Molecular Regulation of Gene Expression

Code:

BIOL4006

Acronym:

BIOL4006

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2021/2022 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Functional Biology and Biotechnology of Plants

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:BFBP	9	Plano de Estudos M:BFBP_2015_2016.	1	-	3	21	81

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The overall objective of this course is to give students a deeper understanding of how the regulation of plant gene expression occurs, including all molecular events arising from the regulation of promoter activity to mRNA translation, via regulation of mRNA stability and duration and all the cellular events that underlie it (splicings, regulation by interference RNA (RNAi) and the various cytoplasmic mechanisms of post-transcriptional control). As competencies and learning outcomes, it is intended that students become able to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the production, maintenance and efficiency of translation of mRNAs, thus becoming aware of the needs, care and strategies to take under various procedures as for example, the production of genetically modified plants, or analysis of accumulation of transcripts and/or their encoded products.

Learning outcomes and competences

The compression of the molecular mechanisms involved in the production, maintenance and mRNA translation efficiency in eukaryotes contributes with solid training to students who wish to engage in disciplines related to the cellular and molecular physiology (basic or applied science), giving them skills to better interpret cellular events related to cellular responses leading to changes in gene expression and regulation, the de novo synthesis of proteins, and thus a physiological response by the organism. Such skills will result from the integration of the knowledge acquired in the topics covered, allowing students to become equipped with skills and ability to: understand the process of transcription, control of longevity and stability of mRNAs, how RNA interference (RNAi) is involved in differentiation and tissue specificity and in the plant "immune" response to viral infections, in controlling transposon proliferation and in epigenetic regulation events. This knowledge can and should be extrapolated to other areas of plant biology, particularly in the production of genetically modified plants, providing fundamental knowledge for the elaboration of correct gene constructs, thus leading to correct synthesis of non-native proteins or silencing of specific genes. Students will know how cells make the control of protein production, not only regarding the quantity but also the quality of the proteins that are produced, based on several cytoplasmic mechanisms involving RNAi and cell surveillance of mature mRNAs that did not undergo correct processing.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1 - Control of transcription:

a) regulatory elements : promoters and transcription factors:

- Proximal regulatory elements and enhancers;

- Repressors and activators of transcription and existing structural types.

b) Transcription by RNA pol II :

- Preinitiation complex;

- Elongation and termination.

c) Epigenetics

2 - post-transcriptional control:

a) nuclear events:

- 5 'Cap;

- 3' cleavage and polyadenylation of the pre-mRNA;

- hnRNPs and the regulation of pre-mRNA processing: splicing (+ alternative) and RNA editing;

- Nuclear transport of mRNA.

b) cytoplasmic events:

i) RNA interference ( RNAi):

- Short -interference RNAs (siRNAs);

- MicroRNAs (miRNAs);

- RNA-directed RNA Pol. (RdRPs): silencing by spreading, control of transposons, viral infections and epigenetic regulation.

ii) degradation of mRNAs by removing the 5' –cap, deadenylation and endonucleolytic cleavage.

iii) regulation of mRNA translation and degradation: mRNA surveillance and NMD; production of proteins at specific regions within the cytoplasm.

Mandatory literature

Lodish Harvey F. 070; Molecular cell biology. ISBN: 9781464109812
Watson et al.; Recombinant DNA: genes and genomes, WH Freeman and Company, 2007. ISBN: 0-7167-2866-4
Buchanan Bob B. 340; Biochemistry & molecular biology of plants. ISBN: 978-0-470-71421-8

Complementary Bibliography

Taiz Lincoln; Plant physiology. ISBN: 9780878935659

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures of the theoretical-practical type will be given using powerpoint-like presentations and videos, where student participation is encouraged through a discussion component.
Scientific articles, most relevant to the topics discussed, will also be analyzed and discussed with particular emphasis on the experimental methods described therein, so that students become alerted to how such procedures are performed.
Development of practical cases using in silico tools and/or the laboratory techniques most related to the explored topics.

Software

Serial Cloner

keywords

Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Molecular biology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Functional biology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Botany > Plant physiology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	25,00
Exame	75,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	10,00
Estudo autónomo	50,00
Frequência das aulas	21,00
Total:	81,00

Eligibility for exams

The student will lose attendance at the subject if 1/3 of the scheduled classes is exceeded.

Calculation formula of final grade

Type of Evaluation:

The continuous evaluation will consist of:

- Written test 75%.

- Paper presentations 25% - this component of the evaluation will be performed by presentation of selected articles using the knowledge acquired during the UC. The work is presented and discussed in class. In assessing this component is also considered the interest and participation of students.

Classification improvement

It will be possible to improve the classification by making a new written test. The paper presentation component is not subject to improvement.
This final classification will be:

- New written test 75%.

- Paper presentation 25% (grade obtained on presentation and discussion in the classroom; see above).