William Jayang Sun
MISSOURI
William Jayang Sun, 17, of Chesterfield, submitted to the Intel Science
Talent Search a biochemistry project that researched the potential of a recently
discovered molecule, Golgicide A (GCA), as a potential drug to inhibit
intracellular transport of bacterial toxins. William demonstrated that although
GCA affected a specific gene, GBF1, that regulates intracellular transport, it
had no effect on canine cells. Through cloning and genetic sequencing, he
discovered a single amino acid difference between the canine gene and all other
mammalian genes. He then introduced this substitution into human GBF1 genes, and
showed how the substitution provided resistance to the drug. William's efforts
may lead to therapeutic approaches for preventing neurodegenerative disorders
such as Alzheimer's disease. He is first author of a manuscript submitted to
Nature Chemical Biology and hopes to attend Harvard or Yale. At Parkway Central
High School, William is first in his class of 336, has perfect SATs and enjoys
debate and piano. An award winning community volunteer, he is also general
assembly president of the St. Louis area Model UN. He is the son of Ruofei Sun
and Weijia Xu.
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