RECOMBINANT PROTEINS
Learning outcomes of the course unit
At the end of the course the students should demonstrate to understand the issues related to the production of recombinant proteins. In particular, the students should be able to:
1) describe the processes of expression and purification of a recombinant protein (KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)
2) use basic on-line programs for sequence analysis (KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)
3) describe techniques, tools and protocols for the main methods of recombinant protein production (KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)
4) understand the main issues in the production of recombinant proteins (APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)
5) apply the knowledge on recombinant proteins production to real problems, in the lab or during a simulation (APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biochemistry and biology.
Course contents summary
Production of recombinant proteins for basic research and for therapeutic applications.
Overview of different expression systems.
Methods for the production of recombinant proteins (gene identification and optimization of the coding sequence; PCR; cloning and analysis of recombinant clones; cultivation of bacteria; inducible expression in bacteria; expression analysis and improvement; protein extraction and purification).
Recommended readings
A copy of the slides and of protocols used in the practicals can be downloaded from the Elly website.
Metodologie Biochimiche - Bonaccorsi di Patti, Contestabile e Di Salvo. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 1a edizione.
Biotecnologie Molecolari- Terry A. Brown. Zanichelli, 1a edizione.
Teaching methods
Lectures will deal with the principles of recombinant protein production and their application in different fields, especially the pharmaceutical field. Practicals will stimulate the active acquisition of the basic knowledge on recombinant protein production.
Assessment methods and criteria
During the oral exam a method/protocol used during practicals will be discussed. The students, who will have access to their copy of the protocols and the notes during the exam, should demonstrate the understanding of the method and the ability to analyze the results of the experiments critically. The students might be required to comment experimental results from their notes.
