Drug Design: Protein Kinases

Interactive, scaffolded model

Overview and Learning Objectives

Much effort has been put into understanding the structure and function of molecules, so that computers can be used to more quickly and efficiently aid in the design of drugs for many different diseases. In this activity we will explore what is known about one particular kind of molecule that is a target for new drugs - protein kinases. Students review protein structure and hydrophilic/phobic interactions, and then study kinases, small proteins that regulate numerous cell processes.

Students will be able to

• relate protein structure to its function

• identify component structures and forces that maintain a protein's shape (hydrogen bonds, hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions)

• describe what a researcher would look for when they start to design a protein that could block a kinase.

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Activity Credits

Created by CC: Molecular Literacy

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Requirements

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