Structure and function of Proteins

Description

This course will enable you to master the basics of molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology and bioinformatics, through a real immersion combining theoretical courses, numerous tutorials and practical laboratory work, focused on two human proteins, the MAST2 kinase and the PTPN4 phosphatase, both crucial in the survival and death processes of neurons.

This course is aimed at technicians, engineers, PhD students, post-docs or researchers interested in using these approaches in their work, or wishing to acquire the knowledge needed to collaborate with expert laboratories.

Master 2 students from partner universities (Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité) MUST NOT register online, but must submit their applications for the course DIRECTLY to their academic supervisors. These students have free access to the course.
All other students must register online and pay the registration fee.

Proteins, essential to cell structure and function, coordinate the actions of cells in living organisms. They encompass a diversity of molecules such as enzymes, hormones, receptors and antibodies, playing a fundamental role in vital processes. The three-dimensional structure of proteins determines their function, participating in complex biological reactions such as signaling, synthesis and degradation. Mutations in protein expression genes can disrupt their structure and function, leading to pathologies. Understanding these alterations opens up new therapeutic perspectives.

In this course, you will discover the fascinating world of Protein Structure and Function through three distinct modules:

Module 1 : Bioproduction et Caractérisation des Protéines ; Vous apprendrez les techniques de production et de caractérisation des protéines, garantissant ainsi leur qualité et leur intégrité.

Module 2 : Structure et Interaction des Protéines ; Vous explorerez la structure tridimensionnelle des protéines ainsi que leurs interactions avec d'autres molécules, en abordant avec des experts les technologies de pointe qui ont révolutionné le domaine de la biologie structurale.

Module 3 : Intelligence Artificielle appliquée aux Protéines ; Vous utiliserez l'intelligence artificielle pour analyser ou prédire la structure et la fonction des protéines et vous découvrirez comment ces nouveaux outils nous permettent de mieux comprendre les effets des mutations sur les structures et fonctions en lien avec certaines pathologies.

 Video :

Course presentation for first-year master’s students in February 2026  :