Module: Proteins, Proteomics & Biopharma

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Proteins, Proteomics & Biopharma
Module Code	BE402 (ITS) / BTE1015 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Paula Meleady
Module Teachers	Denise Harold, Finbarr O'Sullivan, Linda Holland, Paul Cahill
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Category 1 - a resit is available for all assessment elements

Description

To describe some important techniques used for the purification and analysis of proteins. To illustrate the relevance of DNA recombinant technology to the production and purification of proteins and peptides. To review the use of enzymes in key industrial processes, noting their strengths and limitations. To show how protein engineering has led to improved biotherapeutic products and processes. To provide an overview of biosensor development. To review recent developments in biopharmacology and next generation biotherapeutic modalities. To provide an overview of analytical tools, such as mass spectrometry, for the quality assessment of biotherapeutics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the applications of bulk enzymes in key industrial processes (e.g. detergents, starch processing).
2. Describe examples of the improvement of key proteins by protein engineering strategies.
3. Outline the scope and potential of biosensor technologies.
4. Outline the applications of DNA recombinant technology to the production and purification of proteins and monoclonal antibodies.
5. Provide an overview of proteomics and protein mass spectrometry analysis.
6. To describe developments in biopharmacology and next generation biotherapeutic modalities.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Assignment Completion	5	Critical evaluation of a purification process of a biopharmaceutical
Assignment Completion	5	Critical analysis of a published paper
Independent Study	91	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

INDUSTRIAL ENZYMES AND THEIR USES
Sources and production of industrial enzymes; enzymes in detergents; starch processing and high-fructose syrup; use of enzymes for antibiotic semisynthesis and related purposes; enzyme uses in cellulose treatment and other situations.

PROTEIN ENGINEERING
Case histories –. E.g. Erythropoietin (EPO); Insulin production and improvement via protein engineering.

BIOSENSORS
Definition & applications; design problems; developments in biosensors incl. examples.

PROTEIN PRODUCTION & PURIFICATION
The use of recombinant DNA technology for optimal protein production. Affinity purification of recombinant fusion proteins (His-tag & Thioredoxin fusions) and monoclonal antibodies therapeutics (e.g. Protein A/G, cation or anion exchange chromatography, etc.)

PROTEOMICS
An overview of proteomic analysis, practical methodologies and applications, e.g. 2D-PAGE and LC-MS for protein identification and characterisation (e.g. post translational modifications)

BIOPHARMA & RECOMBINANT PROTEINS
Introduction to Biopharmacology and the importance of protein glycosylation. Overview of some important biotherapeutics for disease treatment. Overview of next generation biotherapeutic modalities (e.g. bi-specific antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, nanobodies, etc.).

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	40%	Examination Weight	60%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Critical evaluation of a purification process of a biopharmaceutical	20%	Once per semester
Assignment	Critical analysis of a published paper	20%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Golemis, E.A. & Adams, P.: 2014, Protein-Protein Interactions: A Molecular Cloning Manual (2nd Edition), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, c/o Oxford University Press,
Bonner , P.: 2006, Protein Purification, Taylor & Francis,
C Hardin et al.: 2001, Cloning, Gene Expression and Protein Purification, Oxford Univ Press,
Walsh, G (Ed): 2009, Post-translational modification of protein biopharmaceuticals, Wiley-Blackwell,

Other Resources

None