Advanced molecular biology

The first part of course is focused on peptides – structures, biosynthesis, physicochemical properties. Antimicrobial peptides - classification, important features, mechanisms of antimicrobial action, role in the host organism. Anticancer peptides. Cell penetrating and mitochondria penetrating peptides. Peptide sequencing. Chemical synthesis of peptides. Architectural synthetic peptides (dendrimers). Peptide databases.

The second part of the course is focused on the introduction of the research case studies on current topics related to decipher intermolecular interaction between biomolecules, including protein-protein interactions. The intermolecular interplay within so-called bio-nano-machines will be consider to show the mechanisms that govern the biological processes on the atomic scale. Especially, the process of translation will be taken into consideration as an example of the biological event, where nano-machines by harnessing thermal fluctuations, and with collaboration with trans-acting proteins, are gaining directed motion, yielding at the same time proteins, as basic bio-molecules. Within the course structural aspects of protein functioning will be presented, together with research pipeline allowing to study protein structure and intermolecular interaction. The auxiliary protein factors for the translational machinery will be considered, including translational GTPases, ribosome-Inactivating-proteins and sensory proteins modulating ribosome activity.

Recommended review and original articles from current scientific literature.

Based on Resolution of the UMCS Senate No. XXV-33.5/24 of March 27, 2024, i.e. from the 2024/2025 education cycle

Knowledge: The graduate knows and understands

W1. mechanisms of interaction between molecules and the consequences of these interactions; K_W01, K_W02

W2. mechanisms of information transfer in cells; K_W01

W3. contemporary "theory" of the ribosome as a regulator of the expression of genetic information; specialized types of ribosomes and possible consequences of ribosome biogenesis disorders; K_W01, K_W02

W4. in-depth mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, methods of their analysis and importance in pathogenesis; K_W01, K_W02, K_W04

Skills: The graduate is able to

U1. Assesses the risks associated with disorders of the functioning of signal transmission pathways in cells, epigenetic disorders and ribosome biogenesis. K_U01

U2. use professional vocabulary in both Polish and foreign languages, describing and explaining issues in the field of molecular biology. K_U10

U3. use advanced techniques used in biotechnology. K_U03

U4. skillfully perform critical analyses of obtained research results and literature data. K_U06

U5. Prepares and independently conducts selected research tasks. K_U06

Social competences: The graduate is ready to

K1. objectively evaluate his/her own contribution to work and the work of team members in solving specific tasks. K_K02

K2. Is responsible for the entrusted biological material and the entrusted scope of activities. K_K01

K3. Is open to new trends in the field of biotechnology related to molecular biology. K_K03