82311 - BIOCHIMICA DELLE PROTEINE

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student knows the mechanisms of photosynthetic energy production, the main systems that produce movement in cells, cell cycle regulation, the main mechanisms of signal transduction, and the mechanisms underlying bioluminescence.

Course contents

MODULE 1 (Prof. Luisa Iommarini)

The 6 CFU conventional teaching module includes the following topics:

PROTEIN STRUCTURE:

• Amino acids: structure; chemical properties; acid-base properties.
• Peptide bond formation: primary structure of proteins.
• Secondary structure of proteins: dihedral angles and their representation, helix structures and their geometrical and structural classifications, leaflet structures.
• Tertiary structure of proteins and classification into motifs and domains.
• Quaternary structure of proteins with some structural examples.

THE LIFE CYCLE OF PROTEINS:

• Protein synthesis and folding. Control mechanisms of protein folding involving HSP family proteins. Unfolded Protein Response.
• Post-translational modifications
• Mechanisms of protein sorting: nuclear, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum localization.
• Proteolysis and turnover.

FROM STRUCTURE TO FUNCTION:

1. Signal transduction pathways
   • General concepts of cell signaling
   • G-protein-coupled receptors: general classification and structure of receptors, types and structure of G proteins, ligand-receptor interaction, mechanism of G protein activation and their GTPase activity; molecular targeting of subunits and activation of downstream pathways.
   • Receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity: structural diversity, mechanisms of activation and molecular targets.
   • Cytokines and their receptors: structural features, mechanisms of activation and molecular targets.
   • Nuclear receptors of steroid hormones: structural features, mechanisms of activation and molecular targets.
   • Ionic receptors: structural features, activation mechanisms and molecular targets.
2. Structural basis of cell cycle regulation:

• CDK-cyclin regulation and their interface with signal transduction mechanisms, structure of CDK-cyclin complexes and interaction with E2F.
• Regulation by INK4 (p16, p15, p18 and p19) and CIP/KIP (p21, p27 and p57).

MODULE 2 (Prof. Francesco Francia)

The 2 CFU module for a total of 30 hours of computer lab time will be divided into the following exercises (4 hours each):

• Learning the RasTop program
• Exercise on cyclins and EGFR receptors
• Exercise on JAK-STAT system
• Exercise on membrane ion channels
• Exercise on Actin and Myosin
• Exercise on Calcium ATPase
• Exercise on G proteins

 

Readings/Bibliography

MODULE 1

• Biochimica by Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Lubert Stryer – Zanichelli
• Struttura e funzione delle proteine by Gregory A Petsko, Dagmar Ringe – Zanichelli
• Introduzione allo studio delle proteine by Marcello Duranti - Zanichelli
• Material provided by the lecturer available online on Virtuale.

MODULE 2

The necessary material (guide to using the RasTop program, PDB files needed to visualize protein models) will be provided by the lecturer.

Teaching methods

MODULE 1: Lectures using PowerPoint.

MODULE 2: Introductory lessons in PowerPoint and practical computer exercises, following exercise guide sheets provided by the lecturer.

Assessment methods

MODULE 1

The final evaluation aims to define the achievement of the teaching objectives and consists of a written test with open and multiple-choice questions. The score will be in thirtieths and will be averaged with the other modules of the course. The student can integrate their score with an oral exam. The optional oral exam (at the student's request) will consist of a discussion of the written test and an in-depth examination of the topics.

MODULE 2

Once completed all the exercises, in the first useful window, the learning of the topics covered will be verified by a multiple choice written exam. The score assigned will be out of thirty and will be a weighted average with the other modules of the course. In order to take advantage of the only written test scheduled for each academic year, attendance at at least 4 exercises is required. The student will be able to improve his score with an oral test. The student may also decide not to participate in the written test. In this case the verification will only be through an oral exam, which must also be taken by students who have attended fewer than 4 exercises.

Teaching tools

MODULE 1: The presentations used during the lessons and the scientific publications used for their preparation will be available on Virtuale. There will also be self-assessment tests in true/false format on Virtuale.

MODULE 2: Computer lab, guide to using the RasTop program provided by the lecturer, introductory lessons to the exercises in PowerPoint, PDB files. All material can be downloaded by students onto their devices directly in the exercise room or on Virtuale.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Iommarini

See the website of Francesco Francia