Inhalte

The lecture contains the following topics: • Molecular biology of eucaryotic DNA replication as a prerequisite to understand DNA damage signaling and DNA repair • Spectrum of DNA damages • DNA damage signaling: Molecular DNA damage sensors such as ATM and DNA-Pk, mediators, transducers/ effectors and cellular genotoxic responses such as apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, resp.; human diseases by defects in DNA damage signaling • Human DNA repair pathways: Direct DNA repair, Mismatch Repair, Base- & Nucleotide Excision Repair, Recombination Repair; defects in repair pathways leading to defined diseases or syndromes, their specific diagnostics and molecular strategies for therapies if possible • Molecular Dynamics of hepatocytes

Lernziele

The overall aim of the Module is to deepen the understanding how molecular processes in eukaryotic cells are regulated and connected. The lecture focuses on molecular processes that connects DNA damage signalling with cell cycle arrest, DNA repair or apoptosis. Furthermore, the student learns about the dynamics of a particular important cell types, the hepatocyte. Based on a profound understanding of molecular processes, the students will also better understand the molecular pathology of human diseases (e.g. cancer) which occur if there is a defect in one of these processes. Understanding the etiology of such diseases is the prerequisite for specific and effective therapies. In addition to specialized knowledge (professional competences), the students will train social competences because of being stimulated for contributions and critical discussions. Methodical competences are developed as well because students have to use different sources to collect informations and facts (e.g. text books, internet searches, peer-reviewed journals, newspapers).

Prüfungsleistung

Written Examination (120 min)

Literatur (3)

Molecular Biology of the Gene, Watson et al., Pearson International Edition, Sixth Ed (2008) or newer ones
Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts et al., Garland Science, 5th edition (2008) or newer ones
Selected original scientific journal articles and reviews on the fields discussed.