Biochemical Mechanisms of Human Disease

Module code: MB3001

This module will be centred on the experimental approaches used to investigate a range of human diseases. We will consider how protein dysfunction can cause abnormal organ function and ultimately lead to a disease and discuss the techniques used to investigate the molecular basis of cardiomyopathies and move onto the role of signalling pathways in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, and why apoptosis is thought to be an important factor in the progression of heart failure. Alongside diseases affecting the cardiovascular system we will consider premature ageing and muscular dystrophy and the genetic mechanisms underlying these disease states. Finally this module will give you a detailed picture of the mechanisms by which inflammation is initiated and controlled.