Ateneo - UPO

Introduction in cellular ionic homeostasis and signaling.
Calcium homeostasis and signaling.
Discovery, variants and applications of green fluorescent protein (GFP).

Lecture slides and suggeseted publications.

To consolidate knowledge of basics of ionic cellular homeostasis and signaling.
Provide knowledge on cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling.
Provide knowledge on state-of-the-art applications of fluorescent proteins-based sensors.

Mandatory requirement is to have passed exams of General Physiology and Biochemistry.

Class lectures.

No

Quiz based exam.

Introduction in cellular ionic homeostasis and signaling. Basisc of electrical activity of cells.
Role of Ca2+ ions in cell patho-physiology. Cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Molecular Ca2+ signaling toolkit. Ionotropic and metabotropic Ca2+ signaling. Store-operated Ca2+ entry and its role in cell patho-physiology.
Synthetic and genetically-encoded Ca2+ sensors.
Discovery, variants and applications of green fluorescent protein (GFP). GFP-based probes for Ca2+.
Design of drug screening assay based on the detection of intracellular Ca2+.

Students are expected to 1) consolidate their knowledge on ionic cellular homeostasis and signaling, 2) acquire in-depth knowledge on cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling, 3) acquire knowledge on GFP structure and function and GFP-based probes, 4) acquire knowledge on design of Ca2+ signaling-based drug screening assays.