Learning outcomes

In many molecular mechanisms, the three-dimensional structure of proteins allows to explain fundamental processes such as the binding of partners, catalysis or allostery. At the end of the course, the student should be able to analyse a three-dimensional (3D) structure of proteins, to have a critical point of view about the validity of the proposed structure, and to familiarized with the techniques of 3D structure determination and prediction.

Goals

Familiarize the student with tridimensional (3D) structure of proteins, from experimental determination until prediction methods. Protein engineering will also be discussed, with examples from the scientific literature and invited speakers.

Content

Experimental and theoretical approaches linked to the modeling of proteins 3D structures. Limits and possibilities offered by protein engineering.

Table of contents

- Basic introduction about proteins 3D structures

- 3D structure determination of proteins (XRD, NMR) : concepts, applications and examples

- 3D structure prediction

- Conformational changes

- Function prediction for proteins

- 3D structure of membrane proteins

- Protein engineering

Exercices

A practical course with the cristallisation of a protein and initial analysis by X ray diffraction is proposed

Teaching methods

The course is given with powerpoint presentations that are available in PDF format from the Webcampus website. Invited speakers active in the field of protein structure and function are invited to present their research to the students.

Assessment method

The evaluation method consists of two parts:

- a summary of each invited lecture (or a subset of the seminars, depending on the information given by the teacher), possibly accompanied by an analysis of an article published by one of the speakers. The student is invited to identify the relevant information from a conference, and not to attempt to summarize all the seminar content.

- a presentation of an article in the field, and the active participation in the presentation of articles by other students (questions and answers)

The presence of students at invited seminars is mandatory

Sources, references and any support material

A PDF version of the slides is available on the Webcampus site.

Language of instruction

English
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Master in Physics, Professional focus in Physics and Data Standard 0 3
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Professional focus Standard 0 3
Master in Physics Standard 0 3
Master in Physics, Teaching focus Standard 0 3
Master in Physics, Research focus Standard 0 3
Master in Biomedical Sciences, Professional focus in Preclinical Research Standard 0 2
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Research focus Standard 0 3
Master in Biology Standard 0 3
Master in Physics, Professional focus Standard 0 3
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Teaching focus Standard 0 3
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Professional focus Standard 1 3
Master in Physics, Teaching focus Standard 1 3
Master in Physics, Research focus Standard 1 3
Master in Physics Standard 1 3
Master in Biomedical Sciences, Professional focus in Preclinical Research Standard 1 2
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Research focus Standard 1 3
Master in Physics, Professional focus Standard 1 3
Master in Biology Standard 1 3
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Teaching focus Standard 1 3
Master in Physics, Professional focus in Physics and Data Standard 1 3
Master in Physics, Teaching focus Standard 2 3
Master in Physics, Research focus Standard 2 3
Master in Physics, Professional focus Standard 2 3
Master in Physics, Professional focus in Physics and Data Standard 2 3