MMB8050 : Therapeutic Applications of Cell Signalling Pathways
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Neil Perkins
- Lecturer: Dr Adam Wollman, Dr Christina Elliott, Professor Viktor Korolchuk, Dr Ben Raymond, Dr Alessio Iannetti, Professor Craig Robson, Dr Adriana Buskin, Dr Shoba Amarnath, Dr Catherine Arden
- Visiting Lecturer: Dr Ruchi Shukla
- Deputy Module Leader: Dr Kelly Coffey
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamental area of cell signalling pathways using various model organisms. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms of some key signalling pathways with a wide range of cellular responses, and how these pathways are underpinning for the development of new therapeutics, in a wide range of diseases including diabetes and cancer.
Outline Of Syllabus
There are 23 lectures given by 13 world-class research scientists who are experts in 'Cell Signalling' and members of the Cells, Gene and Molecules Research Theme within the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University. All are studying different aspects of cell signalling using a variety of techniques and model systems. Research into cell signalling pathways underpins the development of many therapies used for the treatment 0of cancer, inflammatory disroders and many other diseases. It can be used to identify new drug targets and also provide clinical strategies to best target these therapies and overcome problems of resistence. The lectures will cover the following seven fundamental areas of cell signalling pathways that will allow the students to gain a thorough understanding of their molecular mechanisms and how these can contribute to the development of new therapies or drug resistance:
1. The NF-kB signalling pathway: The molecular mechanisms of NF-kB in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation and survival and cross-talk between the NF-kB signalling pathway and the p53 oncosuppressor.
2. Cell signalling and drug resistance: Genomic repeat elements their role in cell signalling and drug resistance and their impact on human health.
3. Immune cell signalling: The molecular mechanisms of immune cell signalling in cancer and immunotherapy. The manipulation of the immune response by bacteria in the development of disease, and the recent breakthroughs in exploiting these bacterial mechanisms to develop therapeutics.
4. iPSC technology and its applications for disease modelling, drug discovery and cell therapy development.
5. Cell signalling in metabolism: The molecular mechanisms of insulin secretion and insulin signalling, and how these pathways are disrupted in type 2 diabetes.
6. Nutrient sensing pathways and their role in health and disease.
7. Cell receptor signalling: Focusing on the hormone receptor signalling, GPCR cell signalling, and the hippo pathway and their targeting in diseases. One of this will specifically introduce the students to the use of sophisticated single molecule microscopy in cell signalling, including case studies on the EGFR and transcription factors.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparation of Oral Presentation based on the 2000 word essay topic. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Preparation and submission of 2000 word Essay |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Present in person (PIP): lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Present in person (PIP): lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Present in Person (PIP): Oral Presentations |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 54:00 | 54:00 | Reading and reflective learning |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Present in person (PIP): Introductory session |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Knowledge and understanding are gained from the lectures. Intellectual skills are developed in the lectures and by the coursework. Key (transferable skills – communication, literacy, critical appraisal) are developed during the lectures and by the coursework and practiced in the oral presentation and written work (essay). Should public health circumstances dictate that it is necessary, in person sessions will be moved to online alternatives.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 60 | 2000 words essay on a given topic of a taught component |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 40 | Present in person: 10-12 minutes presentation based on the essay content, with 3 minutes Q/A |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Knowledge and understanding of the taught components are assessed in the 2000 word essay. Skills in writing and literacy, sourcing materials, critical appraisal and use of IT are assessed in the 2000 word essay. Presentation showing IT, literacy active learning and critical appraisal and communication skills are assessed in the short oral presentation.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8050's Timetable