COURSE CONTENT:

L1 (2h): Proteins – Structure and Representation models
Explore the diverse world of proteins, the building blocks of life, in this foundational lecture. Gain insights into the basic structure of proteins, including domains, motifs, and mutations, and learn how different models are used to represent these complex molecules. By examining examples such as opsin protein mutations, you will discover how structural variations can influence biological processes and contribute to conditions like color blindness.

L2 (2h): Membrane Proteins and Sorting
Delve into the intricate architecture of membrane proteins and their essential roles in cellular function. This lecture covers how proteins are processed and transported within the cell, ensuring proper localization and function. By exploring the journey of proteins through cellular compartments, you will uncover the mechanisms that drive cellular communication and molecular trafficking, fundamental to maintaining cellular health.

L3 (1h): Detailed Case Study – Cohlin Mutation and Deafness
Engage with a real-life case study in this session, focusing on the Cohlin mutation and its role in hearing loss. Through this example, you will see how molecular tools can be used to correct protein mutations and address disorders. This lecture provides a practical application of the concepts learned in previous sessions, offering insight into the latest advancements in protein correction techniques and their potential to treat genetic diseases.

L4 (1h): Protein Modifications
Unlock the secrets of protein modifications and their profound effects on protein function and stability. In this lecture, you will explore how chemical changes, such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, shape protein interactions and dictate their role in biological processes. By understanding these modifications, you will gain insight into how proteins are tailored to meet the demands of the cellular environment, and how errors can lead to disease.

L5 (1h): Incorrect Protein Folding – Its Role in Disease
Discover the crucial link between protein misfolding and disease in this session. Learn how the failure of proteins to fold correctly can lead to the formation of harmful aggregates and amyloids, contributing to conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This lecture sheds light on the cellular mechanisms responsible for maintaining protein integrity and the devastating consequences when these systems break down.

L6 (2h): Protein Engineering – Possibilities of Genetic Modification
Enter the cutting-edge field of protein engineering, where genetic modification opens up new possibilities for designing proteins with novel functions. In this lecture, you will explore the technologies used to engineer proteins, from recombinant protein production to the development of therapeutic proteins. Witness how these innovations are revolutionizing the treatment of diseases and paving the way for future breakthroughs in medicine.

L7 (1h): Insulin – A Pioneer in the Use of Biologic Recombinant Drugs
Take a journey into the history of biotechnology by examining insulin, the first recombinant protein used in medicine. This session explores the development of insulin as a life-saving treatment for diabetes and highlights the transformative impact of recombinant protein technology. Learn how this pioneering advancement set the stage for the creation of modern biologic drugs, reshaping the landscape of therapeutic medicine.

E1 (3h): Protein Isolation from Mouse Brain
Engage in a captivating experiment to isolate proteins from mouse brain tissue. In this session, you will experience firsthand the techniques used to extract proteins, gaining valuable insights into the steps required for protein preparation and purification. This foundational experiment sets the stage for subsequent analyses, allowing you to explore the complexity of protein composition in a biological sample.

E2 (4h): Protein Separation and Electrophoresis Analysis
Dive deeper into protein analysis through electrophoresis, a powerful technique for separating proteins based on size and charge. You will explore how to analyze protein samples to confirm whether the mouse has been knocked out for a specific gene, investigate the disulfide bonds in immunoglobulins, or visualize the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 protein N on a gel. This session provides critical experience in protein characterization and helps you unravel the molecular structure of proteins in various contexts.

E3 (2h): Bioinformatics Tools for Protein Analysis
Discover the essential bioinformatics tools used in protein analysis. In this session, you will learn to navigate online resources to interpret primary amino acid sequences of proteins, unlocking the power of computational analysis in modern biology. This hands-on experiment equips you with the skills to extract meaningful data from protein sequences, enhancing your ability to analyze and understand complex biological information.

Seminars (6h): Engaging Discourse - Exploring the Frontiers of Protein Science

Participate in guided online seminars that encourage engaging discourse and exploration at the frontiers of protein science. Through a structured approach, students will prepare and deliver presentations, sparking insightful discussions and critical thinking. Topics can range from student-selected subjects to timely and relevant issues, such as the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV2 virus. Join this dynamic forum where knowledge meets innovation, fostering a deeper understanding of protein science.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The main objective of this course is to enhance students' understanding of proteins and broaden their knowledge of protein modifications.

This includes exploring natural protein modifications that facilitate specific functions, such as timely activation or precise cellular targeting, along with the fundamental methods employed for studying these modifications.

Additionally, the course aims to provide insights into undesired protein modifications that underlie various diseases, including the formation of insoluble aggregates implicated in severe neurodegenerative disorders. This will enable students to grasp the physiological and pathophysiological processes that rely on proteins.

Moreover, deliberate introduction of modifications or mutations will be addressed, focusing on the creation of recombinant proteins that exhibit enhanced stability or specificity for specific cell types. This has significant implications in the development of pharmacologically effective and targeted biological drugs.

Lastly, the course will encompass the study of pathogenic proteins, encompassing emerging pathogens, such as the proteome of the SARS-CoV2 virus, which is of current interest and relevance.