5 ECTS credits
125 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4012689ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Part 1:
Protein maturation and trafficking are essential processes that ultimately determine life at cellular level. Good functioning of these processes is a prerequisite for cells and organisms to survive, to adapt to ever-changing conditions in a flexible way and to defend themselves against attacks from the outer world.
In order to be able to understand life, it is a prerequisite to investigate the properties of the cellular environment into which enzymes and other proteins operate. Therefore, this course deals first with the cytoskeleton and the properties of the different elements belonging to this intricate structural network are discussed.
In the next chapter, emphasis is put on the association of proteins to form heterologous protein-protein aggregates. Such interactions are essential not only for the regulation of metabolic pathways (which relies on the formation of metabolons and channeling of metabolites) but for virtually every process taking place in a living cell/organism (e.g. in transcription and translation, signal transduction, in the immune system, during apoptosis, etc..).
The next chapter deals with protein trafficking. It is indeed essential for a cell that newly synthesized proteins are directed towards their correct final destination. Transport of proteins following the general export route via the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus is discussed. In close connection to this issue we look into the different types of protein glycosylation. These co-/post-translational modifications take place when newly synthesized proteins are transported through the ER and the Golgi complex. Next we discuss the import of newly synthesized proteins into eukaryotic subcellular organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, peroxisomes, the nucleus and lysosomes.
Another chapter deals with folding of proteins in the cell. An overview is given of PDIs and PPIases, and of different chaperones and chaperonins that are essential molecules for the in vivo folding of proteins towards their correct three-dimensional structure. Recent structural information on these molecules and on their action is given.
Finally a last chapter describes post-translational modifications (glycosylation, ubiquitination, phosphorylation, nitrosylation, methylation, N-acetylation and lipidation) and their functional importance. As an example the protein degradation process will be highlighted in details: We discuss on the structure and the action of the proteasome, which is an essential machinery involved in eukaryotic protein degradation. Attention is paid to the role of ubiquitin in this and in other cellular processes.
Part 2:
An important cellular process is the communication of the cells with the ‘outside world’ by which they can adapt to changing circumstances. With this respect plasma membrane receptors are key players. They are proteins that have a double function; recognition of neurotransmitters or hormones (denoted as chemical mediators) as well as translation of their binding into a cellular effect. This part comprises the following chapters:
We will discuss about (1) misfolding & aggregation related diseases, (2) the role of histone modifications & other post-translational modifications, and (3) enzyme deficiencies. Pharmacological classification of receptors will be shortly covered.
Practical
During the practical we will perform measurements to detect post-translational modifications and/or signal transduction using classical techniques including flow cytometry or western blot.
Participation to the practicals is mandatory.
To provide the student insight in the domain of Molecular Pharmacology. The acquired knowledge during this course is useful in a research-oriented career. It provides the bio-engineers the basic knowledge to perform pre-clinical research and to function within multi-disciplinary teams in the pharmaceutical industry.
This course aims to analyze various processes taking place within the living cell.
Students will:
-be able to describe the structural organization of the intracellular components of the cytoskeleton and its associating proteins.
-know and understand the properties of the intracellular environment.
-know and understand the advantages of heterologous protein-protein interactions and of metabolite channeling.
-be able to explain the problem of protein trafficking in the cell in all its aspects.
-know and understand the process of protein folding in the cell.
-be able to describe the process of protein degradation in the cell.
-know and understand the different functions of the protein ubiquitin and of ubiquitin-like molecules.
-be able to make an analysis of different technologies that are used in these domains of research.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 75% of the final mark.
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 25% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Exam:
Written exam: 3hrs, the test contains multiple choice questions, 2 open questions on the general topic and 4 problem solving technical questions.
Evaluation:
Grade = ¾ written exam, ¼ practical
Attendance of the practical is obligatory! After the practicum the students need to submit a written report in which the following items are included: introduction, aim, used techniques, analysis and discussion of the results and conclusion(s).
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Cell and Gene Biotechnology: Molecular Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)