SCI09014 2023 Nucleic Acid Therapies
Full Title
Nucleic Acid Therapies
Transcript Title
Nucleic Acid Therapies
Code
SCI09014
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
SCI - Science
Department
LIFE - Life Sciences
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2023 - Full Academic Year 2023-24
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Macdara Bodeker, Rachel Coyle, Ailish Breen
Programme Membership
SG_SATMP_S09 202300 Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Vector Manufacturing
SG_SATMQ_M09 202300 Master of Science in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Vector Manufacturing
SG_SATMP_O09 202300 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Technology and Manufacturing
SG_SATMP_M09 202300 Master of Science in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Technology and Manufacturing
Description
This module aims to provide students with the background in nucleic acid biology, current implementation and the future of their role in healthcare. The course will provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the emerging role Nucleic Acid Therapies (NATs) in both current and future therapies.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Describe nucleic acid biology in detail
2.
Discuss and evaluate the potential clinical significance of nucleic acid therapies (NATs), critiquing current research.
3.
Differentiate between different NATs for different applications and describe / predict their modes of action in vivo.
4.
Evaluate current mRNA vaccine technology and appraise advances in this technology.
5.
Construct proposals for an application of NATs to meet an unmet clinical need and defend safety, societal and ethical impacts of these technologies
Teaching and Learning Strategies
A virtual learning environment (e.g. Moodle) will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment. Self directed, student centred, independent learning is a core aspect through completion of module coursework. Some aspects of flipped learning, groupwork, case studies and other active learning methodologies will be incorporated into the module.
Module Assessment Strategies
The assessment approach for this module will be 100% Continuous Assessment with a range of assessment methods employed including some of the following: short-form assessment exams incl. MCQ's, project assignments, essays, oral presentations, vivas etc. The major element of the assessment will be an individual project e.g. students could be asked to synthesise a research proposal to meet an unmet clinical need.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat continuous assessment of the failed elements in line with marks and standards.
Indicative Syllabus
The following is a summary of the main topics included in this module: nucleic acid biology, gene therapy/clinical therapy, platform technologies, next generation nucleic acid therapeutics, modes of action in vivo, aptamers, mRNA vaccines, RNA therapies and vector systems.
1. Describe in detail nucleic acid biology
Nucleic Acid Biology 1 (DNA, transcription) / Nucleic Acid Biology 2 (RNA, translation)
Gene Vector systems (the role of nucleic acids)
2. Discuss and evaluate the potential clinical significance of nucleic acid therapies (NATs), critiquing current research.
Gene therapy / clinical therapy, platform technologies, therapeutic areas for gene therapy, Modes of action in vivo (administration, delivery, tracing, biology)
3. Differentiate between different NATs for different applications and describe / predict their modes of action in vivo.
Gene inhibition, addition, replacement, editing, Controlling gene expression / targeting / modulation, Platform technologies (antisense oligonucleotides, ligand-modified small interfering RNA conjugates, lipid nanoparticles, adeno-associated virus vectors etc)
4. Evaluate current and emerging technologies, such as mRNA vaccine technology and appraise advances in the area.
Next generation nucleic acid therapeutics (targeted nucleic acid conjugates, messenger RNA and gene-editing therapeutics, Aptamers (selection and application), mRNA vaccines, RNA therapies (e.g. miRNA, RNAi, siRNA), Other hot topics as suitable e.g.
Nucleic acid modifications
Personalised/stratified medicine
Applied genomics
5. Construct potential applications of NATs to meet unmet clinical needs and defend safety, societal and ethical impacts of these technologies
Ethical decision making, case studies, literature review
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Group assignment | Coursework Assessment | Group Project | 25 % | Week 4 | 1,2 |
| 2 | Quiz | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 25 % | Week 9 | 3,4 |
| 3 | Assignment and presentation | Coursework Assessment | Individual Project | 50 % | End of Semester | 5 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Online | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Independent Learning | Online | Directed and self directed learning | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Recommended Reading
2020-01-16 Nucleic Acids as Gene Anticancer Drug Delivery Therapy Academic Press
ISBN 0128197773 ISBN-13 9780128197776
2020-01-16 Nucleic Acids as Gene Anticancer Drug Delivery Therapy Academic Press
ISBN 0128197773 ISBN-13 9780128197776
Nucleic Acids as Gene Anticancer Drug Delivery Therapy highlights the most recent developments in cancer treatment using nucleic acids, nanoparticles, and polymer nanoparticles for genomic nanocarriers as drug delivery, including promising opportunities for targeted and combination therapy. The development of a wide spectrum of nanoscale technologies is beginning to change the scientific landscape in terms of disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This book presents the use of nanotechnology for medical applications, focusing on its use for anticancer drug delivery. Various intelligent drug delivery systems such as inorganic nanoparticles and polymer-based drug delivery are discussed. The use of smart drug delivery systems seems to be a promising approach for developing intelligent therapeutic systems for cancer immunotherapies and is discussed in detail along with nucleic acid-targeted drug delivery combination therapy for cancer. Nucleic Acids as Gene Anticancer Drug Delivery Therapy will be a useful reference for pharmaceutical scientists, pharmacologists, and those involved in nanotechnology and cancer research. Discusses intelligent drug delivery systems such as inorganic nanoparticles and polymer-based drug delivery Contains a comprehensive comparison of various delivery systems, listing their advantages and limitations Presents combination therapy as a new hope for enhancing current gene-based treatment efficacy
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Updated Literary Resources
Journal Resources
Students will be directed to relevant, up to date journals articles from journals such as:
Gene therapy
Nature biotechnology
Biotechnology etc..
URL Resources
Relevent links and urls will be posted on the moodle course page
Other Resources
Additional Information