Medical Genetics and Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms

The course comprises genetic variation and causes behind genetic diseases as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the origin and progression of cancer. Current clinical diagnostics and treatment of genetic diseases and cancer will be treated as well as methods and techniques. The course will also give an overview of the current research on genetics and cancer. Theoretical parts and computer-based assignments will illustrate, how molecular factors behind a disease can be determined. Methods for mapping genetic diseases, genotyping with microsatellites and SNP markers and analysis of genetic variation in populations will be treated together with current techniques for the analysis of the structure and function of genes. The application of DNA analyses in forensic genetic studies will be illustrated. Ethical aspects will be discussed. General tumour theory and tumour classification followed by cellular and molecular mechanisms important for the origin and growth of tumours as well as the body's immune defence against cancer will be discussed. The course treats e.g. epigenetic mechanisms for cancer, carcinogenesis, genomic instability, angiogenesis, tumour virus, oncogenes, growth factors, signal transduction, tumour suppressor genes and clinical oncology. Practical parts can consist of demonstrations of epigenetic analysis of DNA methylation at gene promoters in cancer cells. Also, web-based material will be used. Seminars together with researchers will give you the opportunity to discuss current problems within cancer research.