Lecture 1: Intro to molecular cell biology Flashcards
What is molecular biology?
Study of the molecules of the cell such a DNA and protein
What is cell biology?
Study of how cells and their molecules function
What is the relevance of molecular cell biology to medicine?
To understand the function of the body in health and disease you must first understand how cells function. Most diseases involve changes at the molecular and cellular level.
What is translational research in medicine?
Translation of scientific research and findings in fundamental research into medical practice and meaningful health outcomes.
What are biomarkers?
Biomarkers are naturally occurring molecule, gene, or characteristic by which a particular pathological or physiological process or disease, can be identified
What are some examples of biomarkers?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Anti Citrillunated Peptide Antibody (ACPA)
What are the uses of biomarkers in clinical medicine?
Biomarkers are used to diagnose disease, monitor disease progression, predict treatment response, and make a prognosis.
What is meant by the term stratified medicine?
Stratified medicine is the identification of subgroups of patients with distinct mechanisms of disease, or particular responses to treatments.
What is the use of stratified medicine?
Stratified medicine allows us to identify and develop treatments that are effective for particular groups of patients. Ultimately, stratified medicine will ensure that the right patient gets the right treatment at the right time.
Describe an example of stratified medicine in breast cancer treatment
Treatment of breast cancer patients: ER+ (Estrogen receptor) group or HER2+ (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). The type of receptor present in these breast cancer patients will determine what treatment they receive.
ER+ treated with Tamoxifen
HER2+ treated with Herceptin
Describe an example of stratified medicine in colon cancer treatment
Cetuximab is an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor, and can be used for patients with colon cancer without the abnormal K-RAS mutation. Patients with K-RAS mutation would not benefit from this treatment.
What is pharmacogenomics?
The study of how genes affect the response to a particular drug to identify patients at risk for toxicity or reduced response to therapy prior to treatment.
What is precision medicine?
Precision medicine identifies which approaches will be effective for which patients based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Precision medicine implies accurate medical intervention for the right patient and at the right time.
