Course: Cell Toxicology
Cells
are the smallest individual units in organs that altogether define organ
function. Organs are composed of many different cell types. Chemicals and their
metabolites may affect the function of different cells in different organs,
with each affected cells resulting in different pathological consequences. This
course will discuss the routes by which chemicals affect cells and how cells
respond to this situation.
Brief description
The course is composed of
lectures, demonstrations, literature discussions and a theoretical assignment.
In a series of lectures the concepts of and the biochemical and molecular
aspects of cell toxicity are illustrated using liver and kidney as a model
target organs. Special emphasis is on the mechanisms of cell killing by
necrosis and apoptosis, typical endpoints of tissue injury. Furthermore,
signalling pathways that are central in the control of the cytotoxic outcome
will be discussed. The use of state-of-the-art high-content live cell imaging
technologies and RNAi-based approaches to understand mechanisms and to screen
for adverse cellular responses will be demonstrated. At the end of the week
participants will discuss hypothetical candidate in vitro models for different
organs.
General aims
To
provide understanding of cells as the primary target of organ toxicity, the
molecular mechanisms involved in cellular toxicity, and the technological
approaches available to identify and understand cytotoxicity.
Module outcomes (competences,
skills)
On successful completion of the module, participants should:
-
have a basic understanding on the pros on cons of in
vitro cell systems in toxicology research
-
understand the biochemical programs that underlie necrosis and apoptosis
-
pinpoint
the most important cellular stress responses that occur during chemical
exposure and translate injury into death or repair programs
-
understand
the use and application of state-of-the-art technology for in vitro cell
toxicology research
-
be
able to critically apply the above information in designing and/or critically
evaluating in vitro models for predicting toxicity.
Lecturers:
Prof. Dr. B. van de Water
Dr. E. Danen
Dr. M. de Graauw
Dr. L. Price
Dr. J. Meerman
Examination
At the end of the week
(Friday afternoon), the participants will give an oral presentation and hand in
a written report on the theoretical assignments, which will subsequently be
discussed.
Duration: 1 week
ECTS credits: 1.5
Period: 15/03 - 19/03, 2010
Fee: € 1,000.- (PhD students may
apply for the reduced rate of € 250.=)
Location: