37201 - Metabolic Biochemistry (LZ-B)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows: the essential elements of the intermediate metabolism of the main biological molecules (carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogen compounds), the energy changes associated with them, their interrelationships and metabolic and hormonal regulations, as well as the localization and cell compartmentalisation of the main metabolic pathways; the specialization of various human organs and tissues in metabolic activities as a prerequisite for knowledge of their specific functions; the molecular mechanisms of cellular activity regulation with particular regard to the intracellular signal transduction and the function of hormones, other extracellular messengers and vitamins at metabolic and gene level; bio the biochemical principles that are at the basis of human nutrition with particular regard the molecular mechanisms of digestion and absorption of nutrients and essential nutrients with references to nutrigenomics.

Course contents

General information on hormones and other extra-cellular messengers. Chemical classification of hormones, growth factors and cytokines. Biosynthesis, secretion and plasma transport of hormones. Hormone receptors and their regulation.

Nuclear receptor-mediated signal transduction. Nuclear receptors and hormone response elements.
Signal transduction mediated by membrane receptors. Ion channel-linked receptors. Receptors coupled to heterotrimeric G proteins. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway. Diacylglycerol, Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and calcium ion as intracellular messengers. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate and nitric oxide. Insulin and growth factor receptors. Ras protein and MAP kinase and Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. Growth hormone and cytokine receptors. Jak/Stat patway, activation of NF-kB.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides will be available to the students on the platform Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox "I principi di Biochimica di Lehninger" Zanichelli editore.

M. Lieberman, A.D. Marks "Biochimica Medica: un approccio clinico "Casa Editrice Ambrosiana T.M.

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

The Metabolic Biochemistry exam consists of an interview held by the student with the teachers of the course itself (Prof. F. Flamigni, Prof.ssa S. Cetrullo e Prof.ssa C. Pignatti). 


The partial marks obtained in Chemistry and General Biochemistry and in Metabolic Biochemistry contribute to the definition of the final mark of the C.I. of Biochemistry, resulting from the contribution of partial marks in proportion to the number of credits of each part.

Teaching tools

Use of slides from texts and monographs integrated with slides depicting original diagrams and figures.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Cetrullo