The Dynamic Cell
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE3092 | Life Sciences | 3 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LIFE3092
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module focuses on the molecular mechanisms that produce force and movement in cellular systems. The material is approached from a molecular viewpoint and builds from individual molecules to explain how the cast of molecular characters interact to support movement at the molecular, cellular and tissue level.
Force and movement in cells is supported by the cytoskeleton, a complex network of proteinaceous filaments. Like the human bone skeleton, the cytoskeleton provides a scaffold to maintain cell shape and a platform from which force and movement is generated. Unlike the bone skeleton, the cytoskeleton is highly dynamic: filaments form, break down and reform within seconds to meet the requirements of the cell.
A cytoskeleton is present in all domains of life. This module will cover the 3 major classes of cytoskeletal filament: microtubules, actin and intermediate filaments. You will learn about the molecular components of these filaments, how they self-assemble, how their dynamics are regulated and how they support movement over length scales from the molecular to the tissue level.
The cytoskeleton is a major dug target particularly in cancer therapy. This module will cover drugs that modulate the cytoskeleton and how they are used both as therapeutics and as research tools. We will also cover pathogens that hijack the cytoskeleton to invade and proliferate in mammalian cells.
Target Students
Available to all students registered for a Single Honours degree in Biochemistry or Biology with or without another subject. Modules LIFE2099 or LIFE2009 are useful, but not essential. Available to JYA/Erasmus students. Students from other degree courses need permission in writing from the module convenor to select this module and may be removed from the enrolment without this.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
- The Genome and Human Disease (LIFE2072)
- Structure, Function and Analysis of Genes (LIFE2076)
- Structure, Function and Analysis of Proteins (LIFE2077)
- Structure, Function and Analysis of Protein - Theory (LIFE2092)
Classes
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Exam (3-hour): Written online exam
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To develop an understanding of the components and function of cytoskeletal systems and how the cytoskeleton underpins movement of and within cells. To understand the molecular mechanisms driving cytoskeleton activity. To understand the role of the cytoskeleton in the context of health and disease and the role of cytoskeleton targeting drugs as therapeutics.Learning Outcomes
- Know the components of the cytoskeleton and understand how these act to produce dynamics;
Know and understand the model of action of cytoskeletal associated proteins;
Understand how cytoskeletal structure and dynamics are regulated in cells and understand the mode of action of drugs that alter cytoskeletal dynamics, such as cancer therapeutics;
Understand how the cytoskeleton gives cells shape and supports movement at the molecular, cellular and tissue level;
Know about the prokaryotic cytoskeleton and its functions;
Understand how pathogens utilise the eukaryotic cytoskeleton to invade cells;
Understand how the cytoskeleton underpins cellular structures and processes, e.g. the mitotic spindle, the focal adhesion complex, the neuronal axon, the nuclear lamina.