|
|
|
||
|
This course provides a comprehensive overview of cytoskeletal systems as highly dynamic, internally motile structures that rapidly reorganize in response to cellular and tissue demands. It builds an integrated understanding of the cytoskeleton from mechanistic and molecular principles through to higher-order functions, including signal transduction, membrane interactions, crosslinking of cytoskeletal networks, up to cellular motility, and tissue integrity. Emphasis is placed on the diverse roles of the cytoskeleton under physiological conditions and in pathological contexts.
While the course primarily focuses on the mammalian cytoskeleton, it also covers cytoskeletal elements in bacteria and protozoa. The course is intended for master’s students with prior bachelor-level knowledge in molecular and cellular biology. Assessment is by oral examination covering all topics addressed in the course. Last update: Libusová Lenka, RNDr., Ph.D. (29.07.2026)
|
|
||
|
Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts et al., 7th edition, Garland Science, 2022 Chapter 9: Visualizing cells Chapter 16: The cytoskeleton Chapter 17: Cell cycle (mitosis) Chapter 19: Cell junctions and the extracellular matrix (cell-cell junctions, cell-matrix-junctions) Last update: Libusová Lenka, RNDr., Ph.D. (28.07.2026)
|
|
||
|
The course is intended for master’s students with prior bachelor-level knowledge in molecular and cellular biology. Assessment is by oral examination covering all topics addressed in the course. Last update: Libusová Lenka, RNDr., Ph.D. (29.07.2026)
|
|
||
|
1. Introduction Viscosity and diffusion versus active transport; cell migration; overview of experimental methods and techniques used in cytoskeleton research. 2. Microtubules Structure, nucleation, post-translational modifications, microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and microtubule inner proteins (MIPs); dynamic instability; pharmacological agents; centrosome and γ-tubulin; relevance to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. 3. Microfilaments (Actin Filaments) Structure, nucleation, associated proteins, actin dynamics, Arp2/3 complex, pharmacological agents, interactions with membranes, and role in muscle contraction; relevance to muscular dystrophies. 4. Intermediate Filaments Structure, associated proteins, dynamics, connections to intercellular junctions and the extracellular matrix, nuclear lamina; relevance to blistering diseases (e.g. epidermolysis), neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. ALS), and progeria. 5.–6. Molecular Motors Mechanisms of movement, duty cycle, and cellular functions; flagella and mitotic spindle; relevance to diseases affecting sperm motility and Kartagener syndrome. 7. Cytoskeleton and Signal Transduction Integration of cytoskeletal dynamics with intracellular signaling pathways. 8. Septins and Cytoskeletal Connections to Membranes Structure and function of septins; interplay between septins, other cytoskeletal elements, and cellular membranes. 9. Prokaryotic Cytoskeleton and Cytoskeleton in Semiautonomous Organelles FtsZ, MreB, crescentin; cytoskeletal elements in mitochondria and chloroplasts. 10. Diversity of Cytoskeletal Structures Specialized cytoskeletal arrangements in neurons; cytoskeletal structures in protozoa.
Last update: Libusová Lenka, RNDr., Ph.D. (29.07.2026)
|
|
||
|
Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, students should be able to: Understand and compare the structure, assembly, dynamics, and regulation of microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, septins, and prokaryotic cytoskeletal elements. Explain the roles of major cytoskeletal components in cellular mechanics, tissue architecture, intracellular transport, and cell migration. Apply core mechanistic concepts to describe how cytoskeletal systems, in cooperation with molecular motors, support cell migration, division, intracellular transport, membrane interactions, and motility. Compare the principal motor-driven processes in intracellular transport, spindle organization, and flagellar/ciliary motility. Analyze the effects of cytoskeleton-associated proteins, post-translational modifications, molecular motors, and pharmacological agents on cytoskeletal behavior. Evaluate how defects in cytoskeletal organization and function contribute to human diseases and specialized cellular phenotypes. Propose appropriate experimental approaches to address specific questions on cytoskeletal structure and function. Describe key experimental methods used in cytoskeleton research and interpret the types of biological questions they can address. Integrate knowledge across cytoskeletal systems to explain bidirectional crosstalk between cytoskeletal structures, signaling pathways, cellular membranes, and organelles. Analyze how the cytoskeleton contributes to cell shape, compartmentalization, polarity, and the integration of cells into tissues. Analyze similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cytoskeletal organization, including cytoskeletal elements in semiautonomous organelles. Last update: Libusová Lenka, RNDr., Ph.D. (29.07.2026)
|
| The course does not include work placement |