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The Case of the Malfunctioning Neuron

When Cellular Processes Go Wrong

By Kirsten L. Hokeness

The Case of the Malfunctioning Neuron


 

Abstract

This flipped case study tells the story of Joyce, a biology student who notices the development of some unusual symptoms (foot slapping and slurred speech) in her mother. In an effort to understand the cause, Joyce views a documentary-style trigger video (created by the case author) that suggests to Joyce that her mom may in fact have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. The rest of the case walks Joyce through understanding how normal neurons compare to neurons in ALS patients and how that might affect muscle function. The case explores the link between genes, particularly SOD-1, to the formation of malformed proteins and its potential role in the development of ALS. The case concludes with a discussion of drug development and highlights the timeline and costs associated with drug discovery as Joyce becomes concerned about the lack of drugs in the pipeline for ALS, which her mother is ultimately diagnosed with. The case is appropriate for a number of classes including general biology, biotechnology, anatomy and physiology, upper level-cell biology, or any human health and disease-related course.

   

Date Posted

10/30/2017

Overview

Objectives

  • Understand and explain the basic structure and function of neurons.
  • Explain what can happen when motor neuron function goes awry using ALS as a model neurodegenerative disease.
  • Investigate and explain the possible mechanisms for the development of ALS.
  • Connect the biological concept of proper protein folding with the possible development of neurological disease.
  • Explain the process of drug development.

Keywords

neurons; transcription; translation; genes; mutations; ALS; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Lou Gehrig's disease; Lou Gehrig; drug development; drug discovery; neuron function

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Cell Biology
Genetics / Heredity
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Physiology
Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Regulatory issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Flipped, Interrupted

 

 

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