Learning objectives
Lead students to acquire knowledge, at molecular level, of the main cellular processes, and a good familiarity with the biochemical strategies that allow the experimental study of them.
Prerequisites
Students should have a solid background in Citology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Course unit content
In cells, the concentration, location and activity of proteins are regulated in a precise and complex way. The course, which assumes good basic knowledge of the structure and function of proteins and of the organisation of eukaryotic cells, will consider the main mechanisms for regulating protein function in the cellular context. Special emphasis will be given to the experimental strategies used in the molecular analysis of cellular processes and to the structure and action mechanisms of the protein components involved.
The topics covered in the course can be divided as follows:
A) Localisation control
- Translocation, modification and folding of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum.
- Protein glycosylation.
- The secretory pathway.
- Protein sorting in mitochondria, chloroplasts and peroxysomes.
- Transport of macromolecules through the nuclear membrane.
- Control of protein localisation by means of lipid anchors.
B) Molecular switches
- Structure, function and? versatility?of cellular GTPases
- GTPase regulators: GEFs(Guanine nucleotideexchangefactors)and GAPs (GTPaseactivating proteins)
- Heterotrimeric G protein
- Ras and the signalling small GTPases
- Rho-like GTPase and control of cell motility
- Arf/Rab GTPase and control of vesicular traffic - Role of Tem1 GTPase in mitosis regulation
C) Control of protein stability
- The ubiquitin-proteasome system
- Signalling pathways mediated by proteolysis
Full programme
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Bibliography
Basic books:
LODISH et al., BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE DELLA CELLULA(Zanichelli, 2002, Italian ed. II conducted on the original ed. IV of 2000)
or, more up to date but available only in English:
LODISH et al., MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY, V ed., W.H. Freeman publishers, 2003
General supporting books:
LEHNINGER, NELSON, COX - PRINCIPI DI BIOCHIMICA, 3a ed., Zanichelli
MATHEWS, van HOLDE - BIOCHIMICA, 3a ed., Ambrosiana
STRYER - BIOCHIMICA, 4a ed., Zanichelli
PESTKO, G.A., RINGE D., PROTEIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION, New Science Press Ltd, 2003
Teaching methods
The course is based on classroom lectures that make extensive use of images. Many cellular processes are introduced, starting from the analysis of biochemical studies that have contributed most to the understanding of them.
Assessment is based on a written test followed, if necessary, by an optional oral test.
Assessment methods and criteria
Assessment is based on a written test followed, if necessary, by an optional oral test.
Other information
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