Course:   Molecular Endocrinology  

Code: ZOOL-8105                                                                               

Credit hrs: 3(3+0)

This is an interdisciplinary course that need concepts of cell structure, cell physiology, Biochemistry, mechanisms of enzymes and receptors activities, system and organ physiology, gene action, transcriptional, translational activities and post transcriptional and translational processing of mRNAs and proteins as a prerequisite. The course will provide a deeper insight into the nature and distribution of endocrine tissues and glands, the diverse chemical nature of hormones (proteins, peptides, organic amines, amino acid derivatives and steroids). Study of the mechanisms and processes and control of the biosynthesis of various hormones is also involved. Additionally, the mechanisms of storage and release of various hormones will also be explained. Moreover, the structure of cell surface and cytoplasmic hormone receptors and various mechanisms of hormone action are also be explained in detail. Furthermore, the metabolism of various hormones will also be introduced. The course also includes an in-depth preview of diverse techniques employed in assays of different hormones.

Contents

1. General mechanisms in molecular endocrinology
2. Study of the cellular structures involved and the synthesis, storage, processing and release of proteinaceous hormones
3. Transcription factors involved in endocrine systems
4. Recombinant DNA technology and molecular genetics in diagnosis and treatment of endocrine diseases
5. Measurements of hormones and hormone receptors: radio-immunoassay, immunoradiometric, immunochemiluminometric and radioreceptor assays and their statistical methods and procedures.
6. Mechanisms of action of hormones
7. Hormone systems and intracellular communication
8. Surface and cytoplasmic hormone receptors
9. Hormones acting at cell surface: properties of hormone receptor
10. Interaction, structure, biosynthesis and turnover of membrane receptors
11. Hormones mediated gene regulation, transcription regulation
12. Biochemistry and molecular interaction of steroid receptor, gene expression, messenger RNA stability and metabolism in hormone action

RecommendedTexts

1. Gardener, D. G., & Shobak, D. (2018). Greenspan’s basic and clinical endocrinology (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Publishers.
2. Melmed S. (2019). Williams textbook of endocrinology (14th ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Suggested Readings

1. Melmed, S., Polonsky, K., Larsen, P.R., & Kronenberg, H. (2015). Williams textbook of endocrinology (13th ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier.
2. Guyton, A.C., & Hall, J.E. (2020). Textbook of medical physiology (14th ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier.
3. DeGroot, L.J., & Jameson, J.L. (2001) Endocrinology, volume 1-3 (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders.

Assesment criteria:

• Sessional: 20%

• Project: 10%
• Presentation: 5%
• Participation:  5%

• Mid term exam: 30%
• Final exam: 50 %

Time table: