Signal Transduction
BIOL540
Provides an in-depth knowledge of the physiological functions and aberrations of disease-related signaling pathways
Course Director: Laura Solt
Term: Spring (every other year)
Credits: 3.0
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Our everyday jobs depend on communication among diverse constituents. Likewise, in the body, various internal or external signals, via stepwise coordination, regulate essential functions in cells such as division, growth, metabolism and even death. Signal transduction is evolutionarily developed to maintain cellular homeostasis. Accordingly, aberrations in signal transduction disrupt the homeostasis and lead to various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and neurodegeneration. Thus, signaling pathways are being extensively targeted for disease therapy. Knowledge of the mechanism and regulation of signal transduction pathways is necessary.
The objective of this course is to provide an in-depth knowledge of the physiological functions and aberrations of disease-related signaling pathways. Therefore, each lecture will discuss the fundamentals of the specific signaling pathway and its implications in respective diseases. Additional topics that have been covered in conventional courses will be also optimally discussed to demonstrate their disease linkage, including the neuroendocrine system, hormones and neurotransmitters.
