Admission requirements
Bachelor in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences or other Life Sciences. Adequate knowledge of molecular genetics at the level of a master’s student is expected.
Description
Many genes involved in cancer initiation and progression in humans have functional counterparts in well-studied genetically tractable model organisms such as mice, flies, and worms, and even in simple organisms such as yeast and bacteria. Together with advanced cell culture approaches, model organisms provide powerful tools to accelerate the discovery of cancer genes and pathways. In this course we will discuss how information relevant for cancer research can be revealed in model systems through functional genomic screens, via in-depth dissection of complex biological pathways, or by the generation of animal models for human cancer. We will discuss the relevance of model organisms for (i) discovery of cancer genes and drug targets, (ii) drug discovery and development, and (iii) the development of new technologies. To put the use of model systems into a clinical perspective, also advantages and limitations of patient studies will be discussed.
This course aims to give:
An overview of the different types of model organisms and their specific characteristics.
Insight in technological advances in the use of model systems.
Insight in how hallmarks of cancer can be studied in model systems.
Insight in how novel drug targets in oncology can be discovered and validated.
An in-depth view of the value of model organisms for the development of novel anticancer drugs.
Insight in how anticancer drug resistance can be studied in model systems.
Insight in the clinical demand for studies in model systems.
Of note, the exact content of the expert lectures may change every year.
Course objectives
At the end of the course, the student is able to:
Describe and explain the advantages and limitations of specific model organisms.
Describe and explain the advantages and limitations of advanced cell culture systems.
Describe and explain the generation and use of mouse models of cancer.
Describe and explain functional genetic approaches for drug target discovery and validation.
Describe and explain cancer therapy relevant hallmarks of cancer discussed in the lectures.
Design experimental setups for the analysis of anticancer drug efficacy and resistance.
Critically read scientific literature and reflect on experimental approaches, concepts, and findings.
Present a scientific research paper to peers.
Timetable
This course is scheduled for semester 2, period 4. The detailed course schedule will be published on Brightspace.
Mode of instruction
Lectures, tutorials, and self-tuition.
Assessment method
Assessment will be based on group assignments (30% in total) and an essay exam (70%). The group assignments consist of a written review (assignment 1, 10%), a presentation (assignment 2, 10%) and the preparation of questions (assignment 3, 10%) for different selected research papers.
For each individual exam, the grade is expressed either with pass or fail, or by using a decimal integer between 1.0 and 10.0 that should be ≥ 5.5. The final grade is expressed using an integer between 1 and 10 and can be rounded off/up to a half integer, with the exception of the grade 5.5. Final grades between 5.50 and 5.99 will be rounded up to 6.0. The final grade should be 6.0 to successfully complete this course.
Reading list
Will be announced during the course.
Registration
Application via uSis for both the course and exam is mandatory. Registration for the course closes 14 days before the start of the course or earlier when the maximum number of students is reached. Registration for the exam closes 7 days before the exam date or earlier when the maximum number of students is reached.
Contact
Coordinators: Dr. R.J.P. Bouwman (e-mail: r.j.p.bouwman@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl, tel.: 071 527 6105), Prof. dr. J.M.M. Jonkers (e-mail: j.jonkers@nki.nl, tel.: 020 512 2000).
Remarks
This information is without prejudice. Alterations can be made for next year.