Bacterial Pathogenesis - molecular approach - W

elective courses
obligatory courses

No restrictions.

Classroom

. Short description

The aim of the course is the presentation of the newest knowledge concerning molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis. Special attention is given at the mechanisms of interactions between

pathogens and eukaryotic cells (epithelial cells as well as cells of the immune system) and at the influence of pathogens on signal transduction pathways of eukaryotic cells. Strategies used for identification virulence factors are also discussed focusing on global analysis of bacterial cells such as genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. The role of horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of pathogenic microorganisms is presented. Finally diverse mechanisms involved in the regulation of genes coding for virulence factors are discussed. During the laboratory part of the course the students learn basic molecular techniques used to study pathogenic bacteria.

. Full description

Course

Terminology (definitions – infection, colonization, disease, virulence factors, opportunistic pathogens, emerging and reemerging pathogens). History of bacteriology. Classical and modern Koch’s postulates. The normal human microbiota (HMP – Human Microbiome Project). Pathogen evolution – HGT (mobile genetic elements), PAIs, evolution by reduction, comparative genomic. Influence of bacterial infections on the development of cancers. Traditional biochemical and genetic approaches and molecular approaches for studying bacterial virulence. Bacterial strategies for evading host defense system (resistance to antibacterial peptides, iron acquisition mechanisms, adherence and invasion, avoiding complements and phagocytosis, evading the host antibody’s response). Delivery of virulence factors – secretion systems. Bacterial adhesion to the cell surface and extracellular matrix of host tissue. Consequences of adhesion – influence on eukaryotic cells signal transductions pathways. Biophilms. Cellular invasion by bacterial pathogens – mechanisms of bacterial entry into host cells, the bacterial life in the cytosol, the bacterial life in the vacuole. Intracellular pathogens ((Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia sp.). Virulence regulation (phase and antigenic variability, two-component signal transduction system, quorum sensing, small noncoding RNAs). Bacterial exotoxins – structure and function.

Bibliography

Biologia molekularna bakterii. 2015. PWN – chapter 8

Gołąb J. M. Jakóbisiak, W. Lasek. Immunologia. 2002. Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN

Salyers A.A and D. D. Whitt . 2002. Bacterial pathogenesis. A molecular approach. Second edition. ASM Press. Washington D.C.

Wilson BA. et al.2011. Bacterial pathogenesis. A molecular approach. Third edition. ASM Press. Washington D.C

Sambrook J., Russell D.W. 2001. Molecular cloning - a laboratory manual. 3rd edition. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, New York – selected chapters

Review articles from scientific journals such as . Nat. Rev. Microbiol.; Curr. Opin. Microbiol.; Trends in Microbiol. FEMS Microbiol. Rev. recomended by academic teacher.

Acquires the knowledge of current concepts in major fields of biotechnology, knowledge of the microbiological and genetic terminology (in Polish and English), latest researches, discoveries and utilization of microorganisms in biotechnology, medicine and molecular biology.

Knows the basic techniques and tools for the study of natural phenomena, especially used to study molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis.

Shows the knowledge about: (i) independent designing of the scientific experiments, (ii) working out own experimental data for presentations or/and publications, (iii) the significance of experimental work in the field of biotechnology, especially in the field of infectious diseases.

Knows and understands the cellular and molecular bases of functioning of prokaryotic microorganisms and the interactions between pathogens and host in respect of research concerning bacterial pathogenesis .

Understands the need of communication to the society information about the newest achievements in the field of biotechnology, biology of microorganisms and is able to do that in a comprehensive way.

The lecture will be assessed on the basis of a multi-choice test ( to complete the test one have to receive minimum 51% of the sum of points obtainable in the multi-choice test .

no