MSci Project
Targeting DNA Replication with Designed Peptide Ligands
Combining computational, synthetic, and biochemical skills to develop a novel cancer therapy.
The Barnard Group Christmas dinner – December 2022.
In 2022, I joined the Barnard group for my MSci Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry project working on targeting key protein-protein interactions involved in DNA replication developing a peptide inhibitor of origin licensing in collaboration with the Speck and Barr groups. During my project, I:
Designed and synthesised a series of human Orc3-mimic peptides displaying inhibition of DNA replication initiation in an in vitro human DNA licensing assay.
Utilised a computationally-assisted design approach to design single-point mutations, resulting in modest solubility and purity improvements.
Conducted a fluorescent cross-linking assay to identify the peptides’ biological target, in agreement with preliminary cryo-EM findings from the Speck group.
My project poster was featured in the SCI Young Chemist's National Undergraduate Poster competition 2023, and I was awarded the Runner-up Prize for Undergraduate Research Presentation in Chemical Biology by the Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London.
