Description
This module will provide an appreciation of current scientific research in regulatory molecular networks through genetic engineering in cell-based and animal models. The lectures will provide advanced understanding of signal transduction networks in physiological processes and their deregulation in human pathologies, target identification for drug discovery and development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. These topics will be discussed using a diverse range of model organisms. There will be two question and answer (Q&A) sessions, covering topics covered in lectures on the course. The workshop and the coursework form an important part of the course and are designed to teach critical analysis of original experimental design and execution, as would be used at the present time by a world-class research laboratory.
We will concentrate on covering the latest advances on the regulation of gene expression and exploring diverse experimental models for better understanding the function of individual proteins and signalling networks. After taking this module you will be able to:
- understand how molecular biology, when used in conjunction with other biological disciplines (e.g. biochemistry, genetics), is revealing the mechanisms of complex regulatory protein networks in the control of diverse cellular functions in health and disease.
- grasp the experimental approaches and ideas presented in original scientific papers and reviews.
- critically analyse, appreciate, and interpret original ideas, experimental design and execution
- understand how cell and animal models lay the foundation for the new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Indicative lecture list (based on 2023/24 syllabus):
Regulatory protein networks in cellular functions
- How do proteins communicate in regulatory networks?
- The role of protein interaction domains
- The role of post-translational modifications
- Protein CoAlation and antioxidant function of coenzyme A in redox regulation
- Molecular mechanisms of redox regulation in cells
- Epigenetics. Inheritance, but not as we know it鈥, part 1
- 鈥滻nheritance, but not as we know it鈥, part 2
- 鈥淧olycomb Repression, X inactivation, Epigentics and Pluripotancy鈥
Exploring protein regulatory networks in model organisms
- An introduction to the zebrafish model system
- Elucidation of the Wnt/PCP pathway using zebrafish
- The odysseys of primordial germ cells and the lateral line primordium. What they tell us about chemokine signalling in development and why It is important
- Q&A session, covering the topics presented in lectures 2-12.
- The Drosophila model system to study regulatory protein networks
- Elucidating nutrient signalling networks in Drosophila melanogaster
- Signalling pathways that control ageing in C. elegans
- Gene regulatory networks that control ageing in C. elegans
- Genome-wide approaches with yeast, part 1
- Genome-wide approaches with yeast, part 2
- Mouse genome modification in the study of protein function, part 1
- Mouse genome modification in the study of protein function, part 2
- Q&A session, covering the topics presented in lectures 13-21.
- Course summary and practical guidelines for the exam
Bioinformatics Workshop 鈥淕enes to Proteins鈥. This workshop will lead you through some of the main Bioinformatics concepts regarding prediction of gene regulation as well as taking you from genes to proteins. It will ensure that you know how to use some of the most fundamental Bioinformatics resources (BLAST and UniProt).
Coursework. The coursework consists of written answers to a problem sheet. The coursework contributes 20% towards the final mark.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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