Martin Pilhofer: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2019 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Martin Pilhofer |
| Field | Cryo-Electron Microscopy |
| Address | Inst. f. Molekularbiol.u.Biophysik ETH Zürich, HPK F 13 Otto-Stern-Weg 5 8093 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 633 39 63 |
| pilhofer@mol.biol.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Biology |
| Relationship | Full Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 551-0307-01L | Molecular and Structural Biology II: From Gene to Protein D-BIOL students are obliged to take part I and part II as a two-semester course. | 3 credits | 2V | N. Ban, F. Allain, S. Jonas, M. Pilhofer | |
| Abstract | This course will cover advanced topics in molecular biology and biochemistry with emphasis on the structure and function of cellular assemblies involved in expression and maintenance of genetic information. We will cover the architecture and the function of molecules involved in DNA replication, transcription, translation, nucleic acid packaging in viruses, RNA processing, and CRISPER/CAS system. | ||||
| Learning objective | Students will gain a deep understanding of large cellular assemblies and the structure-function relationships governing their function in fundamental cellular processes ranging from DNA replication, transcription and translation. The lectures throughout the course will be complemented by exercises and discussions of original research examples to provide students with a deeper understanding of the subjects and to encourage active student participation. | ||||
| Content | Advanced class covering the state of the research in structural molecular biology of basic cellular processes with emphasis on the function of large cellular assemblies. | ||||
| Lecture notes | Updated handouts will be provided during the class. | ||||
| Literature | The lecture will be based on the latest literature. Additional suggested literature: Branden, C., and J. Tooze, Introduction to Protein Structure, 2nd ed. (1995). Garland, New York. | ||||
| 551-1405-00L | Electron Cryomicroscopy Seminar | 0 credits | 0.5S | M. Pilhofer, further lecturers | |
| Abstract | Intergroup seminar for scientists and students interested in electron cryomicroscopy | ||||
| Learning objective | The goal of the seminar is to provide an exchange forum for anyone interested in electron cryomicroscopy (tomography and single particle). The first ~10 minutes are used for exchange on instrument status and technical issues, followed by a ~30 min presentation and discussion of a specific project. The seminar can also be used to discuss current literature and report from conferences. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Presented project data are confidential. Sign-up for seminar announcements by emailing pilhofer@biol.ethz.ch. | ||||
| 551-1412-00L | Molecular and Structural Biology IV: Visualizing Macromolecules by X-Ray Crystallography and EM | 4 credits | 2V | N. Ban, D. Böhringer, T. Ishikawa, M. A. Leibundgut, K. Locher, M. Pilhofer, K. Wüthrich, further lecturers | |
| Abstract | This course provides an in-depth discussion of two main methods to determine the 3D structures of macromolecules and complexes at high resolution: X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Both techniques result in electron density maps that are interpreted by atomic models. | ||||
| Learning objective | Students will obtain the theoretical background to understand structure determination techniques employed in X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy, including diffraction theory, crystal growth and analysis, reciprocal space calculations, interpretation of electron density, structure building and refinement as well as validation. The course will also provide an introduction into the use of cryo-electron tomography to visualize complex cellular substructures at sub-nanometer resolutions, effectively bridging the resolution gap between optical microscopy and single particle cryo-electron microscopy. Lectures will be complemented with practical sessions where students will have a chance to gain hands on experience with sample preparation, data processing and structure building and refinement. | ||||
| Content | February 22 Lecture 1 Prof. Dr. Kurt Wüthrich History of Structural Molecular Biology March 1 Lecture 2 Prof. Dr. Kaspar Locher X-ray diffraction from macromolecular crystals March 8 Lecture 3 Prof. Dr. Kaspar Locher Data collection and statistics, phasing methods March 15 Lecture 4 Prof. Dr. Nenad Ban Crystal symmetry and space groups March 22 Lecture 5 Ban Lab Practical session with X-ray data processing March 29 Lecture 6 Prof. Dr. Takashi Ishikawa Principle of cryo-EM for biological macromolecules I, including hardware of TEM and detectors, image formation principle (phase contrast, spherical aberration, CTF), 3D reconstruction (central-section theorem, backprojection, missing information) April 5 Lecture 7 Dr. Daniel Boehringer Single particle analysis, including principle (projection matching, random conical tilt, angular reconstitution) April 12 Lecture 8 Ban Lab Practical session including specimen preparation (cryo, negative stain, visit to ScopeM May 3 Lecture 9 Prof. Dr. M. Pilhofer Tomography I, including basics and subtomogram averaging May 10 Lecture 10 Ban Lab Practical session with example initial EM data processing May 17 Lecture 11 Prof. Dr. Martin Pilhofer Practical session (including recent techniques, including cryo-FIB) May 24 Lecture 12 Prof. Dr. Nenad Ban EM and X-ray structure building, refinement, validation and interpretation May 31 Lecture 13 Ban Lab Practical session with model building and refinemen | ||||