SHUA13021U Advanced Methods for the Analysis of Protein Disease Mechanisms

Volume 2020/2021
Education

MSc Programme in Human Biology - Elective
 

Content

Through introductory lectures, student lead seminars, demonstrations and lab exercises this course aims at preparing students for a career in biomedical research. It brings together a group of experienced researchers and teachers to provide an overview of several advanced methodologies used to characterize protein mechanisms of action in living cells.  

Learning Outcome

After completing the course the student is expected to:

Knowledge

  • Explain the rationale for the utilization of several advanced research methodologies to characterize protein mechanisms of action “in vivo” with a focus on 4 general areas:  
    • 1) mass spectrometry based methodologies for quantitative analysis of proteomes and its posttranslational modifications,
    • 2) light microscopy based analysis of protein signaling and protein-protein interactions,
    • 3) gene editing and
    • 4) the use of chromatin immuneprecipitation and immunocytochemistry-FISH for the analysis protein regulation of DNA/RNA metabolism.
  • Explain the principles of antibody based methods to study chromatin regulation and  function in living cells and tissues.
  • Understand the principles of mass spectrometry based methodologies applied to protein analysis and its applications to cell signaling studies, including isotope labeling for MS-based quantitation.
  • Explain sample preparation methods for the analysis of protein posttranslational modifications.
  • Understand the basis for the interpretation of MS/MS spectra
  • Explain the physical principles that govern the use of light microscopy methods for the characterization of proteins in living cells.
  • Identify the different microscopy methods commonly used for analysis of cellular protein signaling events, including the use of advanced imaging analysis and live cell imaging.
  • Understand the basis for the analysis of protein-protein interactions in living cells using advanced microscopy techniques such as FRAP and FRET.
  • Identify advantages and limitations of the use of above listed methods.

 

Skills

  • Interpret the experimental data obtained by the above mentioned methods.
  • Present experimental data in an understandable and scientifically sound manner.
  • Discuss and critically review articles and research proposal for appropriateness in the utilization of methodological approaches for characterization of protein function in vivo.
  • Design a tailored research plan to test specific hypotheses related to the characterization of protein function in mammalian cells using relevant and informative methods.

 

Competencies

The students will develop competencies in:

  • project planning,
  • data acquisition and interpretation
  • scientific communication both written and oral.
A completed Bachelor degree within the Medical, Pharmaceutical or Natural Sciences. The students must be able to read and write English at a relevant scientific level.
The course is comprised of two modules: an e-learning module comprising online lectures, theoretical exercises and literature reviews and a classroom learning module lasting two weeks mainly comprising student-led seminars, lab exercises and demonstrations.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 20
  • Preparation
  • 37
  • Practical exercises
  • 36
  • Seminar
  • 20
  • Exam
  • 24
  • Total
  • 137
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Course participation
Written assignment, 72 hours
Completion of e-learning modules and approved participation in the teaching and training activities
The written assignment will be in the form of a 2 pages long essay. The student will have 72 hours to complete the assignment and submit the essay.
Exam registration requirements

None

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment

To achieve the assesment Passed, the student must adequately be able to:

Knowledge

  • Complete most of their practical and theoretical exercises in a timely and satisfactory manner.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the methods used for gene editing in mammalian cell and animal models
  • Demonstrate an understanding of advanced methodologies to study protein-DNA interactions in living cells or tissues
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of mass spectrometry applied to protein analysis.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the utilization of high-end quantitative proteomics technologies in the characterization of biological systems, with a focus on stable isotope labeling and high-resolution mass spectrometry.
  • Demonstrate understanding of light microscopy methods for the functional characterization of proteins in living cells.
  • Analyze and evaluate the utilization of microscopy for the characterization of protein-protein interactions in living cells. 

 

Skills

  • Critical assesment of research reports and proposals for the correct utilization of the methods covred in the course, including data interpretation.
  • Design a coherent research plan to test specific hypotheses related to the characterization of protein function in mammalian cells using relevant and informative methods