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551-0371-00L 6 Credits BSC D-BIOL
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Physiology of Insulin Signaling: From Model Organisms to Human Disease

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Matthias Peter, Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Krek, Prof. em. Dr. Ernst Hafen, Dr. Christian Frei, Prof. Dr. Markus Stoffel, Dr. Romeo Ricci, Dr. Hugo Stocker, Dr. Christian Wolfrum
Examiners: Dr. Christian Frei
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:23:45

Abstract

The aim of the course is to understand the physiology of insulin/TOR signaling in yeast, flies, mice and humans. Students will be involved in a specific research project within one group. A particular focus will be the discussion of current research, and problem-based learning.

Objective

The insulin/TOR (target of rapamycin) signaling pathway is a key regulator of many cellular aspects, is conserved from yeast to mammals and plays important roles in metabolic disorders and tumor formation. The aim of the Blockkurs is to describe in detail the insulin/TOR pathway in model organisms (yeast, Drosophila, mouse), as well as its clinical relevance. A particular focus will be the discussion of recent research results, and how model organisms can help to better understand human disorders.

Content

For ~6 days (two times three days), groups of two students will be persuing a research project within one of the following research groups: Christian Frei, Wilhelm Krek, Romeo Ricci (all at the Institute of Cell Biology), Ernst Hafen, Hugo Stocker, Markus Stoffel, Christian Wolfrum (Institute of Molecular Systems Biology) or Matthias Peter (Institute of Biochemistry). At the end of the course, each group of students will present their results in the form of a poster presentation. During the remaining days, students will have lectures by the group leaders, paper discussions and will perform problem-based learnings, which will be presented by the students. Marks will be given for: Written exam (counts 50%), quality of research and poster presentation, participation and problem-based learning (counts together 50%).

Resources

Lecture Notes

Scripts will be given for lectures

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Schriftliche Prüfung (60 Minuten) und Präsentation von Poster und 'Problem Solving' . Es wird nur der Hauptexaminator aufgeführt. Weitere Examinatoren: Die oben aufgeführten Dozierenden.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Physiology of Insulin Signaling: From Model Organisms to Human Disease
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Blockkurs im 3. Viertel des Herbstsemesters (beschränkt auf max. 16 Teilnehmende)
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HPM C 51)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HPM C 51)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HPM C 51)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HPM C 51)
100 h semesterly

Offered In