Molecular mechanisms of signal transduction

Course unit

title

Scientific direction

Scientific code

Faculty

Department (s)

Molecular mechanisms of signal transduction

Biochemistry N 004 Biophysics N 011

Life Sciences Center

Institute of Biosciences

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Lectures

0

Consultations

5

Self-studies

5

Seminars

0

Aims of course

To develop: ability to work in group with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds and to take the initiative; ability to learn and to teach, to increase knowledge, to search for new or missing information in various databases; ability to apply the knowledge and understanding in practice; ability to understand the structure and functions of the nervous system at various levels of organization; ability to understand and explain the principles of the ways organism receive and process external and internal  information; ability to design experiments, to analyze, critically evaluate data and to present research findings both in writing and orally.

Main topics

1. Ion diffusion

2. Principles of channel mechanisms

3. Diversity and structure of potential gated ion channels

4. Molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release, function of neuroglia

5. Postsynaptic ligand gated receptors

6. Structure and function of G protein binding receptors

7. Molecular mechanisms of sensory transduction

8. Molecular mechanisms of motor transduction

9. Diversity of brain modulatory systems

10. Axon growth and guidance

11. Neurotrophic factors

12. Synaptic plasticity

13. Mechanisms of epilepsy

14. Mechanisms of mood disorders

15. Mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases

Main literature

­Purves, Dale, 2018, Neuroscience,  Oxford University Press

L.R. Squire, 2012, Fundamental Neuroscience, Academic Press

G.J. Siegel, 2012, Basic Neurochemistry, Philadelphia: Lippincott,Williams & Wilkins

Assessment strategy

Assessment criteria

Exam, seminar presentation

Assessment of duration of presentation, number of illustrations, clarity of presentation, answering of questions, discussion of possible mechanisms of neuropathologies.

Gytis Svirskis

PhD

,

Approved by the Council of Graduate School of Life Sciences Center No 600000-…-… on the …. of …… 2021

Chairman