Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - MBB 730 G100

Mechanisms of Secretory Transport (3)

Class Number: 4556

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 322 and BISC 331/MBB 331 or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Analysis of mechanisms of protein, lipid, and nucleic acid delivery and transport within cells. The course will examine processes of protein targeting, exocytosis, and endocytosis; molecular mechanisms of COP-and clathrin-mediated vesicle transport; and viral and SNARE-mediated membrane fusion. Lectures will present landmark experiments from classic papers, and student presentations will focus on recent research articles. The significance of these findings with respect to human disease and signal transduction will be considered.

COURSE DETAILS:

Lecture Schedule:
Each week begins with an analysis of a historical “landmark paper” to introduce each topic. This discussion is followed by student seminars that present current aspects of each topic.

Week:
1.   Introductory lecture. Overview and techniques in molecular cell biology.
2.   Protein targeting, recycling and retention.
3.   Membrane structure and viral fusagens.
4.   Synaptic exocytosis, and the SNARE hypothesis.
5.   Yeast SEC genes.
6.   Yeast VPS genes.
7.   Clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
8.   Coatamer-mediated (non-clathrin) vesicular transport (COPI and COPII complexes).
9.   Caveolae and membrane rafts.
10.  Autophagy: stress-induced metabolic recycling.
11.  Nonvesicular lipid transfer & membrane contact sites.
12.  Nuclear import and export.

Grading

  • Oral presentations (2) 40%
  • Class participation 30%
  • Final term paper 30%

NOTES:

  • Lecture: Synchronous (students are expected to attend scheduled lectures remotely)
  • Final Exam: no final exam
  • Remote invigilation: Yes

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Access to highspeed internet
  • Computer with webcam

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

B. Alberts et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th Ed., 2014.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).