MEDS 4024 | 2 credit hours

Spring Semester | Syllabus (PDF)

TR 11:00 – 11:55 AM

William Miller, PhD | william.miller@uc.edu | 513-558-0866

This course provides a research literature-based view of modern aspects of cellular signal transduction and includes student-driven discussions of seminal papers in the signal transduction field. Topics include receptor-mediated signal transduction originating at the plasma membrane and covers major effector pathways including those leading to second messenger generation, kinase-cascade assembly, and activation of transcription factors. Signaling mechanisms related to cellular homeostasis, developmental biology, immunology, and cancer will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives

• Garner fundamental knowledge regarding the major aspects of intracellular and intercellular biological communication
• Identify major types of signal transduction proteins and discuss basic aspects of their activity
• Identify major mechanisms involved in signal transmission (i.e. nucleotide exchange, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, second messenger generation, release from regulatory subunits, etc)
• Gain ability to read, understand, critique, and discuss recent papers from the scientific literature
• Gain understanding on how regulation of signal transduction mediates physiological activities including sensory perception, organ homeostasis, animal development, etc.

Prerequisites

Students need to have some background in biochemistry and/or genetics. Appropriate courses include CHEM3040, MEDS3020, MEDS3021, MEDS3022, MEDS4027, or MEDS4028. If you have taken a relevant biochemistry or genetics course, please contact Dr. Miller with this information and you may be given permission to enroll.

Textbook (Optional)

There is no required textbook; however, the following textbook serves as an excellent reference for many of the subjects covered in the class.

Harvey Lodish et al (2013) Molecular Cell Biology, 7e. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York.
Hardback ISBN: 978-1-4292-3413-9
E-Book ISBN: 978-1-4641-0229-5
5th edition available at the Health Sciences Library—Call number QH 581.2 D223m 2004