TK1; Journey from the Cytoplasm to the Cell Membrane

Authors

Weston Burrup, Brigham Young University
Kim O'Neill, Brigham Young University

Keywords

TK1, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cancer patients

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

Thymidine Kinase 1 is an enzyme involved in the synthesis of thymidine triphosphate, an essential DNA building block needed for cell replication. Previous research has shown an upregulated level of TK1 in the serum levels of cancer patients as well as on the cancer cell surface. Due to its’ abnormal presence on the surface of various cancer cells, it is being researched as a potential biomarker for future immunotherapies. In order to be a more reliable biomarker, we need a more in depth understanding of the mechanism of how this protein travels through the cell cytoplasm and eventually attaches on the external side of the cell membrane.

Recommended Citation

Burrup, Weston and O'Neill, Kim (2018) "TK1; Journey from the Cytoplasm to the Cell Membrane," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2018: Iss. 1, Article 157.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2018/iss1/157