Event Title
Synthesis of Novel Peptides as Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitors
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology
Mentor Information
Laurie Witucki
Department
Chemistry
Location
Kirkhof Center KC86
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Health, Life Science
Abstract
Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a protein kinase involved in signal transduction at cellular focal adhesions. Protein kinases function by altering a substrate via phosphorylation, thereby altering the substrates functionality, often turning it on or off. By targeting FAK for inhibition, it may be possible to prevent the signal transduction of cancerous cells responsible for releasing cell anchorage and metastasizing. This investigation involved designing novel peptide substrates that mimick the protein CASp130, a reported in vivo substrate. The two peptides synthesized were DH-1: DVYDVPKKK and DH-2: DIYDVPKKK. Each peptide contained a string of 6 amino acids isolated from the CASp130 protein attached to a polylysine tail required for functionality of the phosphorylation assay. The peptides were synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis methods, both manual and automated.
Synthesis of Novel Peptides as Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitors
Kirkhof Center KC86
Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a protein kinase involved in signal transduction at cellular focal adhesions. Protein kinases function by altering a substrate via phosphorylation, thereby altering the substrates functionality, often turning it on or off. By targeting FAK for inhibition, it may be possible to prevent the signal transduction of cancerous cells responsible for releasing cell anchorage and metastasizing. This investigation involved designing novel peptide substrates that mimick the protein CASp130, a reported in vivo substrate. The two peptides synthesized were DH-1: DVYDVPKKK and DH-2: DIYDVPKKK. Each peptide contained a string of 6 amino acids isolated from the CASp130 protein attached to a polylysine tail required for functionality of the phosphorylation assay. The peptides were synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis methods, both manual and automated.