Final Project Concept: MOA for Methotrexate

For my final project I will animate the mechanism of action (MOA) of Methotrexate, a first line drug prescribed in the aggressive management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). In most simple terms, Methotrexate targets progenitor cells found in the bone matrix; as an analog to folic acid it may travel into the cell along the folate pathway. It undergoes modifications and inhibits the purine synthesis of adenine and guanine, essential in DNA synthesis. Without these purines, DNA replication is interrupted and cell proliferation is significantly decreased thereby reducing leukocyte cell activity, which in RA attack self-tissue leading to bone damage.

This animation will be incorporated into my final project: an app for doctors to communicate with patients the details of their condition. The aesthetic needs to be consistent and therefore I will refer a previous animation I created for the app. Using a handheld camera with continuous movement and zoom affects to show a shift in magnification level as necessary (ie David Fincher style) and a color scheme with saturated purples, pinks (both cool and warm), and neutral amber and yellow-browns will provide a consistent look and tone for my final animation.

The environment of molecular anatomy carries similar attributes as an underwater scene; increased air density with damping and turbulence will aid in the desired effect. Shaders used will be primarily sub surface scattering materials with low or little specularity, or instead of sss-materials a generic Lambert material can be used with increased transparency with a fall-off effect (can be simulated with a ramp shader) to soften the object edges, and which provides a similar quality as an SEM photograph. Lighting will consist of mostly spot lights and with sss-materials will require strong back lighting.

The textures of the molecular components and their environment include displacement attributes of noise or leather or can be directly created by painting geometry or by Zbrush effects. Most of the models will maintain an organic aesthetic and will not require mapping or image files. Specific protein models that are involved in the MOA can be created using mMaya, a plugin for Maya that allows the user to import models directly from the Protein Data Bank.

Post production: refering to the MOA on TNF antagonist, there will be a vignette-style appearance with blurred corners and in after effects a slight grain may also be applied to give the animation an aged film feel. There is no narration, however I may include labels and a soundtrack.