Genomics and Proteomics applied to Infectious Diseases
Objectives
1. Acquisition of basic knowledge regarding the general concepts and technical features of some of the techniques (including DNA and RNA sequencing, recombinant protein production and purification, and assessment of protein/protein and protein/nucleic acid interactions). 2. Demonstration of the ability for a critical assessment/analysis of the potential/limits of the different described techniques. 3. Recognition of the limits/potential of the different genomics/proteomics techniques applied to the study of specific infectious diseases or their vectors.
General characterization
Code
9512026
Credits
2
Responsible teacher
Ricardo Parreira
Hours
Weekly - 7
Total - 24
Teaching language
Portuguese
Prerequisites
Attendance of 2/3 of classes is mandatory
Bibliography
• Arthur, L. (2012). Introduction to Genomics, 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, UK. • Arthur, L. (2010). Introduction to Protein Science, 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, UK. • Josip, L. (2011). Introducing Proteomics: From Concepts to Sample Separation, Mass Spectrometry and Data Analysis. Wiley-Blackwell, UK. The recommended bibliography will also include scientific papers that will cover, in a more specific way, each of the topics presented.
Teaching method
In face of (i) the large number of different techniques used in the fields of genomics and proteomics, and the (ii) largely heterogeneous and weak scientific educational background of most of the students that attend this course (which seriously restricts the implementation of a practical component), the experience gathered in formed editions of this Curricular Unit (CU) have led us to strengthen the theoretical component, which includes formal expository lectures and scientific seminars. It should, however, be brought to the fore that the present CU is closely related to that of Bioinformatics, which is characterized by a genomic-based intense practical component. A tutorial component to teaching is also privileged.
Evaluation method
Taking into account the small number of ECTS associated with the present CU, the evaluation stands on the results of a written exam, with a Boolean structure (True/False).
Subject matter
I. Introduction to automated techniques for fragment DNA sequencing and whole genomes: Sanger vs NGS (Next Generation sequencing). II. Recombinant protein expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts, and their purification. III. Protein-protein and protein-nuclei acid interactions. IV. Functional Genomics, DNA Microarrays and RNA Sequencing. V. Use of techniques in the field of Genomics and Proteomics to study: population genomics of arthropod vectors, erythrocyte enzymopathies and their effects on malarial infection, determinants of resistance in P. falciparum; anti-malarial drugs, and the study of Hepatitis D virus infections and liver cancer.