TNMU students have the opportunity to study molecular biology and genetics in a newly created laboratory

Students of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University take an Elective Course in Molecular Biology and Genetics. Today, biomolecular research is of great importance in understanding the origin and mechanism of development of diseases and the methods of their treatment. Modern physicians should be aware of these principles, be proficient in the latest research and their results. In addition, many questions in the International Foundations of Medicine (IFOM) exam are related to molecular biology. With regard to medical genetics, there is now a strong understanding that genetic factors, along with environmental factors, influence the development of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and type 2 diabetes. To understand the origin of such diseases and their spread within the population, an in-depth knowledge of genetics is required.

The Elective Course in Molecular Biology and Genetics complements courses of biochemistry, cell biology and provides a foundation for advanced study of pharmacology, oncology and epidemiology.

Students receive detailed information about the molecular mechanisms of basic biological processes, such as the reproduction and realization of genetic information, protein biosynthesis, and the regulatory mechanisms of these processes in viruses, bacteria, and the human body. Mechanisms of genetic and some infectious diseases, molecular methods and biotechnologies are also being studied. In the future, the list of genetically induced diseases will be expanded. A division of oncogenesis and the latest molecular approaches to treatment, such as monoclonal therapy and regenerative medicine, is planned.

This year, part of the elective course is being delivered, from the next semester it will be an obligatory discipline.

At the invitation of TNMU, Deputy Director for Scientific Work of the Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, the Head of Molecular Biology Department, Professor Oleksandr Minchenko delivered lectures to students.

The following topics were suggested for future doctors:

1) Molecular biology as the foundation of molecular and personalized medicine.

2) Fundamentals of molecular biology.

3) The role of the genome in the regulation of metabolism and the development of pathological conditions.

For postgraduate students and scientists, Professor Alexander Minchenko proposes to deepen their knowledge of molecular mechanisms of regulation of metabolism and other processes during his next visit to TNMU.

Within the framework of further cooperation and development of this discipline, lectures on “Molecular Mechanisms of Ontogenesis” and others will be read.

Students have the opportunity to master their practical skills within the elective course “Molecular Biology and Genetics” in the newly created interdepartmental educational-scientific laboratory. There are all conditions for study and research work. Future doctors will be able to observe and participate in genetic studies using polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using ELISA, and those based on immunoblotting, as well as gain knowledge of cellular technology (cell-based techniques) ) and their identification.

TNMU Press Secretary Yanina Chaikivska.

Photographs by Mykola Vasylechko.