In 2016, cancer is expected to take more than 1,500 lives a day. Human Torque Teno Virus third viral protein (TTV-VP3) has been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells while leaving primary cells unharmed. To design a cancer therapy modeled after TTV- VP3, it is necessary to research its properties. The steady-state localization of TTV-VP3 has been shown to favor the cytoplasm. It is suspected that Leu35 and Leu36 are located in the putative NES that interacts with CRM1. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to mutate these Leucines to Threonines in an attempt to hinder its export capabilities, and drive the steady-state levels of TTV-VP3 to the nucleus. It was determined that Leu35 and Leu36 are not essential for nuclear export but are essential for apoptosis induction.

• 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

• Aherrera, Marya Celina
• Roopcharan, Kevin Rawlins
• Chatani, Rashid Gogen

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042816-133600

Advisor

• Heilman, Destin

Year

• 2016

Date created

• 2016-04-28

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright