Identification and Optimisation of Inhibitors of the Aurora A/N-Myc Protein-Protein Interaction in Neuroblastoma
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
The project will focus on identifying compounds which can disrupt the Aurora A/N-Myc protein-protein interaction. The N-Myc protein is often overexpressed in the paediatric tumour Neuroblastoma and correlates with a poorer prognosis. N-Myc is highly variable and is considered "undruggable". However the Aurora A/N-Myc complex contains sites which could be targeted by small molecules and disrupt the interaction. When N-Myc is removed from this complex, sites of phosphorylation become accessible, which targets the protein for proteasomal degradation. Reduction of N-Myc leads to cell death and shows promise as a therapy for some cancers.
The project will involve virtual screening to identify initial hits from fragment and compound libraries, biological assays to assess binding strength and synthesis of analogues to optimise hits.
The project will involve virtual screening to identify initial hits from fragment and compound libraries, biological assays to assess binding strength and synthesis of analogues to optimise hits.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Richard Bayliss (Primary Supervisor) | |
Sarah Ward (Student) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP/N509681/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2021 | |||
1799063 | Studentship | EP/N509681/1 | 30/09/2016 | 30/05/2020 | Sarah Ward |
Description | Tutorial course design for GCSE/A-level students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | A series of tutorials designed around my research for GCSE and A-level students with the potential to go to top universities, with a particular focus on those from underrepresented backgrounds. Following the course, students had a better idea of university life and research, and many claimed it had changed their opinions on their futures. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |