Phosphorus

Julie Pollock, assistant professor of chemistry, uses Phosphorus, Element 15, in her research related to preventing, detecting, and understanding cancer.

Pollock interacts with element 15, Phosphorus, in her research to prevent, detect, understand, and combat human diseases, including cancer. She focuses on the protein MEMO1, which is found in high levels in aggressive breast cancers. MEMO1 is a phosphate-binding protein that promotes cancer cell migration and growth. The lab focuses on understanding how MEMO1 works and developing strategies to prevent its function in breast cancer.

"Every day we interact with chemicals – from the food we eat to how our body moves to the computer screens we watch," said Pollock. "These chemicals are made of the elements from the Periodic Table. When we study this iconic representation, we can understand the nature of the elements and how they react in order to form those chemicals that shape our daily lives."

Contact Sunni Brown, director of media and public relations, at sbrown5@richmond.edu to connect with Pollock.