Each session will consist of 3 hours of lecture per week for 4 weeks and will be allotted 1 credit. Class meeting times will be arranged with the instructors. An organizational meeting for all courses will be held on Thursday, January 12th at 1:00 PM in the Pharmacology Library (6364 Scott Hall). Contact the listed instructors for course details or R. Yamazaki (ryamazak@med.wayne.edu) for general information.

This course will cover the photophysics of fluorescence (spectra, lifetimes,quantum yields polarization, quenching) and provide information on use of fluorescence techniques in biochemical analysis, methods for assessing protein-protein and protein-substrate interactions. A common use of fluorescence in biology involves microscopic examination of cells and tissues labeled with fluorescent probes or proteins, along with use of fluorescent antibodies for identifying sub-cellular localization of enzymes and other proteins. Fluorescence can be used to detect alterations in cellular organelles, e.g., changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential, loss of plasma membrane permeability barriers, ER perturbations and lysosomal fragmentation. Use of fluorescent labels has greatly simplified detection of different species separated by gel electrophoresis: DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids. A current western blot protocol involves use of fluorescent antibodies. In order to properly design experiments involving fluorescence, it is necessary to appreciate some fundamental properties and limitations of various techniques. The course will consist of lectures, demonstrations and an opportunity to work with the fluorescence microscopy systems in the Pharmacology Department.
 

Normal cells undergo genetic mutations/alterations that alter their ability to proliferate, induce angiogenesis, and invade adjacent tissues, thus becoming cancer cells. These genetic alterations influence not only the tumor cells themselves, but have consequences for the adjacent normal tissue. Conversely, the host environment, including adjacent extracellular matrix, stromal cells, and cells of the host immune system can have profound influences on these tumor phenotypes.  The purpose of this minicourse is to introduce the student to these interactions and the need to study complex systems in vivo. Students will be expected to select a manuscript related to these topics, present the manuscript to the class, and partake in class discussions.

Transcription-generated torsional stress and its roles in gene expression control

DNA supercoiling has been an intangible factor in gene expression regulation.  Increasing evidence indicated that it is local DNA supercoiling change driven by transcription rather than the overall DNA supercoiling change accumulated in a topologically closed domain important for transcriptional regulation.  This is true in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene expression control.  So far, the expression control of human c-myc and bacterial leuO gene are the two well-documented model systems that are clearly regulated by DNA supercoiling driven by transcription.  In this one-credit course, the recent development of this rather novel transcription regulatory mechanism will be discussed.
 

This mini-course will explore several topics in the nuclear receptor field, with special emphasis on emerging themes and methods. The format of the course will include a combination of didactic lecture and discussion of the current primary literature. Students will be graded based on class participation and performance on one exam.
 

This mini-course will cover the content and use of common bioinformatics resources, particularly the NCBI databases and associated tools. The format of the course will include considerable hands-on computer practice.
 

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to participate in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. However, a growing body of evidence has shown that ROS are also involved in the control of signaling and gene regulation in cells under normal physiological conditions.  This mini-course will discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which ROS modulate cell physiology.