Intoduction to Moleculare Medicine
(Hildt)
The lecture provides an overview of the structural and functional fundamentals of molecular biology. This includes an introduction to the biochemistry of the basic building blocks that make up the various cellular components, such as nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The basic principles of these macromolecules with regard to their biochemical/cell biological function are discussed.
Building on this, subcellular structures such as the cell nucleus, mitochondria, membranes, lysosomes, etc. and the cell biological functions located in these organelles are examined. A particular focus is placed on the description of pathological processes associated with structural/functional changes in these organelles.
Another focus will be an introduction to molecular biology. Genome structures, replication mechanisms, cell cycle control and regulation of gene expression will be at the forefront here, also with a pathophysiological reference, especially with regard to mechanisms of tumour development.
Finally, overarching functional aspects will be discussed. A central topic here will be signal transduction within the cell, with a focus on various aspects of innate and acquired immunity. Particular attention will be paid to the interaction between (viral) pathogens and the host mechanism. Aspects to be discussed will include, for example, the fundamentals of immunology with regard to vaccinations and cellular defence mechanisms against (viral) pathogens.