BE557   From Cells to Tissue: Engineering Structure and Function

Bioengineering Undergraduate Program

 

 

 

 

Credit: 1 course unit

 

Elective course

 

Catalog description:

 

The goal of this course is to introduce students to quantitative concepts in understanding and manipulating the behavior of biological cells. We will try to understand the interplay between molecules in cells and cell function. A particular focus is on receptors – cell surface molecules that mediate cell responses. We will also try to understand processes such as adhesion, motility, cytoskeleton, signal transduction, differentiation, and gene regulation.

 

Prerequisites:

 

Math through 241; BE350, BE324 as pre- or corequisites; Molecular & cellular biology

 

Textbook(s) and/or other required materials:

 

Lauffenberger and Linderman’s Receptors (Oxford, 1993).  ISBN 0-19-506466-6.

Primary literature, which will be provided in class.

Suggested references: Alberts et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell, (ISBN: 0815332181)  or Pollard’s Cell Biology (ISBN: 0721639976).

 

 Course Objectives:

 

The goal of this course is to introduce engineering concepts in understanding and manipulating the behavior of biological cells, focusing on understanding the interplay between molecules in cells and cell function.  In particular, we will explore the use of quantitative approaches to describe cellular processes, as well as modern experimental approaches to characterize and manipulate cells.  In this context, we will focus on several topics, including receptor biology, signal transduction, adhesion, cytoskeleton, and genomics. 

 

Topics Covered:

 

·        Receptors

·        Receptor binding in solution

·        Receptor binding on the cell surface

·        Trafficking

·        Adhesion

·        Signaling

·        Cytoskeletal dynamics

·        Cytoskeletal mechanics

·        Cell motility

·        Cell mechanics and mechanotransduction

·        Cell phenotypes

·        Genomics and systems biology

 

Class/Laboratory schedule:

 

Lecture – 3 hr/week

 

 Person preparing description and date:

 

Chris Chen

July 2007