Course: Biology of Cancer Cells

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Course title Biology of Cancer Cells
Course code KEB/BNB
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional, Optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Kryštof Vladimír, prof. RNDr. Ph.D.
Course content
Introduction (basic terminology and nomenclature, historical milestones in cancer research). Molecular basis of neoplastic transformation (chromatin structure, classification of mutations, mutagens and carcinogens, genetic instability). Regulation of gene expression (transcription factors, epigenetic changes of chromatin). Telomeres and telomerases (structure and function, immortalization). Cell cycle (growth and division, phases, regulation mechanisms, check points in normal and cancer cell). Apoptosis (types of cell death, intrinsic and extrinsic pathway, proteases and DNases). Growth factor signaling and oncogenes (growth factor receptor pathway, classification of oncogenes, oncogenic activation). Tumor suppression (evidence of existence, discovery, classification, two-hit hypothesis). Cancer stem cells (cellular hierarchy, features of normal and cancer stem cells, self-renewal, differentiation, malignant hematopoiesis). Metastasis and angiogenesis (intravasation, extravasation, adhesion molecules, proteases, angiogenesis and neovascularization). Therapeutical approaches (cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy). Modern targeted therapy (design and development of modern anticancer drugs, inhibitors of oncogenes, reactivation of tumor suppressors, oncolytic viruses, immunotherapy, vaccination). Recommended knowledge: Basic knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry. Attendance of Cell Cycle and Apoptosis (BUCY) is strongly recommended.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture
Learning outcomes
Introduction (basic terminology and nomenclature, historical milestones in cancer research). Molecular basis of neoplastic transformation.
Student should be able to (after attending the course): - recall the basic terminology in molecular oncology - list the milestones in molecular cancer research - explain the reasons of malignant transformation at genetic and biochemical levels - explain the process of cell transformation and cancer development - describe principles of classical chemotherapy - describe principles of modern targeted therapies and design novel approaches
Prerequisites
To acquire knowledge on molecular basis of neoplastic transformation-

Assessment methods and criteria
Mark, Oral exam

Successful passing of oral exam - a discussion on a given topic
Recommended literature
  • F. Macdonald, C.H.J. Ford, A.G. Casson. (2004). Molecular Biology of Cancer. BIOS Scientific Publishers.
  • Ian F. Tannock, Richard P. Hill, Robert G. Bristow, Lea Harrington. (2004). The Basic Science of Oncology. McGraw-Hill Professional.
  • Lauren Pecorino. (2005). Molecular Biology Of Cancer: Mechanisms, Targets, And Therapeutics. Oxford University Press.
  • Margaret Knowles and Peter Selby. (2005). Introduction to the Cellular and Molecular Biology of Cancer. Oxford University Press.
  • Zdeněk Kolář a kol. (2003). Molekulární patologie nádorů. Epava.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Molecular and Cell Biology (2021) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Summer
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Biophysics (2022) Category: Physics courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Summer
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Bioanalytical Laboratory Diagnostics in Healthcare - Experimental Biology (2023) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Summer
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry - specialization in Bioinorganic Chemistry (2021) Category: Chemistry courses 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: Summer
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (2019) Category: Chemistry courses 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: Summer
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology (2020) Category: Chemistry courses 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: Summer