The nervous system and neurotransmitters; the endocrine system, hormones and their metabolism. Local mediators: Prostanoids, cytokine and growth factors. Membrane and nuclear receptors. Signal transduction and downstream effectors. Molecular mechanisms that switch off signals, desensitization and down-regulation. Co- and post -translational modifications of proteins. Synthesis and trafficking of secretion and membrane protein. 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. Acquired skills: Molecular basis of signal transduction mechanisms of protein modification, transport and cellular localization. Molecular mechanisms of 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, francesca.cencetti@unifi.it
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, cGMP, inositol triphosphate, calmodulin and other calcium binding proteins, protein kinase C. Molecular mechanisms that switch off signals: phosphodiesterase and protein phosphatases. Co- and post -translational modifications of proteins: phosphorylation, glycosylation and lipidation. Intracellular protein trafficking. Protein degradation and the role of ubiquitin-proteasome system.