GPCR polymorphisms, disease and personalised medicine
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MEDS3005 | Medical Education Centre | 3 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- MEDS3005
- School
- Medical Education Centre
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
G protein coupled-receptors (GPCRs) are involved in the signalling of most chemical messengers within the body and are the targets for around 40% of currently marketed drugs. Advances in our understanding of human genome variation have identified naturally occurring mutations within GPCRs, in their associated signalling proteins. Several of these variants are implicated either in the development of specific diseases within individuals, or in changing the clinical efficacy of associated drug therapies. The module will critically examine this emerging science of pharmacogenomics, illustrated by broad-based case studies centred on GPCR signalling processes. This will be supported by an in depth understanding of GPCR biology including signalling, regulation and drug action. A series of seven lectures will cover:
1. Module overview: Introduction to pharmacogenomics
2. GPCRs I: receptor pharmacology and G protein coupling
3. GPCRs II: intracellular signalling and receptor regulation
4. Case Study I: cardiovascular disease
5. Case Study II: cancer
6. Case Study III: obesity and metabolic disease
7. Using GPCR pharmacogenomics: prospects for personalised medicine
Target Students
Students registered on the A100 BMedSci, A10S BMedSci and A104 BSc Medical Sciences
Classes
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 4 weeks
• 7 hours lectures • Directed reading linked to an assessment task.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Maximum 2000 words
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module is part of a group of student-selected Advanced Medical Science modules. During these modules students will be building on previous learning and acquiring knowledge, skills and attitudes required for assessment and management of patients with a core spectrum of clinical presentations and conditions. This module aims to facilitate (i) an understanding of the major class of receptors in man, GPCRs, and their varied roles as drug targets (ii) awareness of the range of genetic polymorphisms in GPCRs and associated proteins linked with disease and drug action, backed by specific examples and (iii) critical evaluation of the ability to target such polymorphic variants therapeutically to deliver future medical advances. This will predominantly be within the homebase and there is a requirement for students to carry out significant private study including reading advanced texts, review articles and research papers on specialist medical science topics. It will be essential to demonstrate appropriate professional attitudes and behaviour.Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to meet areas within the GMC outcomes as follows. The full wording is found in Outcomes for Graduates (2018).
2c, 2e, 2g, 2h, 2p, 2s, 19e, 22a, 22b, 22e, 22f, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f, 26i, 26j
Conveners
- Dr Steve Briddon