Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Protein structure and function to Therapy and Disease

This course is an integrated introduction to the structure of macromolecules and a biochemical approach to protein function. We will take you through the organization of macromolecules and study of their assembly into complexes responsible for specific biological processes. Topics addressing protein folding and function including enzyme kinetics, protein post-translational modifications the characterization of major metabolic pathways and their interconnection into tightly regulated networks. Current laboratory techniques and experimental design are discussed during the weeks and examples showing the organization of protein networks and how they relate to human diseases and therapy. There will also be an exposure to current research papers with an emphasis on viral pathogenesis to illustrate the themes discussed including vaccines and drug design. This will allow participants to build their critical analysis and apply scientific rationale to some of the latest findings in the field.