Proteins are an essential part of many of the processes that take place inside our bodies, but the details of how they function can get complicated! How can we explain the important roles that proteins play in an understandable way? Through DEGRADATOR, a game about the process of protein degradation, students learn all about proteins in a fun and engaging format.
Below, learn what went into creating DEGRADATOR from Natalia Szulc, the main inventor and producer of DEGRADATOR and a PhD student in the laboratory of Prof. Wojciech Pokrzywa at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB).
DEGRADATOR is an educational computer game that takes you into the fascinating world of protein degradation—a process that happens constantly in every cell of our bodies to keep things running smoothly. Players step into the role of a molecular “cleanup crew member,” learning how cells tag and recycle unwanted proteins. In essence, the game illustrates the ubiquitination process, where ubiquitin, a small protein, is attached to a target protein by an E3 ligase (our hero), signaling the proteasome, the cell’s recycling center, to break it down.
DEGRADATOR is designed to make complex biology fun and accessible, with gameplay that’s both entertaining and informative. Along the way, players also explore cutting-edge therapies like PROTACs, which harness the protein degradation process to combat diseases like cancer. You can think of DEGRADATOR as a blend of science and gaming, where learning happens through play.
The idea for DEGRADATOR came from my passion for molecular biology and a desire to share its importance with a broader audience. Protein degradation is an incredible process that keeps our cells functioning properly and has huge potential for therapies like PROTACs, which could revolutionize e.g. cancer treatment. I wanted to make these concepts engaging and accessible, especially for students and teachers who might not encounter them in standard biology classes. And honestly, I just thought—wouldn’t it be great if someone finally understood what I’ve been researching in my PhD?
Working on DEGRADATOR was an exciting and rewarding experience, all about blending science with creativity. Designing a game that is both scientifically accurate and engaging was no small task. The biggest challenge was turning complex biological processes into simple, intuitive game mechanics that would be both educational and fun. It was a balancing act, but thanks to input from experts in various fields and a lot of trial and error, we created something that we think is truly special. Seeing it all come together and knowing it could make science more accessible made every challenge worth it.
Our goal with DEGRADATOR is to make the complex science of protein degradation accessible and engaging for everyone. This process is vital to human health, and targeted therapies like PROTACs, which hold incredible promise in e.g. cancer treatment, are rapidly advancing. As these treatments become more common, the potential for misinformation grows. DEGRADATOR aims to combat this by blending scientifically accurate content with fun gameplay, helping players understand these mechanisms while sparking curiosity about molecular biology.
Beyond education, the game serves as a resource for patients receiving PROTAC-based therapies and their families, offering clear insights into how these innovative treatments work, empowering them with knowledge, and addressing potential uncertainties.
As the game neared completion, we realized our antagonist—the deubiquitinating enzyme, which removes ubiquitin from proteins and prevents their degradation—might upset researchers who work on these enzymes. To make amends (and to have a little fun), we created an educational comic showing deubiquitinating enzymes as the cell’s unsung heroes, maintaining balance and order.
In reality, there are no “good” or “bad” proteins in cells—everything has its purpose. But for the sake of gameplay, we needed a villain, and the deubiquitinating enzymes drew the short straw. No hard feelings to the researchers who work on them—I promise!
I believe it’s crucial for scientists to communicate their research in ways that are accessible to everyone. Science shapes our world, and understanding it empowers people to make informed decisions. New media provides incredible opportunities to reach wider audiences, and I’m motivated to use these tools to make science engaging and approachable.
That’s a tricky question because there’s so much to explore! Of course, it starts with the game itself, which is available for free on the website in both English and Polish versions. Importantly, the desktop version of the game is compatible with laptops, iPads, and even smartphones.
There is also an app for Android devices that can be downloaded from Google Play.
For educators, we’ve prepared biology class scenarios tailored to two age groups: 12–15 and 15+, in both English and Polish, to help them integrate the game into their lessons.
Last but not least, we’ve created an educational comic that shines a spotlight on the game’s antagonists, deubiquitinating enzymes, showing their vital role as cellular guardians.
Learners can simply dive into the game, follow its instructions, explore the in-game Great Encyclopedia of Protein Degradation, and test their knowledge in the grand quiz at the final level.
For educators, we’ve prepared biology class concepts tailored to two age groups: 12–15 and 15+. Educators can start by playing the game themselves, then use the provided scenarios to connect the game’s mechanics to topics from standard biology curricula. For example, when the game introduces the E3 ligase recognizing its substrate and mediating ubiquitination, teachers can use this to review enzyme specificity with their students. Similarly, when deubiquitinating enzymes’ inhibitors appear in the game, it provides a great opportunity to refresh students’ understanding of enzyme activators and inhibitors. To support this, we’ve also included a PowerPoint presentation with slides that educators can incorporate into their lessons, ensuring the game is a versatile tool for classroom learning.
I’d love to create DEGRADATOR 2—I already have fresh ideas for new mechanics, concepts, and compounds, and I’d like to dive deeper into topics like neurodegeneration. However, this would require a larger budget than the original $28,000, so it’s a dream for now. Another crazy idea would be publishing a book, perhaps in the style of the For Babies series, like Protein Degradation for Babies, using our beautifully designed graphics to inspire the next generation of scientists.
On a more practical note, I aim to keep the game online for several years, organize local activities to introduce it to students, and continue sharing knowledge about protein degradation through media and outreach—delivered directly by us, the scientists.
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