Central in pharmacogenomics research are the questions how drugs affect the genome and how the genome affects drug action and disease. The sequencing of the human genome has led to a tremendous impact on pharmacological experimentation. Two main findings in the human genome project turned out to be crucial for this development: Firstly, the sequence of all 25.000 genes became known enabling large scale screening techniques such as DNA microarrays. Secondly, millions so-called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s) are present in the human genome which are likely responsible for the individual genetic vulnerability towards disease and towards drug therapy.
This course deals with established and novel methods in pharmacogenomic and pharmacogenetic research and their application in drug target discovery & validation, and in ‘individualization’ of drug action. The research tools of genomics and genetics will be covered by various lecturers active in these fields. Topics that will be discussed are microarrays, data analysis, laser-capture of target tissue, sample preparation, polymorphisms, SNP analysis, real-time PCR. Examples will be presented of applications in target discovery and validation, efficacy testing, diagnostic applications, prediction of individual drug action and toxicology. Finally, some perspectives are discussed for future developments in genomics and their possible applications in drug research.
Coordinator
Dr. E. Vreugdenhil and Dr J. Meerman
Students
PhD students of the Research School LACDR and other research institutes in the Faculty of Sciences of Leiden University
MSc students Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences (+ doctoraal studenten BFW)
Admittance demands
Sufficient background knowledge of molecular genetics, molecular celbiology, drug action and drug targets.
Method of instruction
Lectures will be given in the mornings followed by practical work in the afternoons. MSc students also choose a topic of interest that will be the subject of a short written report/research proposal and at the beginning of week three, and an oral presentation.
Required reading
Lecture notes (hand-outs), reviews and selected research papers.
Examination
Writing report/research proposal and oral presentation
Time table
1—12 December, 2008, from 9.00—17.15 h.
See the schedule of the lecture series in the master study guide 2008—2009.
Application
Contact coordinators
Course objective
To make PhD/MSc students familiar with modern pharmacogenomic research.
Remarks
4 EC for MSc students; 2 or 4 EC for PhD students