Academic Year/course:
2023/24
537 - Master's in Molecular and Cellular Biology
66018 - Advances in Molecular Pathology
Syllabus Information
Academic year:
2023/24
Subject:
66018 - Advances in Molecular Pathology
Faculty / School:
100 - Facultad de Ciencias
Degree:
537 - Master's in Molecular and Cellular Biology
ECTS:
6.0
Year:
1
Semester:
Second semester
Subject type:
Optional
Module:
---
1. General information
Advances in Molecular Pathology is an elective of the Master's Degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, especially aimed at those students who are beginning their third cycle studies related to biomedical aspects of
Molecular and Cellular Biology. Its general purpose is to update the knowledge on some hot topics of molecular biopathology.
To this end, we will provide the knowledge of molecular and cellular biology necessary to approach an adequate molecular diagnosis as well as new therapeutic strategies in selected pathologies (cancer, mitochondrial diseases, dyslipidaemias, lysosomal diseases) that are caused by failures in gene expression or epigenetic regulation.
Its approaches and objectives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030, United Nations), so that the learning results provide training and competence to contribute to some extent to their achievement
2. Learning results
Upon completion of the subject, the student will be able to:
- Approach with the necessary theoretical preparation the experimental work aimed at the completion of their doctoral thesis.
- Search for relevant information in the scientific literature in order to initiate a research or solve a methodological problem
- Prepare and present succinct and rigorous reports on various hot topics in molecular pathology
The student, in order to pass this subject, must demonstrate the following results...
- Will be able to understand the molecular basis of the main lysosomal diseases
- Will be able to understand the current state of knowledge of the molecular basis of the main hereditary dyslipidaemias - Possess advanced knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate programmed cell death or apoptosis - Understand the current state of research on the molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases - Understand the importance of genetic and environmental factors in the genesis of obesity
- Understand the relationship between the inflammation process and acute phase proteins
The subject is an effective system of permanent updating of knowledge for graduates in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology and other degrees related to Life Sciences (Chemistry, Veterinary Medicine) who wish to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake a doctoral thesis in the area of biomedicine
3. Syllabus
1. Introduction to the subject. Dr. Javier Naval
2. Lysosomal Disorders and their inflammatory and neoplastic complications. Dr. Pilar Giraldo
3. Immunological characteristics of a new vaccine against tuberculosis. Dr. Juan Ignacio Aguiló
4. Stem cells in cancer: characteristics and targeted therapy strategies. Dr. Patricia Sancho
5. Identification of nuclear factors involved in mitochondrial diseases. Dr. Patricio Fernandez
6. Mitochondria, metabolism and cancer. Dr. Raquel Moreno
7. Innate immune response: mechanisms of inflammation. Acute phase proteins. Dr. María Ángeles Álava 8. RAS genes in cancer and developmental disorders. From drug discovery to molecular imaging. Dr. Alberto Jiménez Schuhmacher
9. Importance of cell death. Apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy. Apoptosis in C. elegans and D.
melanogaster. Apoptosis in mammals. Extrinsic pathway. Caspases. Caspase inhibitors. Dr Javier Naval
10. Intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Apoptosis inhibitors. Role of mitochondria in apoptosis. Cytochrome c, AIF, Smac/Diablo. Regulation of apoptosis by Bcl-2 family proteins. Dr. Isabel Marzo
11. Human apoptosis-inducing factor: from its molecular mechanism to its functional and pathological significance. Dr.
Patricia Ferreira
12. Apoptosis in the Immune System. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and their weapons of mass destruction. Dr. Julian Pardo
13. Apoptosis in the Immune System. Central tolerance. Control mechanisms of peripheral tolerance. Dr. Alberto Anel 14. Introduction to the study of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (NOS). Defenses antioxidants. Dr. Pedro Iñarrea
15- Genetics of mitochondrial diseases. Dr. Julio Montoya
16. Genes and obesity. Relationship to inflammation. Dr. María Iturralde
4. Academic activities
The program includes the following activities:
- Theoretical face-to-face classes (36 h). Students will be introduced to the latest advances in cutting-edge areas of research in molecular biopathology , as detailed in the subject´s syllabus. .
- Preparation and presentation of a paper (4 h). In this activity, students will collect bibliographic information on a specific topic , with the help of a teacher. The analysis of the information will lead to the elaboration of a public presentation of the chosen topic. After the presentation, a discussion will be opened between the student and 2-3 professors of the subject
- Teachers will be available to assist students' work through tutoring sessions.
5. Assessment system
The student must demonstrate that they have achieved the expected learning results through the following assessment activities:
- Compulsory attendance to at least 80% of the classes (10% of the final grade)
- Elaboration and delivery of a Powerpoint document, which will be placed in the ADD and exposed in a public presentation (15 min). The paper will deal with one or more research articles related to one of the topics covered in the subject (see “Subject syllabus"). Afterwards, the student will answer the questions posed about the presentation by 2-3 teachers of the subject, who will evaluate the presentation (90% of the final grade), for another 15 min.
- In case this requirement is not fulfilled, a written comprehensive exam on the thematic content of the program will be taken