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551-1431-00L 6 Credits BSC D-BIOL , D-CHAB

Investigation of Bacterial Protein Function Using Biochemical Methods

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Eilika Weber-Ban
Number of participants limited to 5. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:29

Abstract

The course offers an introduction to experimental strategies used in the investigation of bacterial protein function. Participants will explore how proteins are regulated, modified, and degraded within the bacterial cell, and gain hands-on experience with a variety of biochemical, biophysical and microbiological techniques.

Objective

Students will learn how to design and conduct biochemical and microbiological experiments aimed at understanding bacterial protein function, with particular emphasis on proteostasis mechanisms. They will acquire the ability to interpret experimental data critically, document their findings comprehensively, and communicate their results effectively.

Content

The course focuses on experimental analysis of proteins involved in bacterial proteostasis pathways, particularly in mycobacteria, and includes topics such as protein degradation pathways, transcriptional regulation, and pupylation-a bacterial ubiquitin-like modification system. Students will be introduced to a broad range of experimental techniques, including: Biochemical assays (e.g., enzymatic activity measurements, interaction and affinity analysis, oligomeric state determination) Biophysical methods (e.g., fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, negative stain EM) Microbiological approaches (e.g., growth and survival assays, Western blotting to track protein dynamics, qPCR to measure protein expression) Molecular biology techniques (e.g., gene cloning, protein expression and purification) Short tutorials will provide theoretical background and practical advice for these methods. The course begins with an introductory lecture covering the research context, expectations, scientific documentation standards, and presentation guidelines. Students will then work on individual or small-group research topics closely related to ongoing projects in the host laboratory, simulating real research experiences.

Resources

Literature

Lecture slides, protocol handouts, and tutorial summaries will be provided digitally during the course as needed. A selection of key publications will be provided to complement the lectures and experiments. Core readings may include: Reviews on proteostasis and protein degradation in bacteria. Research articles on pupylation and proteasomal degradation in mycrobacteria. Methodological papers on relevant biochemical and structural techniques.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
We assess students' performance during both the practical and theoretical parts of the course (50%), collect and mark the lab books (25%), and hold a presentation (25%) at the end of the course, which is also marked. The final mark is based on all of these components.Students are obliged to be present throughout the block course.Cancellation: If you have to deregister from a course that has been assigned to you (just emergency reasons), please notify in written the course coordinator at least four weeks before the course starts, for courses in the 1st quarter, a cancellation period of one week applies. The study secretariat D-BIOL must also be informed (email CC [email protected]) so that the enrollment is deleted. Otherwise the course is considered as "failed".

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Investigation of Bacterial Protein Function Using Biochemical Methods
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Block course in the 3rd quarter of the autumn semester
No time listed 100 h semesterly

Offered In