Signaling actions of small molecules (Coursera)

Accumulating evidence clearly suggests that certain types of metabolites exert signaling actions through interactions with macromolecules. Compared to other protein-protein and nucleic acid-protein interactions, metabolite-protein interactions appear significant in living cells, therby mediating specific actions in regulating target protein functions and activities.

This 6 week-course will give you a solid introduction to the basic fundamentals of metabolite-mediated cell signaling. I will first define the concept of metabolites and introduces major types of molceular interactions. Throughout 6 weeks, we will study biochemical basis of metabolite actions in cell signaling. In particular, we will study interesting examples of how endogenous small molecules intreact with target proteins and control their functions. These major topics will be explained in the context of human health and disease such as cancer and inflammtion. Everyone appreciates that cell signaling is essential for sustaining life. How can you explain the action of noxious gases like nitric oxide in controlling blood pressure? What can be the fundamental mode of energy metabolites in modulating gene expression? Have you ever thought about ways of how our gut microbiota can influence our body? By studying signaling actions of metabolites, we can better understand the complex but wonderful nature of our cellular signaling system, further identifying novel ways to manage major human disease.

What you'll learn

Learn about fundamental principles underlying various cellular signaling events controlled by endogenous small molecules