The aim of the course is to provide participants with an in-depth knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of drugs. Rather than giving a comprehensive overview of the available compounds for the treatment of common diseases, we here present the molecular pathways affected by various drug classes. Students will not only benefit from a better understanding of the main actions of drugs, but will also learn the molecular interactions responsible for side effects. We hope that this will also be helpful in drawing informed conclusions about the usefulness and drawbacks of the numerous therapeutics available on the market.
Subject
The course will cover the molecular interactions underlying the action of drugs from all major areas of medicine. To this end, we will look at entire signaling cascades affected by these compounds with a particular focus on new insights from current research. Differences between isoforms of enzymes and receptors involved in these pathways will be analyzed in detail. Likewise, the enzymes involved in the metabolism and the transporters responsible for the excretion of pharmaceuticals will be presented. In addition, novel therapeutic approaches currently under development will also be included.
