Current Literature in Glycobiology is a one-credit elective that provides a forum for informally discussing current papers in glycobiology research. Topics include glycan chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology in animals, plants, and microtubes, as well as medical aspects of glycobiology. Typically, 20-25 students, post-docs, and faculty attend the meeting on a weekly basis. Registration for the course (1 credit per quarter) is done through the registrar's office. Course director(s): Jeffrey D. Esko/Pascal Gagneux/Ajit Varki.
Essentials of Glycobiology (MED 225/CHEM 237/BIOM 222/BGGN 236/CMM 225)
OFFERED: Biennially Spring Quarter, Tuesdays & Thursdays
NEXT OFFERED: Spring 2008 The primary aim of this course is to provide an easy-to-understand, succinct, and current
overview of the fundamental facts, concepts, and methods in glycobiology. The course is supported by the
textbook, Essentials of Glycobiology which was authored and edited by the lecturers. The
book provides background material for discussion. More detailed information will be provided
to help guide the reader into literature of the field. Grading will be based on regular
attendance, participation, and a take-home written essay on a topical issue in glycobiology.
Background requirements: Coursework in cell biology and biochemistry. Required Text:
Essentials of Glycobiology Varki A, Cummings R, Esko J, Freeze H, Hart G, and Marth J.
(editors). 1999 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York ISBN: 0879695609 (available
through amazon.com, the UCSD Bookstore, or
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
Credit: 4 units of credit. Letter grade and S/U grading options available. Course director(s):
Jeffrey D. Esko/Ajit Varki.
The purpose of the reading group is to familiarize first year medical students with the field of glycobiology as it relates to human health and disease. Topics include research papers and review articles that focus on glycosylation and blood group antigens, xenotransplantation, selectin-mediated leukocyte adhesion, inflammation, innate immunity, human in-born errors of metabolism and mutant mice, receptors that mediate microbial adhesion and ulcer formation, and tumor cell antigens. Recent advances in these areas suggest novel therapeutic approaches for treating human disease. Students make semi-formal presentations of current papers in order to develop an appreciation of the field, critical thinking skills, and improved public speaking. Credit: 1 unit of credit. Course instructor: Jeffrey D. Esko/Pascal Gagneux.
GRTC Co-Sponsored Seminar Series
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine sponsors
two seminar series that include speakers working on glycobiology related subjects. The first,
co-sponsored with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, brings in speakers from other
universities and industry. The Glycobiology Research and Training Center jointly sponsors
seminars in this series that are specifically related to glycobiology research.
In addition, the department sponsors an in-house seminar series in which postdoctoral
fellows and advanced students make formal presentations to the community. Trainees in
laboratories involved in glycobiology research give several of these seminars. A complete
schedule of seminars can be found on the
CMM Seminar Series Calendar.
Members of the GRTC belong to one or more graduate programs at UCSD:
(Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Molecular Pathology, Neurosciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography).Interested students seeking additional training should apply directly to the programs for information and application materials.
