Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications

Molecular Biology and applied Molecular Biology Laboratory part I The polimorphic DNA – Chemical components of DNA: bases, sugars and phosphodiesteric backbone (0.1 cfu). DNA B basic structure (0.2). Alternative DNA conformations, unusual structures (crucifiorms, triple helix) (0.2) – Conformational variability of structural parameters, curvature and bendability (0.2). DNA topology, winding and unwinding; linking number; DNA topoisomerases (0.2). The Genetic Code - the code decrypting; the structure and function of the code (0.1). DNA replication: machinery and mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (0.2). Replicons organization; topological and end-replication problems (0.1). DNA mutability and repair; damage checkpoints (0.1). DNA transcription: transcription in bacteria and bacteriophages; transcriptional machinery and RNA polymerase positioning signals (0.2). Methodological approach to the study of transcription: in vitro transcription systems (0.2). Transcription regulation in prokaryotic systems: activation and repressions; operon structures and function (0.2). Transcription in eukaryotic systems (0.1); transcriptional machinery and RNA polymerase positioning signals (0.2). Methodological approaches to the study of transcription: eukaryotic in vitro transcription systems. Coordinate regulation of the three eukaryotic RNA polymerases (0.2). Transcription factors and transcription regulation in eukaryotes (0.2). The RNA molecule (chemical and structural features) (0.2); structure and function of tRNA, rRNA, pre- and mRNA, snRNA e snoRNA (0.2); mRNA capping and polyadenilation and their regulative role (0.2). Chromatin basic structure in eukaryotes and prokaryotes (0.2). The structure of nucleosomes and further organization levels (0.2). Histone modifications and their regulatory effects; the histone code. (0.2). DNA methylation and its regulatory role (0.2). Histone variants and their regulatory role. Chromatin structure and chromatin remodelling at promoters (0.3). Chromosomes structure: centromers, telomers and origin of replication (0.1). Molecular Biology Techniques (0.5 cfu): Nucleic acids purification, quantization, labeling and sequencing (introduction to NGS); PCR, RT-PCR, Southern and Northern blot; basic cloning techniques Techniques for analysis of protein-DNA interactions. Practical training (1 cfu).

Basics of genetics, organic and inorganic chemistry, mathematical logic, principles of thermodynamics (Not compulsory).

Lewin's Genes XII (Krebs, Goldstein and Kilpatrick) Molecular Biology Of The Gene (Watson)

Attendance is strongly recommended

Overall evaluation will include a final written and, possibly, oral evaluation. During the tests, the following aspects will be taken into consideration: possession of the basic concepts of the discipline, the way of expressing oneself and the language used, which must be correct and appropriate.

Lewin's Genes XII (Krebs, Goldstein and Kilpatrick) Molecular Biology Of The Gene (Watson)

The course is based on lectures and laboratory practicals. Lessons in class are interspersed with structured feedback moments. Laboratory classes are comprised both of wet-lab experimental activities and/or virtual activities.