Module Identifier | BS33620 | ||
Module Title | CELL SIGNALLING AND RECOGNITION | ||
Academic Year | 2002/2003 | ||
Co-ordinator | Dr Richard B Kemp | ||
Semester | Semester 2 | ||
Other staff | Dr Luis A J Mur, Dr Paul Kenton | ||
Pre-Requisite | BS23020 , BS22320 | ||
Course delivery | Lecture | 30 Hours | |
Assessment | Semester Exam | 3 Hours theory paper 3 hour examination with essay style answers. | 70% |
Semester Assessment | 3 word essays due on 24th February, 17th March and 12th May 2003. | 30% | |
Supplementary Assessment | 3 Hours theory exam 3 hour examination with essay style answers for overall failed coursework. | 100% |
Mitogenesis. Mitogenic signalling via receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) will be examined, discussing RTK activation, what role this plays in recruitment, via adaptor proteins, of downstream signalling mediators (p21ras and phospholipase C), how these components trigger kinase cascades and ultimately how transcription factor activity is modulated.
Hormones and metabolism. Structure of receptors for insulin, insulin-like growth factor and noradrenaline with the respective cytoplasmic RTK and G-protein cascades. For insulin, glucagon role of receptor-mediated endocytosis with recycling pathway between membrane and endosome with internalisation signals and modulation. Protein kinase cascades (and modulating phosphatases) to change glycogen and glycolytic metabolism with resulting effects on cells.
Key signalling cascades in the inflammatory response. The signalling cascade associated with major inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1) leading to activation of NF-kB transcription factor and phospholipase A2 leading the synthesis of prostaglandins will be described. These pathways will be used to illustrate the suppressive effects of glucocorticoid steroids and analgesic drugs.
Movement and Adhesion. Critical role of integrin transduction at the membrane for signalling to involve small GTPase Rho and MAP kinase with downstream effect on cytoskeleton and initiate whole cell and localised movement. Rho also regulates cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell adhesion. Control movement and adhesion by association of integrins with transmembrane syndecans and cadherins with the cytoskeleton.
Calcium. Signalling via calcium depends on the maintaining a steep concentration gradient between calcium stores and the cytosol. We shall examine how this gradient is established, how calcium flux is regulated, and how changes in calcium concentration are 'detected' by proteins such as calmodulin. Techniques in calcium research will also be discussed.
Light quality as a developmental cue in plants. The phytochrome family of photoreceptors monitor the quality and quantity of light to regulate e.g. chloroplast development, growth patterns and flowering. This is dependent on phytochrome "switching" between inactive (Pr) and active (Pfr) forms in response to far-red, and red light wavelengths respectively. The diverse actions of Pfr will be considered in detail as an introduction to signalling in plants.