This course will examine the three fundamental components of drug action: the molecular trigger (receptors), intracellular signalling, and physiological responses. The course will consider how these processes might be targeted in the treatment of a variety of human diseases.

This option is assigned to block S2-D. There is normally 3-hours of teaching on Fridays.

None

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment consisting of a critical analysis of scientific data (25%).

This course aims to apply fundamental aspects of receptor biology and signal transduction to the targeting of key physiological pathways for the treatment of human diseases.

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Discuss G-protein coupled receptor pharmacology;

■ Relate signal transduction pathways to normal physiology and disease;

■ Discuss how to validate a molecular target in disease treatment;

■ Relate novel technologies and animal disease models with different drug targeting approaches;

■ Discuss novel ways of targeting G-protein coupled receptors, phosphodiesterases, protein kinases and enzymes of the ubiquitylation system.