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| Required Coursework |
Course Descriptions:
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Directors: |
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| Regulation of Cellular Architecture and Dynamics |
Paul Sternweis
Credit: 1.5 hours |
| This course examines cellular regulation with a focus largely on macromolecular events and themes centered on: cellular communication, homeostasis, response to stress and nuclear dynamics. Topics will often build on themes introduced in the Cell thread of the Core course such as: receptor function, cell adhesion and migration, dynamics of the cellular cytoskeleton, intracellular transport, regulation of stress responses, autophagy and usurpation of cellular function by foreign organisms. Emphasis will be on regulation of these processes with a focus on basic properties, mechanisms, historical discoveries where relevant, and current models and controversies. Classes will be a mixture of general lectures and discussions of research articles from the literature and experimental approaches to posed problems. These will be enhanced with self-paced studies, readings and practical problems. |
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| Signal Transduction I |
Paul Sternweis
Credit: 1.5 hours |
| This course offers an in-depth study of the interactions of neurotransmitter and polypeptide hormones with receptors and their subsequent regulation of cellular events. Topics emphasize basic physicochemical concepts of ligand interactions with biological systems and mechanisms of common signaling pathways, including classical second messengers, G protein dependent mechanisms and regulation via protein phosphorylation. Quantitative approaches and current controversies are stressed where appropriate. Lectures are supported by discussion of classic and current research articles and presentations by students. |
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| Signal Transduction II |
Paul Sternweis
Credit: 1.5 hours |
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The second part of this series integrates previous themes into various endocrine pathways, examines regulation at the nuclear level, and broadens topics to such diverse topics as apoptosis, circadian rhythms and signaling network analysis. Quantitative approaches and current controversies are stressed where appropriate. Lectures are supported by discussion of classic and current research articles. Each student is expected to submit an original research proposal, present and defend the proposal orally, and evaluate the proposals of other students.
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| Advanced Program Courses (Electives) |
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Advances in Germ and Stem Cell Biology
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Jenny Hsieh
Credit: 1.5 hours |
| The objective of this course is to provide students with current knowledge of embryonic and adult stem cells and how these pluripotent/multipotent populations can be used to treat congenital defects, diseases, or injury in humans. The first part of the course will survey current knowledge of embryonic and germline stem cells and the factors that regulate their growth and development into tissue specific stem cells. Subsequently, adult stem cells in the hematopoietic, nervous, cardiac, and other systems will be discussed in order to provide examples of the various types of tissue specific, adult stem cells. Emerging “hot” topics such as cancer stem cells and inducible pluripotency is also an area of emphasis. In addition to these topics, another major course objective is to understand how advances in cellular and molecular biology can be applied to the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine, and introduce students to the bioethical and legal issues related to stem cell research. The course includes discussions of the most pertinent recent literature, and presentation of research from the Instructor's own laboratory. |
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Computational Modeling of Signal Systems
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Rama Ranganathan
Elliott Ross
Credit: 1.5 hours |
| Biological signal transduction networks are characterized by complexity: combinatoric incoming and intracellular signals, combined slow and fast responses, interlocking pathways, adaptive responses, feedback controls, etc. This course provides an introduction to computational analytical approaches, modeling strategies and other quantitative techniques for understanding cellular signaling networks. The course begins with simple kinetic, equilibrium and probabilistic approaches to studying individual regulatory pathways. These strategies are then extended to describe complex systems using both deterministic and stochastic methods. Examples are chosen to stress analysis, evaluation and interpretation of experimental data in real signaling systems. |
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Mechanisms of Drug Action
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Philip Thorpe
Credit: 3 hours |
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The course is organized around weekly lectures (one hour) and discussions (two hours). During the first part of the course, the general principles of pharmacology are examined. Topics include the entry, distribution and elimination of drugs; the time course of the drug action; the molecular basis of pharmacological selectivity and efficacy; the adaptation, tolerance and addiction to drugs; and pharmacogenetics. These sessions are followed by discussions of the molecular bases of antibiotic chemotherapy and autonomic pharmacology. During the final weeks of the course, a range of topics is explored using examples from contemporary literature. Topics include peptides and proteins as drugs, rational drug design, the use of RNA and DNA as drugs, gene therapy, prodrugs, immunotoxins, anticancer chemotherapy and strategies of selective drug delivery.
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Molecular Basis of Metabolic Regulation
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Joyce Repa
Credit: 1.5 hours |
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The complexity of animals, their tissues and even individual cells requires multilevel systems for regulation of metabolism. In this course, important cellular functions, such as the transport of molecules into cells, the use of fuels for energy generation and energy storage, and integration of metabolic pathways, are discussed. Discussion includes new information about the impact of gene expression and isozyme diversity on the control of metabolic flux, hormonal control of metabolism and consideration of more acute control mechanisms operating at the level of allosteric and colvalent modification of enzymes. There is a strong emphasis on presentation of these concepts in the context of genetically programmed metabolic disorders, and the material covered in this course provides tools to explore the phenotypes of genetically modified animals and discern the basis of human metabolic disease.
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