UE Chemobiology

CHI933 – Chemobiology       
Contact: Pr. Nathalie Berthet, nathalie.berthet@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr 

Language of teaching: English
Master program including this course: M2 CLS    
Teaching period: M2, first semester (September to December)
Credits: 6 ECTS
Prerequisites: “Chemistry of Biomolecules” and “Bioorganic and bioinorganic chemistry” (M1 Master Program CHI735 and CHI832).
Course outline: This course explores biomolecules and their derivatives, showing how they inspire the design of molecules that interact with biological targets to study mechanisms or modulate natural biomolecules.
Format of the course: 40h of lectures 
Format of exams: Ongoing assessment and Final written exam (at the end of December) 
Expected skills: 
- Conduct research at the interface between chemistry and biology.
- Critically understand and compare chemical approaches for the analysis and investigation of living systems.
- Select and justify the most appropriate chemical tools to address a biological question.
- Critically analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific literature in chemobiology.

Details: 
A. Fundamentals
I.  Introductions to the Biomolecules
II. Modes of drug administration, biodistribution, toxicity
III. Components of the immune system

B. Techniques for studying interactions between chemical compounds and biomolecules
I. Study of biomolecular interactions
Microplate-based assays (ELISA, ELLA, etc.), Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), Gel electrophoresis techniques (PAGE, Western Blot, etc.), Microscopy, Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Biolayer interferometry (BLI), Surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
II. Biosensors

    C. Use of synthetic biomolecules in biological applications
I.  Carbohydrates
II. Lipids
III. Proteins
IV. Nucleic Acids

D. Scientific article presentation: Chemistry-Biology interface