Learning objectives
Describe rational and combinatorial methods of protein engineering.
Learn specific examples of engineered proteins and their applications.
Gain the skills to design a basic protein engineering experiment.
Defining basic terminology and describes concepts in molecular diagnostics.
Apply knowledge of cellular structure and function, especially DNA and RNA, to molecular diagnostic procedures.
Gain a solid foundation in the most commonly utilized molecular diagnostic testing protocols.
Gain thinking and analysis skills to understand new diagnostic methods.
Ability to collect information to develop a new diagnostic kit.
Prerequisites
Students should have a solid background in Molecular Biology and Recombinant DNA technology
Course unit content
1. Introduction to Protein Engineering and Molecular Diagnostics
2. Methods
2.1. Recombinant Protein Technology
2.2. Protein Evolution: Cell surface and phage display technologies
2.3. Cell-free protein engineering technologies
2.4. Library creation and screening/selection
2.5. Proteins as reporters
2.6. Antibodies and Therapeutic protein engineering
2.7. Aptamers: In Vitro DNA Selection
2.8. Immunoassays
2.9. Nucleic Acid Hybridization techniques (in situ, FISH, Microarray, etc.)
3. Applications
3.1. DNA Biosensors
3.2. Molecular Microbiological Testing
3.3. Biomarkers
3.4. Impact of Human Genome Project on Molecular Diagnostics
3.5. Molecular Diagnosis in the Post Genomic Era
3.6. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Infections
3.7. Diagnosis of Mutation and Genetic Disorders
3.8. Diagnosis of Complex Diseases
3.9. Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences
Full programme
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Bibliography
Molecular Diagnostics: Promises and Possibilities (Springer). Debnath · Prasad · Bisen
Specialized articles, slides and presentations of specialists and companies, available to the students in electronic format
Teaching methods
The course is organized in lectures that provide a theoretical basis, flanked with scientific paper discussion and exercices on experimental design.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam
Other information
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