This course examines major intracellular signalling pathways in eukaryotic cells and their roles in human disease, with particular emphasis on cancer and selected contemporary disease contexts. Students explore how signalling mechanisms regulate cellular function, how these pathways become dysregulated in disease, and how they can be targeted for therapeutic benefit. The course places strong emphasis on the interpretation of primary scientific literature and on developing critical understanding of experimental approaches in molecular and cellular signalling research.
Pathways in Human Health and Disease
Online
Course Overview
Key Topics
- General principles of cell communication and signal transduction
- G protein-coupled receptors and heterotrimeric G proteins
- Receptor tyrosine kinases and enzyme-coupled receptors
- Nuclear hormone receptors
- Protein kinases, phosphatases, and signalling domains
- PI3K, PTEN, mTOR, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways
- Cell cycle regulation, DNA damage checkpoints, and apoptosis
- Regulated proteolysis and molecular mechanisms of disease
- Therapeutic targeting of signalling pathways in human disease
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify key molecular mechanisms involved in major signalling pathways
- Understand experimental methods used to study signal transduction
- Explain how protein interactions and signalling networks influence cellular responses
- Evaluate and critique scientific data in signalling and disease research
- Communicate effectively about molecular signalling in written and oral form
Teaching & Learning Format: Online
Assessment
- Examinations
- Homework assignments
- Literature analysis
- Oral presentation
- Seminar critique
- Class participation
Indicative Background: An introductory background in biology, cell biology, or related life sciences is recommended.