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

Code:

OPT28

Acronym:

PBCBMADT14

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Medicine

Instance: 2021/2022 - 2S (of 14-02-2022 to 29-07-2022)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Departamento de Patologia
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	5	Plano Oficial 2021	2	-	2	19	54

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.


• To 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.)
Mereiter S, Balmaña M, Campos D, Gomes J, Reis CA.; Glycosylation in the Era of Cancer-Targeted Therapy: Where Are We Heading? Cancer Cell . 2019 Jul 8;36(1):6-16. (Cancer Cell . 2019 Jul 8;36(1):6-16. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2019.06.006.)
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 others.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	35,00
Frequência das aulas	19,00
Total:	54,00

Eligibility for exams

Attending 75% of classes

Calculation formula of final grade

Exam 100%