- Docente: Santi Mario Spampinato
- Credits: 3
- SSD: BIO/14
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (cod. 8519)
Learning outcomes
The course is focused on the international summer school Chemical
and genomics strategies in the discovery of novel drug
targets.
Course contents
Research and validation of putative targets is a priority in modern drug discovery. Joining chemical, genomics and proteomics represents a powerful approach in this field. Unlike the traditional target-based screens on a predetermined protein target, the study of genes through small-molecule interference aims to probe the entire molecular signaling pathway of numerous drug-sensitive pathways to validate potential drug leads. Disease can be caused by an imbalance in molecular signaling pathways; therefore, chemicals that modify or rebalance these pathways should have a therapeutic potential. The development of reliable mechanisms for target identification is actually a priority. Within this context, a bioinformatics approach that combines biological concepts with computer tools is mainly used to discover, select and prioritize targets. The ‘target' is a broad concept ranging from molecular entities (such as genes, proteins and miRNAs) to biological phenomena (such as molecular functions, pathways and phenotypes). Disease relevant molecular, cellular and organism models employed in the genomics and proteomics research area represent invaluable tools to investigate small-molecules with any potential target's function and to understand their mechanism(s) of action. The school is dedicated to the field of novel chemical, genomics and proteomics approaches in drug discovery.
Readings/Bibliography
Written material given during the lessons
Teaching methods
lessons and laboratory course
Assessment methods
The exam consists in a detailed written report of 2 hours. In the written test it is not allowed to consult books, notes and computer media. The student should answer to 10 open questions on the following topics: chemogenomics; genomics in drug discovery; epigentics; post-trasductional protein modifications; analysis of gene-reporter systems; transcription factors and gene expression; SiRNA. The exam is passed if the student has reached a minimum score of 18/30.
Teaching tools
oral lessons and a practical laboratory course.
Office hours
See the website of Santi Mario Spampinato
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.