The nervous system and neurotransmitters; the endocrine system, hormones and their metabolism. Hormone receptors. Signal transduction and downstream effectors. Turning off signals, desensitization and down-regulation. Protein folding in vivo and the role of molecular chaperones. Co- and post -translational modifications of proteins. Intracellular protein trafficking. Protein degradation.
D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox "Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry"
J.M. Berg., J.L. Tymoczko, L. Stryer “Biochemistry”
Learning Objectives
Knowledge: structure and function of neurotransmitters and hormones. Hormone receptors, signal transduction and cellular effectors. Modifications and cellular localization of protein. Folding and protein degradation. Acquired skills: Molecular basis of signal transduction mechanisms of protein modification, transport and cellular localization. Molecular mechanisms of folding and degradation of proteins. Expertise at the end of the course: biomolecular and biochemical approaches to study receptors and intracellular effectors in signal transduction. Analysis and interpretation of experimental results through graphical representations. Understanding of the present knowledge in the field of biochemistry.
Prerequisites
Courses to be used as requirements: Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations): 150
Hours reserved to private study and other individual formative activities: 102
Number of hours for Lectures: 48
Further information
Frequency of lectures: Strongly recommended
Teaching tools: Pdf files with the slides shown during the lectures.
Office hours: Friday, 14-16, upon e-mail appointment
Type of Assessment
The final exam consists of an interview aimed to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills, i.e. the acquisition of the learning outcome. The interview is organized into three main questions that the student must be able to deal appropriately consistently and correctly.
Course program
The metabolism of nervous system and neurotransmitters. Hierarchy of endocrine system. Classification of hormones and their metabolism. Hormone receptors. The signal transduction and cellular effectors: trimeric G proteins , adenylyl cyclase, phospholipase C, cAMP-dependent protein kinase, nitric oxide, cGMP, inositol triphosphate, calmodulin and other calcium binding proteins, protein kinase C, sphingolipids. Turning off signals: phosphodiesterase and protein phosphatases. In vivo folding of proteins and the role of molecular chaperones. Co- and post -translational modifications of proteins: glycosylation and lipidazione. Intracellular protein trafficking. Protein degradation and the role of ubiquitin-proteasome system.