BI3BT78-Cancer and Cell Communication

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites: BI1BEC1 Building Blocks of Life and BI2BC45 Cells and Immunity
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Mike Fry
Email: m.j.fry@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module we will build on content from years one and two on the importance of signal transduction pathways in the context of the causes and potential routes to treatment of cancer. These two subjects are intimately linked as much of what we know about normal cell signalling came from studying mutated oncogenes and much of the current thinking around personalised treatments for cancer centre around finding ways to target these abnormal signalling pathways in cancer whilst minimising the effects of the health tissues of the patient. We will explore these links through a combination of lectures, weekly paper discussions around key literature, problem sessions and through a student led project.

Aims:

This module aims to provide a detailed study of current knowledge and understanding of the biology of cancer and how this can be used to clinical benefit in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. No person is left untouched by cancer at some stage in their lifetime in the modern world, but fear can be dispelled by knowledge, and it is hoped that in addition to offering this as an academic module that the knowledge gained may prove of personal lifetime benefit. This will be integrated with classes that aim to develop a deeper understanding of the role of receptors and signal transduction in the function of cells as much of our knowledge of these pathways have come from studying where things go wrong in diseases such as cancer. This will include understanding how hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors and other molecular messengers act and the roles of cell surface receptors, nuclear receptors and associated signalling proteins such as G proteins and kinases. To understand the structure/function relationships of receptors (nuclear and cell surface) and signalling molecules. To understand the methods used for studying these processes (both laboratory based and computer simulations/models). To understand where, and how, these processes go wrong in disease. These topics will be considered from both a pathway centric and a wider systems view of the topic.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students will be able to:

• Identify the contribution made to an understanding of cancer by epidemiological, genetic, molecular cell biological, animal model and clinical data and examine their relative importance;


• Outline the current state of knowledge concerning carcinogenesis by radiation, chemicals and viruses;


• Describe the cellular and molecular events in tumour growth, progression and metastasis;


• Give an account of the action of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in cancer;


• Discuss how an understanding of the biology of cancer can be used to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer;


• Assemble and evaluate information on specific named cancers in order to integrate the knowledge obtained from a variety of approaches;


• Describe the structure and discuss the function of the main classes of receptors and signalling mol ecules and the methods used to study these;


• Critically analyse and deduce signalling pathways based on experimental data on their constitutive components;


• Critically evaluate scientific literature on the topic of the course;


• Gain an understanding of how computational modelling can be used to analyse signalling pathways in health and disease.

Additional outcomes:

Students will improve their problem solving and data handling skills and have a better understanding of how to extract and present relevant information from primary research papers.

Outline content:

This module covers the current state of knowledge concerning the epidemiology, genetics, cell biology and molecular mechanisms in the development of cancer, and examines how an understanding of the biology of cancer can be used to improve diagnosis and treatment, and even prevention. This will be linked to our knowledge of the