Course 2023-2024

Mechanisms of cell responses to stimuli [SBIOB332]

  • 2 credits
  • 15h+10h
  • 1st quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

Learning outcomes

The aim of this lecture if to understand how cells react to their environment and to stimuli sensed via receptors and how they adequately respond to each of them

Content

The lecture describes the different aspects of cell activation and of the signal transduction from a receptor which senses the external stimulus to the regulation of gene transcription. Several signaling pathways are described in details: G protein-coupled receptors with protein kinase A or protein kinase C activation ; growth factor receptor and MAP kinase activation ; insulin receptor and glucose uptake. These signaling pathways and cell responses will be placed in the context of pathological conditions. The last part is aimed to described the different types of cell death, notably apoptosis, and how they are regulated.

Table of contents

G PROTEIN COUPLED RECEPTORS G protein coupled receptors and regulation of their activity Adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A Phospholipase C and protein kinase C ACTIVATABLE TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS Basal transcription machinery CREB nuclear receptors AP-1 GROWTH FACTOR SIGNALING PATHWAY Growth factors Tyrosine kinase receptors SH2 domain-containing proteins MAP kinase pathway Activation of AP-1 INSULIN Receptor and IRS Glut-4 exocytosis Type I and II diabetes CANCER Oncogenes and cell transformation APOPTOSIS Cell death by apoptosis or necrosis Caspases and their substrates Role of mitochondria and of Bcl2 family members T lymphocyte-induced apoptosis Growth factor deprivation-induced apoptosis DNA damage-induced apoptosis


Teaching methods

Lessons are given in the auditorium, with drawings made on the chalkboard and power point slides, available on webcampus.

Evaluations

Oral examination. The classification mark is taking into account the evaluation of the pratical courses (4 out of 20) for the first session, but it is no longer the case for the second session.

The participation to the practical courses is mandatory and required to be allowed to present the exam.

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree