Human cell biology [SBIOB345]

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student should be able to : • Cross-cutting approach to the subject • Understand the links between cellular/molecular dysfunction and certain pathologies (e.g. cystic fibrosis) • Understand how knowledge of basic cell biology can be used to identify potential new therapeutic targets, while being aware of possible limitations • Integrate the wealth of information provided in the course to get the gist of it • Integrate comparative and evolutionary molecular aspects (case of certain membrane pores induced by bacteria or in the context of the mammalian immune system) • Write a scientific report in an appropriate format and with a correct bibliography, following the guidelines • Critically analyse the materials and methods of a scientific article in cell biology whose theme is related to the content of the course (and published in a journal with a high impact factor) and explain them through an oral presentation

Objectives

The course aims to deepen basic knowledge in cell biology by addressing more specific questions and making links with pathology, as detailed in the content.

Content

The Human Cell Biology course complements the Cell Biology course (SBIOB323) by deepening the subject matter and presenting it in relation to pathobiology. It includes several learning activities (LA) The theoretical course consists of different chapters. 1. ABC-ATPases - Links with pathology (chemoresistance and cystic fibrosis) 2. How and why do we make 'holes' (pores in the cell membrane) in cells? Some bacteria and eukaryotic cells use similar molecular strategies - Links to pathology 3. Endocytosis and various associated functions 3.1. Endocytosis of asialoglycoproteins 3.2. Transferrin ... another story 3.3. Endocytosis of bad cholesterol ... or LDL - Links with atherosclerosis 3.4. Endocytosis and regulation of receptors/signalling pathways - a story of ubiquitination and being 'escorted' - The ESCRT machinery 3.5. Transcytosis or how to avoid the lysosome 3.6. Recycling of GLUT-4 3.7. Endocytosis ... The royal road for some viruses 4. From endosomes to exosomes - cell biology and applications 5. Autophagy - to survive or to die ... that is the question! 6. Diversity of cellular proteolytic systems 6.1. Ubiquitinylation and its versatility - Therapeutic applications 6.2. In brief - some other proteolytic systems: calpains and ADAMs 7. The cell cycle, mechanisms, checkpoints and regulations (self-study material) The theoretical course is complemented by two learning activities (LA): a practical session (fluorescent probe labelling experiment, with a report to be submitted to the teacher) and a practical session (article analysis with emphasis on the cell and molecular biology techniques used)