The course material covers curricular information on neuropeptides and hormones involved in neuroendocrine functions, from the molecular level to higher physiological functions that can be interpreted at the individual level. It covers the significance, discovery, classification and comparison of neuropeptides with classical transmitters. Describes methods for the functional analysis of neuropeptides and methods for the identification of ligands for orphan G-protein coupled receptors. It discusses in general the characteristics of peptidergic transmission/signalling (synthesis, transport, release, signalling). The role of each group of peptides in normal and abnormal life functions, therapeutic potential of peptides is described in detail.
The course aims to strengthen the competence of systemic biological thinking and at the same time to develop analytical insight.
General aims of the course
impact of the neuropeptides, discovery, classification, comparison with the ’classical’ trasmitters
methods for the examination of neuropeptides and for the identification of the ligands of the orphan G-protein coupled receptors
peptidergic transmission in general (synthesis, transportation, release, signalization etc.)
detailed explanation of the different neuropeptide groups, function in health and disease, therapeutic possibilities
Topics
• General characterization of the neuropeptides and their signalization (receptors, synthesis, processing, release, connection with other mediators)
• Experimental examination of neuropeptide functions (transgenic models, optogenetics, siRNS, pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, behavioral tests)
• Role of neuropeptides in sleep regulations and circadian rhythms (basal forebrain mechanisms, human models, peptides in REM sleep, hypothalamic peptides, peptides in the nucleus suprachiasmaticus)
• Role of neuropeptides in feeding and energy homeostasis (orexigenic and anorexigenic nucleus arcuatus peptidergic cell groups, POMC, melanocortins, leptin, ghrelin, nesfatin, GALP, orexin, hiperfagia during pregnancy and suckling)
• Role of neuropeptides in pain processing and thermoregulation (pain sensation, spinal cord organisation from the aspects of the neuropeptides and its receptors, opioid peptides, antiopioid peptides, peptidergic thermoregulatory mechanims, fasting, fever)
• Role of neuropeptides in the regulation of sexual functions (GnRH and kissppetin neurons, circadian and seasonal timing, role of metabolic status in the reproductive functions)
• Role of neuropeptides in stress/anxiety/depression (role of CRF in the hiperactivity of HPA axis, role of neuropeptide S in the amygdala, role of oxytocin, somatostatin, opioid receptors)
• Role of neuropeptides in reward and addiction (addiction models, allostasis, reward and anti-reward systems, peptidergiuc mechanisms in the amygdala and in the extended amygdala, role of NPY and opioid peptides in alcohol dependency)
• Role of neuropeptides in learning and memory (role of dynorphin, nociceptin and galanin in hippocampal and cortical memory processes)
• Therapeutic possibilities with neuropeptides (peptides and blodd-brain-barrier, peptides in the liquor cerebrospinalis, possibilities and limitations in the peptidergic therapies)
At the end of the course, the learner will be able to
o understand the changes in the life functions of living organisms caused by drugs acting on the nervous system.
o know of the basic concepts and terminology of neuroendocrinology and their professional application.
o know the laboratory methods used in modern neuroendocrinology and the procedures required to study neuropeptide function, their fields of application and the importance of improving these methods.
o explore and formulate the laws of nature, living systems and related social processes.
o apply the knowledge acquired to explain everyday phenomena.
o reason from a scientific basis on the basis of knowledge.
o express yourself professionally, both orally and in writing, in the field of neuropharmacology and drug discovery.
o conduct an independent literature search on a given topic, organise and present the information gathered.
o feel a responsibility to acquire scientifically based knowledge.
o express professional and non-professional opinions on issues related to neuroendocrinology and neuropeptides in a responsible manner.
Basic knowledge of neurochemistry is an advantage, but not formally required
Recommended literature:
1. Fleur L Strand: Neuropeptides – Regulators of Physiological Processes (MIT Press, 1999)
2. Abba J. Kastin (ed.): Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides
Elsevier Science & Technology Books, 2013
3. Handbook of Neuroendocrinology (eds.: Fink, Pfaff, Levine) – Elsevier, 1st ed. (2012)
4. Brady, Siegel, Albers, Price (editors): Basic Neurochemistry, 8th Edition
Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects (Elsevier Academic Press, 2012)
5. Wilkinson and Brown: An introduction to Neuroendocrinology, 2nd edition (Cambridge University Press, 2015)
6. Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 789: Neuropeptides: Methods and Protocols. Edited by Adalberto Merighi. Humana Press, Totowa 2011, XI+416 pp., hardcover —ISBN 978-1-61779-309-7
7. review articles provided by the educator
The training takes the form of lectures. In each lecture, a predefined topic is discussed or presented, among the many physiological functions regulated by neuropeptides or hormones.
The lecture will have the opportunity to present topics that are of greater interest to the students in a more in-depth and multi-disciplinary way, and will also present topics recommended by the students.
Students will have the opportunity to complete an independent literature research paper, which will count towards their grade.
Transcript of records
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
