The molecular structure of a pharmaceutical compound is seen on a dark non-descript background, wisps of outlines begin to form around the structure, building the space-filling visual model of the compound.

Ominous glowing red neoplastic cells form a tumor within a dark tissue environment; new blood vessels resulting from angiogenesis feed the growing tumor.

Microtubule polymers, regulated by small protein compounds, extend outward from a cluster of mitotic spindles during mitosis.

MLN 8237 (alisertib) Mechanism of Disease Animation

CHALLENGE:
The Aurora A kinase protein plays a key role in allowing entry and progression through mitosis. Several studies have shown that this protein is over-expressed in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. We needed to explain the metabolic process of the pathway and its potential link to cancer progression in a short amount of time.

TRANSFORMATION:
Beautifully rendered in 3D, our mechanism of disease animation explains how cells divide when they undergo mitosis and the changes that can potentially lead to cancer development.

RESULT:
The result is both educational and visually dynamic. The animation captures the role of Aurora A kinase using a storyline that is short enough to sustain the viewer’s attention, yet long enough to ensure the message is retained.

ClientTakeda OncologyAudienceHealthcare professionalsYear2013Winner ofAssociation of Medical Illustrators (Award of Excellence)