Helen Timmins

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
• Synthesizing novel protein Speedy and investigating its role in controlling cell division; building a foundation for future cancer research

Cyclin dependent Kinases (CDK’s) are proteins that help regulate Mitosis (cell division). CDK’s act at each stage of mitosis, controlling the cells ability to progress through cell division. CDK’s themselves are controlled by another set of proteins- Cyclins- that bind to CDK’s and activate them.  Some CDK’s can also be activated by a cyclin alike protein named Speedy. A recent a paper published the structure of Speedy, showing it to be very similar to Cyclins. Building on this paper, the aim of this project was to determine which materials and methods were best to create a Speedy protein in the lab. This recombinant protein could then be used in future research. As Speedy has been reported to be found at high levels in certain cancers our work may have important implications for future cancer research.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Prof Jane Endicott