Drug Target Biochemistry and Signaling

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/XM_0111

Course Objective

Deepening of the knowledge of the biochemical aspects of drug targets and their role in cellular signaling in health and disease, with the aim to understand their importance in modern pharmacology.

Course Content

This course is designed for students with a background in the field of pharmaceutical and life sciences (or have followed Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences) and an interest in the biological and pharmacological aspects of drug discovery. The course will focus on biochemical properties, including structures, of the main families of drug targets and their involvement in cellular signaling networks in health and disease (e.g. CNS-related disorders, cancer). Different strategies to identify, validate and modulate drug targets (e.g. ‘omics’ approaches, siRNA, CRISPR/Cas9, biologicals) will be addressed. New concepts in the architecture of signaling networks and mechanisms of signal transfer will be discussed.

Teaching Methods

Lectures and assignments

Method of Assessment

Written examination and assignments

Literature

Primary literature and handouts. 'Cell signaling', Authors: Wendell Lim, Bruce Mayer, Tony Pawson ISBN: 9780815342441

Target Audience

1DDS, 1BMS, MSc Bioinformatics and Systems Biology with Life Science background/BSc

Recommended background knowledge

BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent or Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences or BSc in Life Sciences
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Master