BORIS - The MEGA Molecule

BORIS Biochemistry in Action

Illustrating drug target interactions using Molecular models

In 2007 through collaboration between The Centre for Molecular Drug Design at the University of Salford and the School of Chemistry at the University of Manchester, a Biology/Chemistry outreach presentation to GCSE Key Stage 3 and 4 students has engaged with more than 1300 students.

Working with schools and colleges in the Greater Manchester and Lancashire areas focussing primarily on Bolton, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Salford. We use molecular modelling (through computing and actual model making) to introduce the idea that certain drugs fit into specific shapes of a host protein (or enzyme). With this in mind, a purpose built protein molecule has been constructed which will allow modelled traditional drugs (such as aspirin) to fit inside the model, highlighting the fact that only certain drugs bind to specific parts of a protein.

Primary Objectives:

Our primary objective is to inspire and invigorate the audience about science in addition to educating about the concepts of drug therapy.

The project aims to introduce the audeince to the subject of drug therapy through a "hands-on" theoretical approach in molecular modelling. A 5ft model of a protein (which we call "BORIS" - the Biological ORIgins of Systems) has been constructed which pupils will use to "dock" their designed drugs.

The project is intended to bring to the public's attention the causes of cancer, the types of cancer that humans are affected by, the detection of cancer, the relevance of cancer to everyone's lives and the treatment of cancer through the application of molecular modelling and drug design.

Specifically we wish to introduce the concept that proteins and drugs have a "3-D shape" and it is fitting a drug into a shape of a protein that can lead to a desired therappeutic effect. By talking about common household drugs (aspirin etc), we wish to highlight this point.

Recent Activities

In 2008, through generous support from the BBSRC, RSC, The Biochenical Society and EMBO, activities are planned which will engage at least 1,500 students through the North West and beyond.

The Greater Manchester STEM Centre