Proteomics: Analytical Basics and Biomedical Applications

In this lecture the theoretical basics of proteome analysis are presented. These include the theory of chromatography and mass spectrometry as well as
the most important types of chromatographic separations and mass spectrometric
Peptide sequencing and quantification.
The exercise topics cover in particular: Sequencing of peptides using LC-M/MS, Spectrum interpretation, database searches and internet research. The content is continuously updated according to the latest developments in the field of proteome research.

After attending the module course, students will know the methodological fundamentals of proteomics (e.g. sample preparation, protein and peptide fractionation, mass spectrometry, protein identification and quantification, data analysis) and will understand the theoretical background and the application area of the respective methods. They are able to work predominantly independently with proteomics methods (e.g. various chromatographic methods, mass spectrometric methods, quantification strategies, data quality testing and evaluation) and to develop answers to biological or medical questions (e.g. analysis of post-translational modifications, identification of biomarkers, analysis of protein-protein and protein-drug interactions) in order to elucidate, for example, the mechanism of action of therapeutics in the human proteome. Students can design experiments for the quantitative and qualitative detection of the proteome and evaluate the results against the experimental background. They can summarize, present and explain scientific questions in a precise manner.

Successful BSc completion

Teaching technique: Lecture, exercise and practical training; learning activities: Work on proteomic analytical questions and their solution; practicing laboratory skills; cooperation in groups of two; constructively discussing and criticizing own experiments; Teaching method: question-developing method
In the exercises (intensive course), the contents worked out in the lecture are put into practice
implemented. The exercise is intended to provide practical insights into the solution of proteome analytical problems give. An essential aspect of the exercise is that the students start from to design, conduct and evaluate 7-8 experiments on their own. Thereby get an impression of the complexity of even simple appearing test protocols. Exclusively in the exercises the students have the possibility to work with specific software in the field of proteomics and thus for the extension of their subject-specific competence.

Exercise sheets, blackboard work, PowerPoint

current literature on the specific topics; mainly to be researched by students

Type and duration of examination (in min.): Written examination 90 min.
The examination performance for the module is verified by an exam and a presentation.
In the exam it is checked that the students have mastered the theoretical basics and are proficient in
finding answers to biological questions on the basis of the spectrum of methods of
proteomics and evaluate the results against the experimental background.
The presentation will be developed from one of the exercises in groups of 2-3 participants,
whereby the individual groups receive different tasks. Each group presents the solutions developed in the course for the given task and the associated results. The students show that they are able to demonstrate essential aspects of their newly acquired skills and strategies in a structured and refelcted way. They must briefly explain the application of the necessary methods and discuss the context of the question. In addition to the content, the evaluation also includes formal
aspects of the presentation.
The exam and the presentation are weighted in the ratio 3 (exam) to 2 (presentation). The
Module is passed if the weighted average is better than 4.09.