Design de Biomoléculas

Objectives

The course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the chemical nature of biomolecules and biomacromolecules, with a focus on their biophysical properties, synthesis, and modification. Upon completion of the course, the students are expected to be able to correlate the chemical structure of biomolecules to their properties and reactivity, as well as to understand similarities and differences between transformations of biomolecules in living systems and in vitro. Ultimately, the course aims to equip the students with a basic knowledge on how to tackle the (re)design and fabrication of bio- or biomimetic molecules and systems that do not yet exist in the natural world, thus providing the background for more advanced training in the emerging field of Synthetic Biology.

Syllabus

BASICS OF BIOORGANIC AND BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Weak interactions; molecular recognition. Metal ions in biological processes. AMINO ACIDS, PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS. Peptide bonds; strategies for peptide synthesis. Natural β-amino acids and β-peptides; β-turn peptidomimetics; β-lactam based peptidomimetics. Non-natural amino acids. Oligopeptide synthesis. ENZYMES. Enzyme catalysis; enzyme inhibition and drug design; role of the metal in metalloenzymes; antibody catalyzed organic reactions; biomimetic reactions. CARBOHYDRATES. Chemical synthesis of oligosaccharides and carbohydrates. Cyclodextrins. NUCLEIC ACIDS. Glycosidic bond conformation; A, B, and Z double helices; chemical synthesis of DNA; catalytic RNA, siRNA; microRNA; non-natural nucleosides; oligonucleotide probes; single nucleotide polymorphisms; peptide nucleic acids; antigene/antisense therapy. SYSTEMS CHEMISTRY. Evolution from individual molecules into functional multicomponent systems. Bio-inspired materials.

Cross Competence Component

The course has a strong component of individual presentations and in-class discussions. This requires autonomy, critical thinking and development of arguing skills.These skills will contribute to the final evaluation with 10%.

Programming And Computing Component

The students will make ample use of database search. The use of open-source software for visualization of complex structures and of computer-assisted organic synthesis software is also contemplated.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group´s work. In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.