Protein Biomarkers in cancer: molecular basis and diagnosis & therapeutic applications

Code:

OPT28

Acronym:

PBCBMADT14

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Medicine

Instance: 2015/2016 - SP

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Departamento de Patologia e Oncologia
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Master in Medicine

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIMED	10	Mestrado Integrado em Medicina- Plano oficial 2013 (Reforma Curricular)	2	-	1,5	14	40,5
			3

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

• Recognize the current protein-based biomarkers used in oncology.


• Describe the mechanism of protein biosynthesis, structure and functions.


• Define major molecular mechanisms leading to alterations of proteins in cancer. The model of gastric carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma.


• Integrate methods for identification and application of protein research in oncology.

Interpret the fundamentals of the treatments applying novel biological products in oncology.

Learning outcomes and competences

• Recognize the current protein-based biomarkers used in oncology.


• Describe the mechanism of protein biosynthesis, structure and functions.


• Define major molecular mechanisms leading to alterations of proteins in cancer. The model of gastric carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma.


• Integrate methods for identification and application of protein research in oncology.

Interpret the fundamentals of the treatments applying novel biological products in oncology.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Cancer Biomarkers

 

1.1  Introduction to Biomarkers in cancer; from genes to proteins.

1.2  Biomarkers used in oncology: some applications and limitations.

 

1. Molecular mechanisms leading to protein alteration

2.1  Protein Biosynthesis

2.2  Structure and Function

2.3  Post-translational Modifications of proteins: Phosphorylation; Glycosylation(N-Glycosylation e O- Glycosylation)

2.4  Other modifications

 

3    Methods for protein Characterization

3.1. Protein analysis (Chromatography; Gel electrophoresis)

3.2. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (characteristics and applications)

3.4. Immunoenzymatic techniques (ELISA; RIA)

3.5. Immunohistochemistry and Immunocytochemistry

3.6. Western-Blot

3.7. Microarrays

3.8. Protein analysis by mass spectrometry

3.9. Post-translational modifications

 

4    Serological assays in Oncology

4.1  Molecular basis

4.2  Clinical applications

 

5    Proteins as therapeutic targets

5.1  Biological therapies

5.2  Antibodies targeting cancer-associated proteins (The model of anti-EGFR antibodies in colorectal cancer)

Mandatory literature

Duffy MJ, van Dalen A, Haglund C et al. ; Tumour markers in colorectal cancer: European Group on Tumour Markers (EGTM) guidelines for clinical use. , 2007 (Eur. J. Cancer 43, 1348–1360 (2007).)
Reis CA, Osorio H, Silva L, Gomes C, David L. ; Alterations in glycosylation as biomarkers for cancer detection., 2010 (J Clin Pathol. 2010 Apr;63(4):322-9.)
Meza-Junco J, Sawyer MB. ; Metastatic gastric cancer - focus on targeted therapies., 2012 (Biologics. 2012;6:137-46. )

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical, pratical sessions and seminars.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	80,00
Participação presencial	20,00
Total:	100,00

Calculation formula of final grade

Exam 80%, Continuous evaluation 20%