Melanoma 3D

Overview

Dr. William Kaufmann (UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center) used RENCI 3D visualization to study genetic changes caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation that trigger the development of melanoma. The visualizations of predicted protein-protein interactions made it easier to spot important interactions and relationships in complex biological data. The research could lead to a better understanding of the causes of melanoma and offer new approaches for treatment. This visualization shows protein interactions in yeast and worm protein structures and in a homologous human protein structure. The human proteins are displayed on the middle plane and link to yeast proteins on the bottom and worm proteins on the top. This comparative study was used to understand the interactions taking place among related genes that lead to mutations and the development of cancerous cells.

Project Team

Hong Yi

Partner

Dr. William Kaufmann (primary researcher), UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center