Bi9007 Cell Metabolism

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
prof. RNDr. Jan Vondráček, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Jiří Pacherník, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Jan Vondráček, Ph.D.
Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: prof. RNDr. Jan Vondráček, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Mon 14:00–15:50 D36/215
Prerequisites
Bi1700 Cell Biology && Bi4020 Molecular biology
For a proper understanding of the course, basic knowledge of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology are neccessary.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of this course is in particular to acquaint students with basic principles of cell metabolism and its regulation. The course also focuses on cooperation between individual cell types and tissues within the context of whole organism, and adaptation of cellular metabolism both to changes in their environment and specific metabolic adaptations determining behavior of cells. Finally, the pathological consequences of specific metabolic disruptions will be discussed.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course students should be able to: describe basic processes of cell energy metabolism and signaling pathways directing cellular metabolism; describe principles of metabolism of lipids, phospholipids and cellular nitrogen-containing compounds; define specific role of endoplasmic reticulum in metabolism, transport processes and functioning of other cellular organelles involved in cellular energy metabolism; define principles of metabolic cooperation between specific cell types and tissues, with a particular focus on adipose tissue, muscles, liver and pancreas; describe adaptations of cell to hypoxic environment and specific features of metabolism of stem and cancer cells; describe the impact of metabolic disorders at the cellular levels; define interactions of metabolic processes with epigenetic regulation; describe basic principles of xenobiotic metabolism.
Syllabus
  • 1) Cellular energy metabolism, mitochondria: basic pathways of energy metabolism and their localization within cell; structure and dynamics of mitochondria; principles of mitochondrial transport of proteins, lipids and metabolites; the role of mitochondria in maintenance of redox balance; mitochondria as a source of metabolites for anabolic reactions; signaling pathways regulating energy metabolism (PI3K/Akt, AMPK, mTOR) 2) The role of ER and transport mechanisms in cellular metabolism: transport of saccharides, glycosylation and other post-translational modifications in ER; membrane-bound enzymes in ER; the role of ER in synthesis of lipids and related molecules; ER and metabolism of endogenous compounds; ER and formation of mitochondria and peroxisomes 3) Metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds: synthesis and transport of amino acids; glutamine as nitrogen donor and in control of antioxidant defense; adaptation of tumor cells and metabolism of glutamine; glycolysis and TCA cycle intermediates as sources for amino acid production; synthesis and transport of nucleotides 4) Metabolism of lipids and phospholipids: transport of lipids into cells and the role of transfer proteins; synthesis of fatty acids; signaling pathways governing synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol; metabolism of fatty acids – beta-oxidation and other reactions; roles of peroxisomes and mitochondria in metabolism of lipids and fatty acids; synthesis of phospholipids and sphingolipids, their incorporation into cell membranes; signaling roles of lipids and phospholipids 5) Principles of metabolic cooperation of tissues and organs: Cori cycle, alanine cycle; interactions of adipose tissue, liver and muscles in metabolism; tissue-specific effects of insulin and lipid metabolisms; specific populations of pancreatic cells and their role in regulation of metabolism 6) Metabolism of xenobiotics at the cellular level: principles of three phases of metabolism of xenobiotics; cellular localization and specific reactions catalyzed by enzymes of first and second phases of biotransformation; main types of transporter proteins participating in transport of xenobiotics 7) Hypoxia and cellular adaptation to hypoxia: signaling pathways for hypoxia sensing (principles of HIF-1alfa regulation); consequences of long-term hypoxia for cell metabolism; hypoxia and formation of reactive oxygen species; the role of hypoxia in specific metabolic niche of stem cells; hypoxia and cancer cells; effects of ischemia/reperfusion on cell fate and behavior 8) Metabolism and cell behavior: metabolites and enzymes involved in regulation of chromatin and gene expression; synthesis of metabolites necessary for epigenetic regulation; methylation and demethylation of DNA, methylation and acetylation of histones; metabolic enzymes in nucleus; deregulation of metabolic enzymes vs. epigenetic changes linked with development of tumors 9) Pathological consequences of disorders of metabolism: examples of genetic disorders affecting main metabolic pathways and their impact at the levels of cell and organism 10) Adaptation of metabolism of specific cell types, metabolome and its analyses: specific features of cell metabolism in stem cells and cancer cells; metabolism directing cell differentiation; metabolomics – principles, "targeted" vs. "non-targeted" analyses, bioinformatic tools for analysis of metabolome
Literature
  • ALBERTS, Bruce, Alexander JOHNSON, Julian LEWIS, David Owen MORGAN, Martin C. RAFF, Keith ROBERTS and Peter WALTER. Molecular biology of the cell. Edited by John H. Wilson - Tim Hunt. Sixth edition. New York, NY: Garland Science, 2014, xxxiv, 134. ISBN 9780815344322. info
  • NELSON, David L. and Michael M. COX. Lehninger principles of biochemistry. Seventh edition. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company, 2017, xxxiv, 117. ISBN 9781319108243. info
  • Mazurek S, Shoshan M (eds.): Tumor Cell Metabolism: Pathways, Regulation and Biology, Springer 2015, ISBN 978-3709118238
Teaching methods
Lectures using computer presentations and class discussion. Students are rootinely asked questions dealing with subject of the past lectures.
Assessment methods
The course is finished by written exam evaluated by all teachers. Questions cover all teaching topics. Students must answer approximatelly 12 questions. 60% of correct answers is needed to pass.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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