OVERVIEW

This class is targeted to students that have already  learned Biochemistry in the preceding three year course of Biology. Here we will analyze up-to-date molecular aspects of the  relationship between protein structure and specific localization and functional roles.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This class concerns an up-to-date description of the mechanisms that regulate the connections between structure and function of different human polypeptides. It will be considered the link between the several processes involved in the control of protein structure and the problem of their dysregulation in human pathologies. We will discuss how specific structural signatures on different proteins  can regulate their post-transductional modifications, domains organization, acquirement of the native conformation, interaction with molecular partners, localization into specific sub-cellular compartments or  extra-cellular release, half-life of a protein.  At the end of the class, each student can select a recent scientific paper, among several of them proposed by the teacher, pertaining to a topic of the syllabus. The student could present and discuss the results described in the relevant paper  during the oral exam. Aim of this class is to stimulate the appeal of the student for this rapidly evolving discipline and to encourage his approach to the scientific research. 

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching is performed by classroom-taught lessons with the aid of slides that are available to the students on  the  Aulaweb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

General aspects of the links among the structure, functions, compartmentation, traffic and turnover of proteins.

Types and outcomes of reversible e irreversible post-transductional modifications  of proteins, human pathologies related to errors in post-translational processes.

Protein domains: modular structures and formation of protein complexes. The CATH data base.

Mechanisms for the acquirement of higher structural levels by globular proteins and collagen. Folding and misfolding of proteins, the molecular chaperones. Activity of the protein disulfide isomerase, cyclofilins, heat shock proteins, transglutaminase. Human pathologies associated with specific protein misfolding.

Signals involved in the cellular sorting of proteins: molecular bases for import and export in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, peroxisomes, nucleus, lysosomes.Patological effects  of errors in the protein sorting.

Signal sequences on organular proteins: their effects on endocytosis, secretion, non secretory exports and damages related to their deficit.  Coated vesicles,  GTP binding proteins and SNARE.

Intra and extracellular proteolysis: ubiquitin and calcium-dependent systems, caspases  and metallo proteases. Lysosomal protein degradation and lysosomal storage diseases.

Short and long term responses to insulin and their regulation. The Notch system and the concept of receiver and sender cells.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

-Alberts-Molecular Biology of the cells- Garland Science Ed.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MONICA AVERNA (President)

BIANCA SPARATORE (President)

LESSONS

Class schedule

BIOCHEMISTRY OF CELL SIGNALING

EXAMS

Exam schedule