DEGRADATOR teaches protein degradation and PROTAC therapies, winning 3rd in ECGBL 2024’s International Educational Games Contest.
The educational game DEGRADATOR has won 3rd place in the 12th International Educational Games Competition, held at the 18th European Conference on Game-Based Learning (ECGBL 2024) at Aarhus University, Denmark. Developed by Natalia Szulc, a PhD student at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB) in Warsaw, the game introduces players to complex cellular protein degradation processes.
Gameplay and Learning Goals
Players assume the role of ubiquitin ligase E3, responsible for tagging proteins for degradation. The game allows users to explore how cells maintain protein balance and introduces targeted therapies like PROTAC, crucial in cancer treatment.
Educational Resources and Impact
Accompanied by educational materials from IIMCB’s Protein Metabolism Lab, DEGRADATOR also provides lesson plans, quizzes, and multimedia tools to engage learners aged 12 and up. This initiative ensures scientific knowledge is accessible and engaging, countering medical misinformation.