proteins combining three or four HDPs in a single polypeptide, referred to as first and second generation antimicrobials, respectively. These recombinant peptides were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria associated with healthcare infections. In addition, in silico studies provided insight into the antimicrobial structure–activity relationships of these biomolecules. For the first generation of antimicrobials, amphipathicity mainly explains the average antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive strains. In the case of the Gram-negative bacteria, it depends on the quantity and the exposed area of the Ser and Thr amino acids. For the second generation of antimicrobials, the order of domains is crucial to act against Gram-positive strains, preferably by positioning the most bioactive domain against the Gram-positive pathogen at the ends. 

Title: AI in Oncology: Next-Generation Intelligence from Diagnosis to Therapy

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping oncology by enabling smarter, data-driven approaches from diagnosis to therapy. This keynote explores recent advances in AI for medical imaging, where deep learning enhances cancer detection and characterization, as well as predictive modeling using clinical and multi-source patient data for prognosis and treatment response. It also highlights the growing role of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in extracting knowledge from clinical records and supporting AI-driven treatment recommendation systems. Through real-world applications and recent research advances, the talk presents how multimodal AI integrating imaging, clinical, and textual data is paving the way toward more precise, personalized, and intelligent cancer care, while addressing key challenges in interpretability, ethics, and clinical adoption.

Title: Importance of Genomics in the study of the endosymbiotic bacteria of insect pest that cause damage in agriculture in Morocco

Abstract: The Research of our genomics team on Moroccan insects that cause damage in agriculture: Detection and Characterization of Spiroplasma and Wolbachia in a Natural Population of Glossina tachinoides. Characterization of the Bacterial Microbiome in Natural Populations of Barley Stem Gall Midge, Mayetiola hordei, in Morocco. The Characterization of the olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) microbiome across diverse geographic regions of Morocco olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae). The Analysis of the Bacterial Microbiota in Wild Populations of Prickly Pear Cochineal, Dactylopius opuntiae, in Morocco (Dactylopius opuntiae). Detection and Characterization of Spiroplasma and Wolbachia in a Natural Population of Glossina tachinoides. The strategy consisted of collecting insects from different regions in Morocco to resolve the bacterial taxa to species level. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to resolve the bacterial taxa to species level. Actually, the characterization associated with bacterial microbiomes is being performed using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the Oxford Nanopore MinION platform. The analysis revealed that microbiome composition varies across geographic locations, suggesting that they are influenced by environmental and ecological factors. Furthermore, we can use the identification of bacteria that can be targeted for symbiont-based strategies to control this pest.

Title: Constructed Wetlands for Domestic Wastewater Treatment : New perspectives under Cirqua Project

Abstract: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture necessitates the exploration of natural alternatives for managing fish diseases. This research focused on the production of a plant extract from Equisetum arvense L. and its evaluation as a novel phytobiotic to potentially replace conventional antibiotics in aquaculture settings. The extract was subsequently prepared using supercritical CO2 extraction under optimized conditions (70 °C, 150 bar, with a 3:1 EtOH:H2O co-solvent). Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined, and its antioxidant capacity was assessed. The phytochemical composition was determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the E. arvense L. phytobiotic extract was specifically investigated against significant fish pathogenic bacteria isolated from aquaculture disease outbreaks. These included Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Photobacterium damselae, Aeromonas veronii, Pseudomonas sp., and Bacillus pumilus. Furthermore, the safety profile of the extract for aquaculture application was evaluated through toxicity testing. The results indicated that the E. arvense L. extract is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, exhibiting significant antioxidant activity. GC-MS analysis successfully identified eight compounds, including fatty acids and vitamins. Moreover, the extract demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against the tested fish pathogens, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.78 to 6.25 mg mL-1 and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values between 1.25 and 12.5 mg mL-1, varying with the specific bacterial strain. These values signify good antibacterial and bactericidal effects. These findings highlight the potential of the Equisetum arvense extract, rich in bioactive compounds, as a promising phytobiotic for controlling pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture, offering a safe alternative to traditional antibiotics