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Protein Targeting Gone Awry

The Importance of Proper Localization

By Michèle I. Shuster

Protein Targeting Gone Awry


 

Abstract

This case study synthesizes students' knowledge of the central dogma and cell structure by examining a rare health disorder in order to understand protein targeting and its medical consequences. Students first identify the molecular alteration in affected members of a family with renal Fanconi syndrome as reported in the New England Journal of Medicine (2014). Students then use an online bioinformatics tool to analyze the wildtype and mutant proteins and examine their subcellular localization. Finally, students use this information to explain the symptoms of affected family members. The case is delivered with a PowerPoint presentation that includes a selection of brainstorming prompts and "clicker questions." Students complete a worksheet (included in the teaching notes) before class, making the activity suitable for a flipped classroom. A second worksheet (also included in the teaching notes) is completed during class. The case is written for an introductory biology course for majors, but could also be used as a unit capstone in a non-majors human biology course; the case is also scalable to upper division courses in physiology that specifically explore kidney function.

   

Date Posted

02/03/2018

Overview

Objectives

  • Define the sequence and location of a protein targeting sequence.
  • Use open-access bioinformatics tools to analyze proteins for the presence or absence of specific protein targeting sequences.
  • Predict the localization of proteins, given their targeting sequences.
  • Explain specific symptoms associated with inappropriate protein targeting.

Keywords

peroxisome; lysosome; kidney; protein targeting; Fanconi syndrome; mitochondria

  

Subject Headings

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

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Clicker, Interrupted

 

 

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