Breakdown of the Genome’s Protector

Papillomaviruses infect the mucosal and cutaneous epithelial cells, and infection of most HPV types lead to self-limiting benign lesions while some high-risk types cause cancer. 

HPV E6, a viral oncoprotein, plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis by binding with p53 and inhibiting p53-dependent growth arrest and apoptosis, favoring cell growth. 

2023.

  • Autodesk Maya, Protein Data Bank, Chimera, VMD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator

  • The purpose of this project was to create a finished 2-page illustration spread for Scientific American that depicts a molecular process.

  • Derek Ng (Biomedical Communications Professor, University of Toronto)

  • Scientific

Thumbnail Sketches

The project started with several rough thumbnail sketches that explored different layouts and ideas for the subject of HPV and the E6/E6AP/p53 complex. After receiving feedback, the thumbnail on the bottom right was selected to be fleshed out further.

Initial Protein Models

Using 3D protein imager and the Protein Data Bank, concept models for the E6/E6AP/p53 structure were modeled. After some consideration, the color scheme and visual appearance of the complex was modified to fit the subject matter better.

Rough Draft

After receiving feedback from peers and the instructor on the selected thumbnail, a fleshed out comprehensive sketch was created using Adobe Illustrator and 3D protein imager.