Practical Training: Western Blotting: A Pharmacological Perspective
Full course description
The objective of this practical is to learn the principles of working with in-vitro model systems and to use Western Blotting to measure protein levels. After an introduction, students will design their own small research project. During the entire course, students work on this project and conduct the necessary experiments. Students use human cell lines to examine the neuroplastic/toxic effects of stress hormones (e.g. cortisol) in relation to molecular biological changes. The effects on neurotrophic factor signaling are determined by Western Blotting.
Course objectives
Students will be able to understand:
western blotting, cell culture, neuroplasticity, psychopharmacology, protein chemistry, psychobiology of stress, neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, anxiety, anxiety disorders, major depression, molecular psychiatry, environmental exposure, functional neuroanatomy, (neuro)psychiatric (endo)phenotypes, animal models for psychiatric disorders, translational neuropsychiatry, the pathophysiology of mental disorders.