Course coordinator: Prof. Paul Coffer
Faculty:
Prof. Paul Coffer (course content)
Dr. David Hall (course content)
Dr. Kristin Denzer (course registration)
Course description
Cell signalling is part of a complex system of communication that governs basic cellular activities and coordinates cell actions. The ability of cells to perceive and correctly respond to their microenvironment is the basis of development, tissue repair, and immunity as well as normal tissue homeostasis. Errors in cellular information processing are responsible for diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and diabetes. By understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell signalling, it is possible to develop novel therapies for a wide variety of diseases.
Cells receive information from their environment through a class of proteins known as receptors. The information is then processed through signalling pathways and decoded in the nucleus. Cell signalling research involves studying the spatial and temporal dynamics of both receptors and the components of signalling pathways to determine what parts are actually present in a given cell, where the parts are located, and what the parts are doing.
Regulation of immune system functioning is extremely complex and involves communication between multiple cell types through a plethora of cellular receptors. This can be mediated by cell-cell contact or release of soluble factors, such as cytokines, but ultimately results in changes in immune cell production and function. This course aims to develop a molecular understanding of the fundamental intracellular signalling process regulated through diverse cell surface immune receptors. Furthermore, state-of-the-art techniques will be discussed as well as how they can be applied to studying these processes in immune cells.
Literature/study material used:
Review articles
Useful book for self-study (not mandatory):
Alberts, Molecular Biology of the Cell
Gomperts, Signal Transduction
Registration:
Automatically after acceptance to programme
Other students apply via the
studyguide.
Contact:
Prof. Paul Coffer (course content)
p.j.coffer@umcutrecht.nl
I&I Secretariat (course registration & Osiris)
secretary.iimaster@umcutrecht.nl
Mandatory for students in own Master’s programme:
Yes
Optional for students in other GSLS Master’s programme:
Admittance only in exceptional cases for students with an internship in the field of signalling.
Prerequisite knowledge:
Molecular cell biology incl. principles of signalling and underlying biochemical understanding of interactions - equivalent to BMW bachelor courses Cellen, Signaaltransductie (or Biomembranen).