PROTEIN ENGINEERING
Basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology. For the lab activities: knowledge of the main techniques of molecular biology and biochemistry from a course of Applied Biochemistry.
Subject goals and learning outcomes
Course description
This course of Protein Engineering and Recombinant Proteins is fundamental to the preparation of a student in Industrial and Molecular Biotechnology. The aim of the course is to explain the molecular mechanisms at the basis of the structure-function relationships of proteins and the experimental approaches to modulate the protein functionality and to evolve a desired function or structure. The course is also aimed to provide the most updated knowledge/skills related to the production of recombinant proteins.
The course is based on theoretical lessons and experimental lab activitites.
Learning outcomes
• Cognitive skills
- acquisition of fundamental elements at molecular level concerning protein structure-function relationships
- acquire the required information (theoretical and experimental) to carry out the process of engineering of a protein function/structure
• Learning abilities
- ability to read, understand and criticize a scientific text of structural biochemistry (in English)
- ability to use these knowledge to evaluate the aims and/or the results of a research project both on the qualitative and quantitative point of view
• Practical and subject specific skills
- ability to apply the knowledge in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology to a protein engineering project
- ability to propose an analytical problem-solving approach
• Communication skills
- ability to identify and express relevant information
- demonstrate effective communication skills by practicing, reading, writing and speaking clearly
- demonstrate the ability to resume and present the scientific information
Content and course program
Module “Protein engineering” – Loredano Pollegioni: 6 CFU – 48 hours class
Structure-function relationships in proteins – 4 CFU (32 hours)
Protein engineering: rational design – 2 CFU (16 hours)
Module “Laboratory of Recombinat Proteins” – Silvia Sacchi: 6 CFU – 32 hours class, 32 hours lab
Protein engineering: irrational design – 1.5 CFU (12 hours)
Production of recombinant proteins – 2.5 CFU (20 hours)
Laboratory: 1.5 CFU (32 hours)
Course components
Slides of lessons: from the Elearning website
Books:
Branden C. e Tooze J., Introduction to protein structure (Garland Publ.)
Bross P. e Gregersen N. Protein misfolding and disease, Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 232 (Humana Press).
Voet D, Voet JG, Pratt CW "Fondamenti di Biochimica" (Zanichelli)
Garette-Grisham "Principi di Biochimica" (PICCIN)
Matthews , Van Holde, Ahern, “Biochimica” (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana)
Arnold F. H., Georgiou G. Directed Enzyme Evolution: Screening and Selection Methods (Methods in Molecular Biology) (Humana Press)
Arnold F. H., Georgiou G. Directed Evolution Library Creation: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology) (Humana Press)
Final assessment
The examination is organized in a written test concerning the modules of “Protein Engineering” and “Laboratory of Recombinant Proteins” (four open questions for each module). The lab activity will be evaluated through a written scientific report of the experimental activities. The final score is given in 30ies: the examination is successful if a score ≥ 18/30 is gained in each module and in the lab report.