Interaction of Molecules and Receptors

Course Description

COURSE CONTENT

• Signaling moleculs and their receptors

Interactions of organism and its environment. Signaling molecules: cytokines, growth factors, hormones, neurotransmitters, small molecules. Structure and functions of cell surface receptors: G protein-coupled receptors; receptor protein-tyrosine kinases; ion-channels receptors; nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases.

• Interaction of Molecules and Receptors-specific examples

Cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Cell-environment interactions. Molecules of extracellular matrix-types and their roles. Growth factors (EGF, FGF, VEGF, PDGF) and their signalling pathways. Role of growth factors in tumor progression. Peptide and steroid hormones-signalling pathways and their effects on cell.

Neurotransmisssion and neuroregulation in organism. Synaptic transport. Neurotransimitters: acethylcholine; glutamate; glycine; GABA; dopamine; serotonine; epinephrine. Neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson disease; Alzheimer disease; multiple sclerosis). Development of cance-signaling pathways. Signaling pathway as fundamentals for cancer treatment (Herceptin and Gleevec)

• Cell death (Apoptosis)

Apoptosis and its role. Signal transduction and apoptosis: cell death receptors and mitochondrial pathways. Cell necrosis. Detection of apoptosis: DNA electrophoresis; fluorescent microscopy; flow-cytometry; caspases.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• define major signaling molecules and their pathways in cells
• describe the role of signal pathways in different physiological processes 
• explain connection between signal pathway failure and disease
• evaluate importance of signal-receptor interactions for the development of  therapeutics
• search, interpret and apply recent literature data on research and develpment of personalized therapeutics