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Description
This module builds on the material covered in PHAR0011 Molecular Pharmacology. It covers the mechanisms involved in the generation of a response following receptor activation, either by a natural hormone or neurotransmitter or by drug action, and how drugs may interfere with receptor-mediated responses.听
Mechanisms involving ligand-gated ion channels, voltage-dependent sodium, calcium and potassium channels, G-proteins, second messengers (e.g. inositol phosphates, cAMP) and cellular kinases are then considered in detail, together with the role of calcium. The material is supplemented by group presentations and discussion of selected research papers related to the core lectures and by the preparation of an essay (Level-6 students) or data interpretation exercise (Level-7 students).听
On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate critical understanding of the following topics:听
1) Mechanism of action of G-protein coupled receptors.听
2) Secondary messengers: Ca2+, 听inositol phosphates, cAMP and protein kinases听
3) Ligand gated ion channel receptor mechanisms.听
4) Voltage-gated ion channel structure and function.听
This module is an option for students in BSc/MSci Pharmacology and related degree programmes (including Neuroscience, and relevant streams of Biomedical and Natural Sciences) and postgraduate students studying MSc Biomedical Sciences or appropriate MRes programmes. It is assumed that students taking this module will have studied aspects of physiology and biochemistry for at least two years at University level. It is normally a pre-requisite that students taking this module will have also or be studying PHAR0011: Molecular Pharmacology.听
Indicative lecture list (based on 2023/24 syllabus)听
Receptor Desensitisation听
LGIC Receptor Mechanisms and Synaptic Currents听
础苍迟补驳辞苍颈蝉尘听
NMDA receptor activation听
Receptor trafficking听
GPCR Desensitisation and Trafficking (2 lectures)听
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and G Proteins (2 lectures)听
Structure and Function of Voltage-dependent Sodium and Calcium Channels (2 lectures)
Potassium Channel Structure and Function (3 lectures)听
G-Protein Modulation of K-Channels听
PIP2 Regulation of M-Type K-Channels听
IP3 and Ca2+ Signalling听
cAMP dependent Signalling (2 lectures)听
Inositol Lipids 鈥� Cell Signalling (2 lectures)听
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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