Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - MBB 433 D100

Epithelial Cell Biology (3)

Class Number: 2657

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 331 or BISC 333, with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Emerging concepts in epithelial cell biology, including the establishment and maintenance of epithelial cell polarity and cell adhesion leading to the sculpting of developing organisms, roles in wound healing, birth defects and microbial defense, and insights into the maintenance of epithelia by stem cells will be explored.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this lecture/seminar course, we will examine the primary research literature on epithelial biology. Epithelia are critical tissues in the development and function of multicellular eukaryotes, and depend on the ability of epithelial cells to adhere to each other and form almost impermeable sheets. These sheets separate the inside of the body from the outside and separate different compartments of the body from each other. We will consider the remarkable plasticity of epithelia, examining how cell shape change and rearrangement in epithelia are used to sculpt developing organisms, and how failures in epithelial morphogenesis underlie many birth defects. We will examine how epithelial cells are generally polarized along the apicobasal axis and in the plane of the tissue. The repair and maintenance of epithelia are essential for organismal survival and we will examine how wound healing and epithelial stem cells keep these tissues functional. Classes will consist of lectures and student presentations and discussion of recent research articles.

Topics will include:
1. Evolution of epithelia
2. Techniques for studying epithelia
3. How to build an epithelium: emergence of apicobasal and planar cell polarity
4. How to bring an epithelium to its final form: epithelial morphogenesis
5. Breaking down and reassembling epithelia: epithelial-mesenchymal transition and mesenchymal-epithelial transition
6. Epithelial fusions: Developmental sealing of epithelia and wound healing
7. Maintaining an epithelium: epithelial stem cells
8. Epithelia and microbial defense

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Oral Presentation 25%
  • Class Participation 20%
  • Final term paper 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

We will read review articles and primary research papers only. A basic cell biology textbook may be used by students as a refresher on certain topics.

Department Undergraduate Notes:


  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  caladmin@sfu.ca)

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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.