The molecular mechanisms by which environmental signals are received by cells and translated into a biological response such as development, cell behavior, immune response are currently one of the most-studied areas in modern biology. In this course several prototype- signalling pathways to discuss the mechanistic concepts in signal transduction, to present state-of-art research, and to discuss various experimental approaches will be presented. The most relevant concepts of signal transduction, i.e. protein-protein interactions, phosphorylation and GTP-binding proteins will be discussed.
Signal Transduction (BIO 467)
Programs\Type | Required | Core Elective | Area Elective |
BA- Political Science | |||
BA-Cultural Studies | |||
BA-Cultural Studies | |||
BA-Economics | |||
BA-Economics | |||
BA-International Studies | |||
BA-International Studies | |||
BA-Management | |||
BA-Management | |||
BA-Political Sci.&Inter.Relat. | |||
BA-Political Sci.&Inter.Relat. | |||
BA-Social & Political Sciences | |||
BA-Visual Arts&Visual Com.Des. | |||
BA-Visual Arts&Visual Com.Des. | |||
BS-Biological Sci.&Bioeng. | * | ||
BS-Computer Science & Eng. | |||
BS-Computer Science & Eng. | |||
BS-Electronics Engineering | * | ||
BS-Electronics Engineering | * | ||
BS-Industrial Engineering | |||
BS-Manufacturing Systems Eng. | |||
BS-Materials Sci. & Nano Eng. | * | ||
BS-Materials Science & Eng. | * | ||
BS-Mechatronics | |||
BS-Mechatronics | |||
BS-Microelectronics | |||
BS-Molecular Bio.Gen.&Bioeng | * | ||
BS-Telecommunications | * |
CONTENT
OBJECTIVE
To teach modern molecular, cellular and organismal concepts of signal transduction so that each student can understand how cells interact with each other.
LEARNING OUTCOME
By the end of this course the student should be able to understand the methods used in immunological research.
Perform literature searches, download research papers and identify and understand by reading relevant parts of a research paper, in particular if a technique described in a research paper is not familiar to the student, he/she should be able to perform literature searches to identify resources that will allow an understanding of this technique.
Make connections between different research papers and discuss the hierarchical and historical contributions different research papers made to the field.
Understand the basic principles of signal transduction mechanisms, in particular the concepts of response specificity, signal duration and termination and intracellular localization of signaling molecules.
Give examples of different types of extracellular signals, receptors and transcription factors and explain their functional significance.
Describe the mechanisms by which different receptors may be activated by their respective ligands.
Describe and give examples of the structure and properties of the major components of signal transduction pathways.
Understand and give examples of the role of protein binding domains in the specific interactions between signaling molecules.
Understand the molecular events that occur in a cell (such as post-translational modification of signaling molecules and nuclear translocation of transcription factors) after a receptor is triggered to give a signal to a cell.
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ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA
Percentage (%) | |
Midterm | 60 |
Term-Paper | 30 |
Participation | 10 |
RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS
Textbook |
Cellular Signal Processing: An Introduction to the Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction. Friedrich Marks, Ursula Klingmuller, Karin Muller-Decker ISBN 0-8153-4215-2 Either first or second edition. |
Readings |
Course will require readings of current research and review papers from Journals such as Cell, Immunity, Nature, Nature Immunology, Science, PNAS and Journal of Biological Chemistry. Students will read at least two research papers and one review paper every week for 14 weeks. |