Course Description
Molecular genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry of parasites. Systems of unique significance to parasites will be emphasized.
Athena Title
MOLEC PARASITOL
Pre or Corequisite
CBIO 8010 or BCMB 8020 or GENE 8930
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course is aimed at discussing recent developments in parasite cell biology, molecular genetics, and biochemistry.
Topical Outline
Examples of topics to be examined include: 1. Organization and replication of kinetoplast DNA 2. Initiation of transcription and trans-splicing in trypanosomastids 3. Cryptogenes and RNA editing 4. Homologous recombination in trypanosomastids 5. Developmental biology of parasites 6. Molecular biology of antigenic variation in Trypanosoma brucei 7. Complement resistance in Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania 8. Gene amplification in Leishmania 9. Purine nucleotide metabolism in Schistosoma, Leishmania and Trypanosoma: potential chemotherapeutic targets? 10. Glycosyl Phosphatidylinositol(GPI) protein anchors 11. Trypanothione and Glutathione metabolism 12. Polyamine biosynthesis: a choice for rational drug design? 13. Role of glycoproteins of Plasmodium in invasion of host cells and cytoadherence of infected red blood cells The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.