Background

The metabolic network is a famously difficult to learn model in the wider subject of metabolism, where the reactions that work together to produce certain metabolites are described as a pathway of lines and dots. The dots represent intermediate metabolites and the lines represent the reactions the metabolites undergo to produce new ones. The pathways can get extremely complex as you try to include more metabolic functions!

Objective

The objective of this project is to provide a novel way to visualize the information contained in a metabolic network to make it easier to consume and understand. By incorporating interaction into the network and making the visualization in 3 dimensions, we are creating a tool that will make it easier to view information that would, in the past, need several different models to display.

Format

This project will focus on desktop and mobile platforms as the primary delivery to maximize ease of use and accessibility. A VR version using Google Cardboard will allow for a more immersive experience.

Features

• 3D navigation of the pathway network on desktop, mobile, and VR
• “Zoom in” feature, to present more information about the selected pathway

The Team

Principal Investigator(s)

• PI: Dr. Lindsay Rogers, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lecturer
• PI: Dr. Scott Covey, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Senior Instructor
• Consultant: Dr. Patrick Pennefather, Assistant Professor, UBC Theatre and Film

Students

• Nikko Angelo Dumrique, Developer (May 2020 – Present)
• Hai Lin Zhang, Developer
• Jenn Gechen, UX/UI Design
• Sam Peng, Subject Matter Consultant

Student Volunteers

• Jeffrey Chow, Subject matter

Staff Developer

• Dante Cerron, Project Lead (May 2020 – Present)

Past Team Members

• Jazica Chan, Developer (May 2020 – August 2020)