Unit name | Cell Signalling |
---|---|
Unit code | MEDIM0013 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Dr. Whitcomb |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Bristol Medical School |
Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
The students are given a background in receptors and signal transduction; with emphasis on neuronal signalling.
The Aims of the Unit are to:
1. Provide a broad overview of cell-cell communication (introducing key concepts such as the means of cell-cell communication, types of molecules involved, nature and classification of receptors, the generation and exploitation of transmembrane ion gradients, the importance of protein phosphorylation);
2. To explain:
(a)signalling via ligand-gated ion channels using nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, NMDA receptors and GABA receptors as examples;
(b)signalling via ligand-regulated gene regulatory proteins, how they are activated and the cellular consequences of their activation;
(c)signalling via nitric oxide
(d)signalling via GPCRs and the pathways through which they control cellular activity;
(e)cellular Ca2+ homeostasis (how it is controlled and how it influences cellular activity)
(f)signalling via enzyme-containing receptors;
(g)signalling via tyrosine kinase associated receptors ;
(h)vesicular transport with emphasis on the proteins and mechanisms regulating exocytotic neurotransmitter secretion
(i)mechanisms underlying cellular adaptation to extracellular signalling molecules, emphasising the desensitisation and cycling of GPCRs.
(j)signalling pathways controlling cell fate and the cellular stress response
At the end of this unit the student will have a good understanding of molecular neuropharmacology and cell signalling with emphasis on neuronal signalling.
This unit is taught primarily through lectures and tutorials.
The Unit is assessed through a combination of coursework (1,000-word essay and 4 data interpretation questions; 50%) and a formal written exam (50%) which includes essay writing and data interpretation.
A formative set of MCQ questions will be provided to aid understanding of neuronal signalling.
Selected relevant review papers from the literature.