Ateneo - UPO

The course will include the following sections and related contents:
1) introductory leveling section where basic principles and notions of proteins and enzymes, their properties and functions will be discussed.
2) basic principles of drug design and protein engineering on a rational basis will be presented and discussed
3) The physical-chemical methods for the study of protein-protein and protein-ligand molecular interactions will also be discussed.
4) Workshop of DNA damage and repair and protein-based antioxidants
5) seminars led by experts from companies engaged in the field of protein science applied to cosmetics.

Introduction to Protein Science: Architecture, Function, and Genomics by Arthur Lesk. Oxford 2015.
Biochemistry 10th edition by Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Lubert Stryer. Macmillan 2023

The objective of the course is to enhance the students' knowledge of protein science, with a particular focus on the structure-activity relationship in the biological macromolecules and the structural approach for the rational design of potential protein ligand molecules with therapeutic potential. Following an initial phase of consolidation on the fundamental concepts, the course will proceed to contextualize the basic principles of protein science in the cosmetic field, with a didactic path focused on select cosmetic-related topics, including antioxidant agents and DNA damage repair.

Basic knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and biochemistry.

Lesson ex-cathedra with the slideshow and video material. The classroom setting will be utilized for the execution of problems and quizzes, as well as for discussion on the data presented in the literature. Additionally, students may utilize the recommended textbooks to further explore the topics covered in the classroom.

For further informations, please refer to the course page on D.I.R. at: http://www.dir.uniupo.it
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

See the general course information sheet.

Basic principles of protein science:
-Amino acids and proteins: chemical and structural properties
-Peptide bond and protein structure
Structural analysis techniques:
Structural biology: spectroscopic and diffractometric techniques for protein structure investigation
- Protein science and drug design: principles, examples and discussion of scientific publications
-Methods for the analysis of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions:
- Isothermal titration calorimetry
- Surface plasmon resonance
- Microscale thermophoresis
Case studies “protein at work”:
DNA damage and repair
Oxidative stress and antioxidants
External expert’s seminar:
-Proteostasis

It is expected that the students will be able to argue and engage discussion on the fundamental principles of the reactivity of biological macromolecules and the structure-function relationship of proteins. Additionally, the student should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of structure-based drug design.