Cellular Signalling

Signal transduction in and between cells, G-protein coupled receptors, phospholipid and Ca2+ signalling, ligand-gated ion channels and electrical responses.

Programmes

• BSc Biochemistry, BSc Medical Biochemistry, BSc Human Biology

Level

Final Year

20 Credits

This module aims to provide an integrated treatment of the biochemical / molecular basis of signalling processes downstream of diverse extracellular stimuli, emphasising those signalling pathways which are mediated by cell-surface receptors.

Topics include receptor structure and function, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and G-proteins, receptor tyrosine kinases and phosphatases, phospholipid signalling, Ca2+ signalling; nitric oxide signalling; nuclear receptor signalling; actions of second messengers; ligand-gated ion channel and electrical responses.

The practical aims to provide an introduction to receptor binding techniques and students will also be required to present data from an allocated primary paper.

Assessment

Exam (60%), Coursework (40%)            

Note: this module is under review and content may change.