Educator's Month: Targeted Protein Degradation Goes to School: From Bench to Browser with DEGRADATOR

JUN 11, 2025

Educator’s Month: Targeted Protein Degradation Goes to School: From Bench to Browser with DEGRADATOR

What happens when a complex cellular process meets creative game design? In this talk, I will take you behind the scenes of DEGRADATOR (https://degradator-game.com), the first educational computer game designed to teach students about the ubiquitin-proteasome system and innovative targeted protein degradation therapies, such as PROTACs.

DEGRADATOR was developed for learners aged 12 and above, from high school students to undergraduates, providing them with an interactive experience where they step into the role of an E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme and navigate busy molecular environment through immersive gameplay. But what does it take to turn intricate scientific content into a compelling gaming experience? Which technical, pedagogical, and creative decisions shape such a project? And how can educators eVectively integrate this resource into their curricula?

I’ll share insights into how DEGRADATOR has already been successfully introduced in biology classrooms, including student feedback and survey data demonstrating its educational eVectiveness. Moreover, you’ll discover the broader DEGRADATOR ecosystem—beyond the game itself—including carefully designed classroom scenarios, comprehensive teacher materials, the Great Encyclopedia of Protein Degradation, and even a comic.

Recognizing its innovative design and educational impact, DEGRADATOR earned 3rd place at the 12th International Educational Games Competition during the European Conference on Games Based Learning (ECGBL 2024). Furthermore, it has been integrated into LabXchange, a global science education platform, making the game widely accessible to learners and educators around the world.

If you’re curious about how scientific concepts can be transformed into engaging educational experiences—or have ever considered developing and launching your own classroom-ready educational game—I warmly invite you to join this session. I’ll share practical tips, real-life examples, and behind-the-scenes stories from the creation journey of DEGRADATOR.

Our Speaker

Natalia Szulc

Scientist, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology

Natalia Szulc is a scientist at the International Institute in Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, working in Prof. Wojciech Pokrzywa’s laboratory. Her research centers on the ubiquitin-proteasome system, investigating evolutionary adaptations that protect proteins from degradation, as well as degrons and rare diseases related to this system. Natalia’s background spans both molecular biotechnology and computational engineering; she is a Fulbright Scholarship awardee. Driven by a commitment to the rare disease community in Poland, Natalia co-founded LumiRare, a company dedicated to improving patients’ lives through scientific insights into rare genetic mutations. LumiRare utilizes exhaustive literature reviews, advanced bioinformatics, and collaborative partnerships to develop informed hypotheses about disease mechanisms and potential intervention strategies. The company also fosters communication between patients and the global research community.