Cellular Regulation

Year
1
Academic year
2020-2021
Code
02001323
Subject Area
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Language of Instruction
English
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodologies combine

1) Lectures in which the concepts are presented on the basis of the original experimental evidence that support them;

2) Sessions to discuss the experimental protocols put together by the students (to test an hypothesis put forward by the coordinators of the course);

3) Laboratory work. For these classes, the students are encouraged to work autonomously, and are asked to prepare solutions and the biologic material, to collect data and to interpret data on their own.

Learning Outcomes

The main objective of this course is that the students learn about central concepts in cell regulation, and have contact with the experimental approches routinely used when addressing scientific questions at the molecular cell biology level. The students are also expected to identify the emerging questions in the topics lectured during the course.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.Cellular structure and function

- Targeting and transport of proteins in the cell

- Cell shape and movement

- Cell adhesion and communication

2. Intracellular traffic

- Endocytic and exocytic pathways

- Defects in intracellular traffic as mechanisms of disease

3. Intracellular signaling

- Intercellular messengers and their receptors

- Intracelular signaling pathways

4. Regulation of gene expression and protein degradation in the cell

- Regulation of gene expression at the transcription and translation levels

- Pathways for protein degradation in the cells

- Autophagy

5. The life cycle of the cell

- Molecular basis and mechanisms of regulation

- Programmed cell death

Research projects to be prepared and conducted by the students:

1. Traffic of the HIV protein Rev to the nucleus

2. Phagocytosis of inert particles by macrophages

3. Intracellular signaling and cell death

4. Regulation of the proteome by the ubiquitin-proteasome system.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Luísa Monteiro de Carvalho

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 15.0%
Other: 15.0%
Exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

H. Lodish et al. (2012) Molecular Cell Biology. W.H. Freeman. 7th edition

B. Alberts et al. (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell. Garland Science. 5th edition

T. Pollard and W.C. Earnshaw (2008) Cell Biology. Saunders/Elsevier. 2nd edition

B. Gompers et al. (2009) Signal Transduction. Academic Press. 2nd edition.