This module will provide an appreciation of current scientific research in regulatory molecular networks through genetic engineering in cell-based and animal models. The lectures will provide advanced understanding of signal transduction networks in physiological processes and their deregulation in human pathologies, target identification for drug discovery and development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. These topics will be discussed using a diverse range of cell-based and animal models. The workshop and the coursework form an important part of

the course and are designed to teach critical analysis of original experimental design and execution, as would be used at the present time by a world-class research laboratory.

We will concentrate on covering the latest advances on the regulation of gene expression and exploring diverse experimental models for better understanding the function of individual proteins and signalling networks. After taking this module you will be able to:

• understand how molecular biology, when used in conjunction with other biological disciplines (e.g.

biochemistry, genetics), is revealing the mechanisms of complex regulatory protein networks in the control of

diverse cellular functions in health and disease.

• grasp the experimental approaches and ideas presented in original scientific papers and reviews.

• critically analyse, appreciate, and interpret original ideas, experimental design and execution

• understand how cell and animal models lay the foundation for the new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

Indicative lecture list (based on 2021/22 syllabus)

Epigenetics: ”Inheritance, but not as we know it”

The Histone Code. Polycomb repression

Epigentics and Pluripotancy

Post-translational modifications in signalling and metabolic pathways

How do proteins communicate in regulatory networks? The role of protein interaction domains.

Protein CoAlation and antioxidant function of coenzyme A in redox regulation

 

Gene expression in model organisms

An introduction to the zebrafish model system

Elucidation of the Wnt/PCP pathway using zebrafish

The odysseys of the primordial germ cells and the lateral line primordium: lessons from fish that may teach us about metastasis.

The Drosophila model system to study regulatory protein networks

Elucidating nutrient signalling networks in flies.

Signalling pathways that control ageing in C. elegans

Gene regulatory networks that control ageing in C. elegans

Genome-wide approaches with yeast

Functional profiling of proteins and biological processes

Mouse genome modification in the study of protein function

Mouse gene targeting applications: molecular dissection of the insulin/IGF-1 signalling pathway