The course consists of two parts. The first part explores the basic concepts and methodologies in the development of anticancer drugs. The second part concerns the usage of recombinant proteins as biotechnology product for medical and industrial applications. The specific objectives of the course are: to provide the knowledge and understanding of the most advanced applications in the study of proteins and their use as pharmacological targets and as biotechnological products; to provide the tools to analyze a scientific article and obtain useful data.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry, which are included in the homonymous mandatory courses at the second year.
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons with high interactivity with the students, including reading and discussione activities about scientific articles.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of an oral exam in which the student will be asked to reply on questions related to both course parts and, if sufficient, the final mark (agreed by both teachers) will be on a scale range of 18 to 30 cum laude.
Texts
- Molecular Biology of Cancer Mechanisms, Targets, and Therapeutics Fifth Edition Lauren Pecorino June 2021 ISBN: 9780198833024 - Proteins - Biochemistry and Biotechnology Gary Walsh Wiley Blackwell Second edition ISBN: 978-0-470-66985-3
Contents
Cancer: introductory concepts. Oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Classic chemotherapy. Drug design. Gleevec as a prototype of an intelligent drug. Kinase inhibitors. Non-druggable proteins: RAS. Drugs of natural origin, rapamycin and taxol. The case of BRAF. Perspectives. Methods for large-scale recombinant protein production. Therapeutic proteins and antibodies. Industrial enzymes.
Course Language
Italian
More information
For students who certify that they are in one of the categories indicated by the University (disabled, workers, etc.) the teachers will be able to provide support based on what is indicated by the University, or through meetings for clarifications on certain topics of the course and possibly providing the corresponding videotapes of lessons from past years that include those specific topics.
