Synthesizing the Protein MUC1

Student Name: Nicholas Andrew
UCD Department: Department of Chemistry
UCD Mentor: Dr. Xi Chen

Synthesizing MUC1, an important protein in human epithelial cells that protects cells from external disease. This protein is overexpressed in the cancer cells of the colon, ovaries, lung, and pancreas. By synthesizing various forms of this protein, Nicholas and his co-workers hope to begin developing a vaccine that can target and help the immune system destroy cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.