BSc Molecular Biology / Course details

Eukaryotic cells are characterised by specialised sub-cellular compartments. This compartmental organisation demands that newly synthesised proteins are accurately and efficiently targeted to their appropriate sub-cellular locations. Compartmentalisation also ensures that unique post-translational modifications can occur to a subset of synthesised proteins. The aim of this unit is to examine the molecular mechanisms of protein sorting in eukaryotes, and will review recent data demonstrating that some of these processes are fundamental to all living cells. A substantial part of the course will involve discussion of recently published papers.

The aim of this unit is to examine the molecular mechanisms of protein sorting in eukaryotes and will review recent data demonstrating that some of these processes are fundamental to all living cells. A substantial part of the course will involve discussion of recently published papers.

Student will be able to:

• explain the mechanisms which target proteins to a number of compartments (including the nucleus, mitochondria, plastid and the secretory pathway)
• appraise the maturation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum and their subsequent movement through the secretory pathway
• explain the mechanisms of endocytosis and the regulatory role of lipid-mediated signals
• critique the applications and limitations of specific experimental approaches (both classical and ‘cutting edge’) to dissect and understand the different mechanisms of protein sorting
• demonstrate cognitive skills to analyse and critically interpret experimental data and primary papers relating to protein sorting

Protein targeting to the nucleus:

• The nature of nuclear localisation signals and nuclear pores.
• The role of soluble factors in nuclear import.

Protein targeting to mitochondria & plastids:

• Mitochondrial & chloroplast targeting signals.
• Sorting of proteins to specific compartments within mitochondria and plastids.

The secretory pathway:

• Protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum.
• Protein translocation into and across the ER membrane.
• Post-translational modification and protein folding at the ER

Mechanisms of vesicular transport:

• Formation of transport vesicles
• Targeting and fusion of transport vesicles

The endocytic pathway:

• Receptor-mediated endocytosis.
• Ubiquitin-dependent receptor down-regulation

eLearning

There will be an ePBL exercise, complementary to the lecture material to further consolidate the course's experimental/problem-driven approach to the topic of protein sorting.

This will be via the discussion board, a mock exam comprising a data interpretation problem, which will be marked and annotated, feedback to ePBL exercise. Feedback on students' coursework essays will be provided prior to the written examination. There will be a post-exam feedback clinic.

Reference lists of primary and review articles will be given in lectures.

Recommended Reading

1. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K & Walter P, Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th edition), Garland Science/WW Norton, 2015, Recommended