3 ECTS credits
80 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4012705ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Partim Cellular Microbiology (H. REMAUT)
Following aspects will be discussed:
- Introduction and methodology: cell biology of prokaryote-eukaryote interactions, methods for the molecular and genetic analysis of microbial virulence genes
- Biosafety aspects of working with transgenic and pathogenic organisms
- Symbiotic interactions of plants and animals with microorganisms
- Virulence factors of plant and animal pathogens: recognition and adhesion, enzymes, toxins, growth regulators, transfer of DNA and proteins, host response evasion
- Resistance mechanisms of the host
- Diversity and evolution of pathogens
Partim Cellular Engineering (T. VANDENDRIESSCHE)
"Gene therapy & gene editing"
Basic principles of gene therapy
1. Non-viral gene transfer methods:
- Stable vs. transient transfection (lipofection, calcium phosphate transfection, electroporation, …)
- Transposon technology (i.e. Sleeping beauty)
2. Viral gene transfer:
- Retroviral vectors
- Lentiviral vectors
- Adenovirus associated vectors
- Cell type specific targeting
- Production methods for these various gene therapy vectors will be discussed in detail.
- The characteristics of each of these gene delivery methods with respect to mechanism of action and (bio)safety considerations will be discussed in detail. Safety aspects to be discussed will include genotoxicity and the influence of gene transfer on the immune system.
3. Concepts in gene transfer:
- ‘Gene editing’ with designer nucleases (ZFNs, CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs): targeted gene correction and integration in ‘safe harbour’ loci; ‘on-target’ and ‘off-target’ effects.
- Genetic modification of somatic cells vs. germline cells.
- Genetic modification of stem cells (iPS cells, ES cells, hematopoietic stem cells): pro- and cons of regenerative medicine.
4. Gene therapy of monogenetic diseases (i.e. hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, Leber congenital amaurosis, hematopoietic syndromes, …)
5. Gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders
6. Gene therapy for cancer
Partim Cellulaire Microbiologie (H. REMAUT)
Course notes and copies of powerpoint presentations.
Partim Cellulaire Engineering (T. VANDENDRIESSCHE)
Powerpoint slides are accessible via Canvas. Lectures are alternatingly given at the campus Jette and campus Etterbeek, with teleclassing, so that students are not required to travel. Lectures thought in Jette will be life broadcasted in Etterbeek and vice versa. Also discussions and Q&A with the docent are possible via teleclassing.
Partim Cellular Microbiology (H. REMAUT)
Cellular microbiology is a branch of microbiology that investigates the molecular interactions of microorganisms and eukaryotic cells. This relies on the molecular genetics of the microorganisms and the cell biology of eukaryotes. The aim of the course is to give an overview of the domain and provide insight in the methodologies used for the study of host-microbe interactions. The students gain an oversight of pathogenic strategies employed by microorganisms and associated host defense mechanisms.
Partim Cellular Engineering (T. VANDENDRIESSCHE)
- A fundamental knowledge of the descriptive and functional aspects of the molecular basis of gene therapy, gene transfer and gene editing in vitro and in vivo. This implies the required knowledge to enable the student to design a biotechnological and biomedical research plan with respect to gene therapy and gene enditing.
- To adopt a critical ethic based on scientific arguments. The ability to independently apply and review the concepts thought in the lectures. I.e. the ability to pose critical questions in the lectures, or with respect to scientific literature).
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Partim Cellular Microbiology (H. REMAUT)
The exam consists of two parts that each determine 50% of the final mark fort his partim:
Partim Cellular Engineering (T. VANDENDRIESSCHE)
The grading consists of below categories:
The oral exam determines 100% of the final grade.
Oral exam category:
• Oral exam with a weight factor of 1, i.e. 100% of the final grade.
Context: Knowledge and understanding will be evaluated via an oral exam based on a Powerpoint presentation on a recent scientific article concerning gene therapy, published in a leading scientific journal. The knowledge and oversight of the course material are a central factor. The examination will be in English or Dutch, depending on the language of the students.
Additional information with respect tot he evaluation
The exam has the format of a 12 minute presentation of an article of choice, based on papers available on the Canvas platform in the Gene Therapy module. The presentation is typically based on maximum 15 slides. The presentation is followed by an interactive session of approximately 5 minutes, with questions concerning (i) the content of the presentation and (ii) the relation tot he course material (example: when you chose a topic on lentiviral vectors, the characteristics of the vectors need to be known as well as the methods to produce them, you’re able to give a motivated argument why certain vectors are chosen, and advantages or disadvantages compared to others). The Powerpoint slides of the Gene Therapy lectures are available on Canvas.
The exam/presentation will be organised outside de regular exam period.
The presentation needs to be made in Powerpoint, Keynote or an equivalent format, and needs to contain an introduction, aims, results and conclusion. The presentation also needs to contain a critical review of the paper/manuscript (i.e. what are possible shortcomings of the study and how can these be addressed).
The purpose of the presentation is to test to what extend you know the concepts of the course and are able to apply them in a new context, based on recent articles in leading scientific journals with high impact factors (Nature journals, Science, New Engl J Med, etc. …). The students are present during the entire session of presentations, and contribute in an interactive manner tot he Q&A of the fellow students. Students give a peer-assessment score for each of the presentations in their respective session.
The final grade will depend on:
1. Quality and structure of the slides
2. Clarity of the spoken presentation
3. Answers to the Q&A (insight in the course material)
4. Critical assessment of the findings presented in the selected paper
+ Peer-assessment score
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Cell and Gene Biotechnology: Molecular Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Food Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Chemical Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Biochemical Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences