Molecular Recognition

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• describe how peptide motifs are recognised by interacting proteins;
• describe the structure of RNA and the nature of riboswitches;
• regulation of kinase activity;
• describe GTPases as molecular protein switches;
• describe the structure of DNA and the nature of interactions with proteins;
• describe hydrogen–deuterium exchange in mass spectrometry to study molecular interaction;
• multi-domain proteins, their structure and function;
• describe protein ligand interactions;
• present a scientific poster to a lay scientific audience and fellow students;
• read and interpret original literature in molecular recognition.

The module discusses ways in which signal transduction events lead to altered gene expression. Cytokines and growth hormones and their receptors are discussed, affecting cell cycle regulation. Protein-peptide recognition will be introduced, and will see how viruses upset cell regulation through interfering peptides. The receptors themselves are often multi-domain proteins. Assembly of multiple domains is a requirement for regulation and efficient binding site presentation. The structure of DNA and the recognition of nucleic acids by interacting proteins such as histones, nucleases, and transcription factors is introduced. Also discussed are the structures of RNA and riboswitches. Methods to study macromolecular interactions are introduced in all sections. The seminal technique of mass spectrometry is covered in detail to explain protein-ligand interactions. Hydrogen–deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry allows to studying protein-protein interactions. Further, you will learn how to interpret a recent research paper with a focus on methods used to study molecular interactions.

Lectures and independent study. An exercise to interpret a recent research paper related to the topics of the module in the format of an orally presented poster.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.