Current Literature in Glycobiology (MED 246/BIOM 246/CMM 246)
OFFERED: Fall, Winter, Spring Quarters, Fridays, 12:00-1:00 PM
Current Literature in Glycobiology is a one-credit elective that provides a forum for informally discussing current papers in glycobiology research and for developing critical thinking skills in the field. Topics include glycan chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology in animals, plants, and microtubes, as well as medical aspects of glycobiology. Typically, 20-25 students, post-docs, and faculty attend the meeting on a weekly basis. Registration for the course (1 credit per quarter) is done through the registrar's office. Course director(s): Jeffrey D. Esko/Pascal Gagneux/Ajit Varki.
Essentials of Glycobiology (MED 225/CHEM 237/BIOM 222/BGGN 236/CMM 225)
OFFERED: Spring 2008
The primary aim of this course is to provide an overview of the fundamental facts, concepts, and methods in glycobiology. The course is structured around major themes in the field, supported by selected readings and the textbook, Essentials of Glycobiology. Background information will be provided through brief lectures from specialists in the field, with detailed discussion of classic or current papers. Grading is based on regular attendance, class participation, and a take-home written essay on a topical issue in glycobiology.
Background requirements: Coursework in cell biology and biochemistry. Required Text: Essentials of Glycobiology Varki A, Cummings R, Esko J, Freeze H, Hart G, and Marth J. (editors). 1999 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York ISBN: 0879695609 (available through amazon.com, the UCSD Bookstore, or Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press). An on-line version is also available at the NCBI. The second edition of the book is currently in press and selected chapters will be available to participants in the course. Credit: 4 units of credit. Letter grade and S/U grading options available. Course director(s): Jeffrey D. Esko/Ajit Varki.
Reading Group Workshop (SOM 204)
Glycobiology and Medicine
The purpose of the reading group is to familiarize first year medical students with the field of glycobiology as it relates to human health and disease. Topics include research papers and review articles that focus on glycosylation and blood group antigens, xenotransplantation, selectin-mediated leukocyte adhesion, inflammation, innate immunity, human in-born errors of metabolism and mutant mice, receptors that mediate microbial adhesion and ulcer formation, and tumor cell antigens. Recent advances in these areas suggest novel therapeutic approaches for treating human disease. Students make semi-formal presentations of current papers in order to develop an appreciation of the field, critical thinking skills, and improved public speaking. Credit: 1 unit of credit. Course instructor: Pascal Gagneux.
GRTC Co-Sponsored Seminar Series
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine sponsors two seminar series that include speakers working on glycobiology related subjects. The first, co-sponsored with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, brings in speakers from other universities and industry. The Glycobiology Research and Training Center jointly sponsors seminars in this series that are specifically related to glycobiology research. In addition, the department sponsors an in-house seminar series in which postdoctoral fellows and advanced students make formal presentations to the community. Trainees in laboratories involved in glycobiology research give several of these seminars. A complete schedule of seminars can be found on the CMM Seminar Series Calendar.