The aim of this subject is to familiarize students with the structure of specialized cells in the human body, taking into account the functions of individual organelles and their importance for the cell and the whole organism. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating knowledge of basic disciplines with clinical sciences and linking issues of cell biology with practical problems of medicine, including understanding cellular, subcellular and molecular diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, mechanisms of drug action and regenerative capacities of the body.
Prerequisites
The student should have a basic knowledge of mammalian cell structure.
Scope
The cell cycle and its regulation, senescence, and apoptosis
The cell cycle: definition, course, regulation and methods of study. Phases of the mitotic cycle and mechanisms of its regulation. Proliferative diseases.
Cell growth and differentiation. Stem cells (types, potential capabilities, and application in medicine).
Cellular senescence: causes and symptoms. Progerias.
Cell death: necrosis, apoptosis and autophagy. Course, stimulating and inhibiting factors, and importance in medicine.
Basics of immune defense
Basic concepts: antigen; cytokines (lymphokines; interleukins, monokines), MHC; target cell and effector cell; types of immunity; types of antibodies.
Acquired (specific) immunity - T, B and NK lymphocytes, role of MHC and dendritic cells (APC), cellular and humoral immunity, immune memory. The importance of immunization.
The immune system in pathology, including allergic, autoimmune, inflammatory and cancerous diseases.
Carcinogenesis
Molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis. Importance of mutated genes - protooncogenes and oncogenes, suppressor genes, mutator genes and apoptosis regulating genes.
Mutagenic agents and types of gene mutations. Example mutations (Rb and P53) and their significance.
Basic disorders of cancer cells. Telomerase. Clonal development of cancer and a model example of malignant tumor development (colorectal cancer).
Immune defenses and cancer formation.
Cancer treatment methods.
Endothelial and myocardial cytophysiology. Angiogenesis. Cell adhesion and its importance in physiology and pathology
Structure and function of the endothelium.
Nitric oxide synthesis in endothelial cells, endothelin function.
Endothelial dysfunction. Arteriosclerosis (stable and unstable atherosclerotic plaques). Effects of atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
Structure of cardiac muscle cells and mechanism of their contraction. Electromechanical coupling. Cardiac ventricular remodeling in response to overload.
Angiogenesis in physiology and tumorigenesis.
Adhesion molecules and components of intercellular substance: selectins, integrins, cadherins, immunoglobin superfamily.
Role of CAMs in nervous system development, cancer and inflammatory process.
Application of cell biology research in medicine
Revision of the structure and function of cells to apply this knowledge to medical diagnosis and advanced forms of therapy.
Methods of cell preparation for testing: cell isolation, homogenization, cell culture.
Molecular studies of homogenates; isolation of nucleic acids and proteins. In situ molecular studies: nucleic acid hybridization and protein immunocytochemistry. Applications of nucleic probes, poly- and monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal probes.
Specialized methods of DNA and RNA study commonly used in medical diagnostics and science: sequencing, microarrays, PCR and its variants (RT- PCR).
Specialized methods of protein testing: quantitative protein assays: RIA and ELISA; genetic labeling and flow cytometry.
Microscopic studies: light and electron microscopes and their types.
Teaching methods
Seminars conducted using a computer-microscope network, synchronized with microscopic images, diagrams and examples to be solved - the student solves the presented tasks independently, in interaction with the teacher. Introductory topics are presented in the form of multimedia presentations and provide a theoretical introduction to selected issues, with the students then independently analyzing and solving problem tasks.
Learning outcomes and methods of theirs verification
Outcome description
Outcome symbols
Methods of verification
The class form
Assignment conditions
Verification of the established learning outcomes is carried out through a range of methods of student assessment:
Points obtained for each seminar and preparation for class. During each course class, the student can obtain from 0 to 2 points, which are awarded based on:
theoretical preparation for class
discussion based on solving problem tasks, independent solving of engagement-promoting tasks linking selected issues of cytophysiology with known diseases
observation of the student’s analysis and solving of problem tasks
2. The score of the credit test consisting of 60 single-choice questions, for which the student can obtain 60 points.
3. The maximum number of points that a student can obtain is 70.
Credit for the course is based on the achievement of at least 60% of the possible points from the seminars and 60% from the credit test. The final grade is calculated based on the sum of the points from the seminar and the credit test. The points obtained are converted into grades according to the following scale:
90-100% = 5.0
83-89% = 4.5
74-82% = 4.0
67-73% = 3.5
60-66% = 3.0
0-59% = 2.0
Students with excused absences should consult with the teacher and make up for them within up to 14 days, but no later than the day of the credit test.
For each unexcused absence, 6 points are deducted from the total score, and verification of the material must be arranged with the teacher. In the case of 2 unexcused absences, the coordinator shall notify the Dean of the fact, who shall decide whether to continue to credit or withdraw the student from the compulsory classes in the course.
Regulations on credit conditions correspond to the conditions for direct credit, subject to the possibility of changes in the event of the need to switch to remote crediting in the regulatory time, before the start of the examination session.
