Course Description
Complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates, including biosynthesis, structure, and biological function.
Athena Title
GLYCOBIOLOGY
Prerequisite
BCMB 8010
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the carbohydrate modifications of lipids and proteins on the normal and pathophysiologic functions of cells and tissues. Students are expected to achieve an appreciation for the nature of carbohydrate structures and to apply this knowledge toward elucidating the structure-activity relationships that allow tissues to function and that participate in various human disorders. Emphasis is placed on understanding research techniques and on evaluating research results through lectures and literature.
Topical Outline
1. The synthesis and structures of carbohydrates a. monosaccharide diversity and the building blocks of complex glycans b. N-linked glycan synthesis and diversity c. O-linked glycan synthesis and diversity d. GAG synthesis and diversity e. Glycolipid synthesis and diversity 2. The impact of glycan synthesis and diversity on development a. cell-cell recognition b. modulation of signaling cascades c. modulation of protein function 3. The impact of glycan synthesis and diversity on cellular physiology a. quality control b. nucleocytoplasmic glycosylation c. organelle targeting and membrane trafficking 4. The impact of glycans on tissue functions a. immune modulation in animals b. plant defensive responses and nodulation factors c. muscle integrity and human muscle pathologies d. disorders of dystroglycan glycosylation e. diabetes and the hexosamine pathway 5. Host pathogen interactions a. viral receptors b. bacterial receptors 6. Evolutionary considerations in Glycobiology a. appearance of sialic acid b. lectin-carbohydrate interactions c. human/great ape comparisons 7. Modern analytic techniques a. MS b. NMR c. proteomics and glycomics
Syllabus
Public CV