6 ECTS credits
168 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1009837BNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
Gene expression and protein research
Proteins are effector molecules of the cell which are responsible for most cellular processes. Protein expression can be regulated at the level of transcription or translation. In addition, post-translational modifications modify protein activity. The first part of this class deals with methods used to analyse gene expression at the mRNA and the protein level. The second, and major, part is dedicated to protein research, including protein detection and purification, post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions and proteomics.
The practical course is a continuation of ECMB part 1 in which the students have acquired skills to culture eukaryotic cells. Cells cultured in vitro will be transfected with a eukaryotic expression vector coding for a human protein. Cellular expression will be analyzed at both the protein and mRNA level using immunohistochemistry, Westen blotting and RT-PCR techniques. Protein secretion will be assessed with an Enzyme Immunometric Assay. The results will be presented in a brief scientific report in the format of a scientific paper.
The aims of ECMB-2 are:
1. To provide additional background information on proteins.
2. To introduce specialised techniques relevant to the modern protein research area (e.g. proteomics).
3. To provide students with more insight into how protein research contributes to different aspects of biomedical research: gene function, etiology of diseases, and diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Notes taken during the course, Powerpoint presentation (online), scientific papers and chapters from Molecular Cell Biology (Lodish) and a guide for the use and integration of the study material.
Complementary study material:
Other chapters in Molecular Biology (Lodish) as background information.
Knowledge of different regulatory mechanisms orchestrating protein levels in the cell (transcription, translation, mRNA and protein degradation) and the basic processes involved.
Insight into how protein research contributes to different aspects of biomedical research: e.g. gene function, etiology of diseases, and diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Knowledge of post-translational protein modifications and their effects on protein expression, protein function, protein transport and protein-protein interactions.
Knowledge of and insight into the state-of-the-art research methods involved in studying above mentioned mechanisms and of special relevance for biomedical research:
Being able to perform the following techniques:
Cell culture, production and isolation of plasmids, isolation of mRNA, RT-PCR, transfection of eukaryotic cells, immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, Enzyme Immunometric Assays, agarose gel electrophoresis.
The student is able to interpret the obtained results of the experiments and to describe the results and conclusions in a scientific report.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 80% of the final mark.
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 20% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
During an oral exam of 30 min, students will be tested for general theoretical knowledge and insight into the methods. Students should be able interpretate results of experiments using different techniques within the context of a scientific question, and they should know how and when to apply different kind strategies and methods. The oral exam will account for 80 % and the practical course for 20 % of the final score.
A resit is only possible for the oral examination. An exemption will be given for the oral examination or the practical assignment when the score for these parts is at least 10/20.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences: Abridged (only offered in Dutch)