Structure and Function of Proteins

Syllabus

1. Introduction
   Peptide bonding, secondary structures, forces that create the three-dimensional structure of proteins
2. Folding and evolution of proteins
   Forces responsible for protein folding, thermostable proteins, ways of evolution of protein functions
3. Protein domains
   Role of protein domains, role of intramolecular domains
4. Oligomers
   Forces responsible for the formation of oligomers. Specification and control. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription factors
5. Protein interactions in vivo
   Proteins in the cell, modes of substrate recognition, specificity
6. Polyenzyme complexes: Catalytic nanomachines
   Experimental approaches to study protein interactions, channel enzyme complexes, swing arm enzyme complexes
7. Self-assembly of proteins
   Cytoskeletal proteins, Viral structures and functions
8. Membrane proteins
   Asymmetry of membranous proteins, interactions with the lipid bilayer, monolayer membrane proteins
9. Cell signal
   Generation and transport within the cell, effect on cell metabolism
10. Transport
    Role of membrane proteins in transport, control and specificity, chemical energy production

Learning Outcomes

The course aims at understanding the structure and function of proteins and their role in organisms so that students are able to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern life. The course introduces the methodology of studying protein structure and the function of biological membranes. Then, the aim is to link the knowledge of proteins and the basic processes in which they participate to the understanding of the molecular basis of diseases and how therapeutic approaches work.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will

• will have a basic understanding of the structure of proteins, their interactions and supramolecular self-organisation
• have the basic knowledge to understand the molecular basis of protein function in organisms.
• will have been exposed to the molecular basis of disease and the use of proteins as therapeutic targets