Faculty Advisor
Rulfs, Jill
Abstract
The utility of polyglutamic acid (PGA) as a drug delivery system was investigated using a cultured hepatic cell line (H35) and insulin conjugated to PGA. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 phosphorylation was monitored in cells exposed to varying degrees of free or PGA-conjugated insulin. Results suggest that PGA conjugated insulin, which is released by polymer degradation, remains biologically active and can bind insulin receptor and initiate a signal transduction cascade. Insulin-PGA results compare favorably to results using free insulin.
Publisher
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Date Accepted
January 2000
Major
Biotechnology
Project Type
Major Qualifying Project
Copyright Statement
Access to this report is limited to members of the WPI community. Please contact a project advisor or their department to request access
Accessibility
Restricted-WPI community only
Advisor Department
Biology and Biotechnology