Several types of cancer have been linked to the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) family of tyrosine kinases. An EGFR homolog in Drosophila, dEGFR, was found to be inhibited by a protein called Kekkon1 (Kek1). Kek1 is a member of the LIG super family, meaning it contains both Leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) and Immunoglobulin (Ig) domains. Based on structural similarities it was hypothesized that members of the human LIG family could interact with the human members of the EGFR family. An ELEXIS interaction assay was used to test interactions between human LIGs and the EGFRs (ErbB1,2,4). Interactions between different human LIGs were also tested. Binding between the human LIGs and receptors could indicate the potential use of LIGs as a cancer therapeutic.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Brunelle, Andrew D

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-043018-084643

Advisor

• Heilman, Destin
• Duffy, Joseph B.

Year

• 2018

Date created

• 2018-04-30

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright