Regulation of Metabolism

Objectives

The subject Regulation of Metabolism addresses the regulation and intercommunication between the different metabolic routes of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The different types of regulation are studied and emphasis is placed on signal transduction through hormones and the different regulation depending on the tissue. Finally, all this knowledge is integrated in different physiological and pathological situations.

The main objectives of the subject are:

1. Know the role of signal transduction in the mediation of hormonal action and in the integration of physiological processes.
2. Know the control mechanisms of the enzymes involved in the regulation of the most important metabolic pathways.
3. Understand the differences in the control mechanisms depending on the tissue location of the pathways.
4. Understand the regulation of intra- and inter-organ metabolite flow in health and disease.
5. Integrate the control of the different metabolic pathways in the general homeostasis of the organism (with special emphasis in the case of humans).
6. Understand the causes of the main metabolic diseases.

Learning outcomes

• RA1. It includes the molecular mechanisms of regulation and control of metabolism, as well as the molecular bases of intercellular communication and intracellular signaling.
• LO2. Prepares written reports and documents (mainly of a technical nature) with spelling and grammar correction in Catalan, Spanish and English.
• LO3. Globally evaluates the learning processes carried out in accordance with the plans and objectives set out and establishes individual improvement measures.
• LO4. Acquire and demonstrate advanced knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of work methodology in the field of biomedicine.

Skills

General skills

• Formulate hypotheses following the scientific method, with an ability to summarize and analyze information in a critical way in order to be able to solve problems.

Specific skills

• Describe the relationship between the biology of the nucleus and the metabolism of the main cell types.
• Have a systemic vision of the organism, in particular metabolic regulation and control and cell signaling, in order to respond to biomedical challenges.

Basic skills

• Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds on general secondary education with the support of advanced textbooks and knowledge of the latest advances in this field of study.

Core skills

• Communicate orally, in writing and audiovisually, in one's own language and in foreign languages, with proficiency in form, content and use.
• Reflect critically on knowledge of all kinds, with a commitment to professional rigor and quality.

Content

Block 1. Introduction. Hormones and intermediary metabolism

1. Introduction to the regulation of metabolic pathways: energy balance, regulation of enzyme activities and membrane transporters
2. Structure and function of organs and tissues
3. Function of hormones (insulin, glucagon, catecholamines...)
4. Regulation of the central pathways of intermediary metabolism: Krebs cycle

Block 2. Glucidic metabolism

1. Regulation of intestinal absorption of monosaccharides and transport of glucose through cell membranes
2. Glucose utilization pathways
3. Regulation of gluconeogenesis
4. Regulation of glycogen metabolism

Block 3. Lipid metabolism

1. Digestion, intestinal absorption and transport of lipids
2. Metabolism of lipoproteins
3. Regulation of lipogenesis and synthesis of triacylglycerols
4. Regulation of lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation

Block 4. Protein metabolism

1. protein intake Transport of peptides and amino acids
2. Protein turnover and catabolism of amino acids

Evaluation

The evaluation of the subject is based on continuous monitoring of the students' academic work throughout the course.

The final mark of the subject (NF) is the weighted average of the marks of the following assessable activities:

• Evaluable activity 1. Questionnaires: 30% of the NF; non-recoverable activity
• Evaluable activity 2. Partial test 1: 25% of the NF; recoverable activity; minimum grade to average: 4
• Evaluable activity 3. Partial test 2: 25% of the NF; recoverable activity; minimum grade to average: 4
• Evaluable activity 4. Evaluable exercises: 20% of the NF; non-recoverable activity

The total weight of the assessment activities represents 100% of the final mark of the subject. To average all evaluable activities, the average of evaluable activities 2 and 3 must be equal to or greater than 5.

important

Plagiarism or copying someone else's work is penalized at all universities and, according to the UVic-UCC Coexistence Rules , constitutes serious or very serious offences. Therefore, in the course of this subject, plagiarism or the misappropriation of other people's texts or ideas (see what is considered plagiarism ) and the improper or undeclared use of artificial intelligence in an activity are translated automatically in suspension or other disciplinary measures.

To cite texts and materials appropriately, consult the academic citation guidelines and guidelines available on the UVic Library website.

Methodology

• In this subject, theoretical sessions, workshops or tasks are held at the end of each block to integrate the knowledge acquired.
• Regarding personal work, students must follow the theory of the subject and actively participate in discussions, tasks and workshops in the classroom.
• There are also cases and tasks that students must work on autonomously and independently or in small groups.
• Attendance at the seminar sessions, tasks and workshops and the case and article exhibition sessions is highly recommended, as they are interactive classes with assessable activities and participation.

Bibliography

Key references

• Bender, D. A. (2014). Introduction to nutrition and metabolism (5 ed.). CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
• Blanco Gaitán, María Dolores (2017). Fundamentos de bioquímica metabólica (4 ed.). Retrieved from https://elibro.net/es/lc/bibliouvic/titulos/51989
• Frayn, K. N. (2010). Metabolic regulation: A human perspective (3 ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
• Newsholme, E. A., Leech, T. R. (2010). Functional biochemistry in health and disease. Wiley.
• Storey, K. B. (2004). Functional metabolism: Regulation and adaptation. Wiley.

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.