Selective Toxicity

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Outline the key molecular targets of common anti-fungal agents. Explain the mechanism of action and selectivity (or not) of these agents.
• Identify the key events in the life cycle of the malaria parasite. Explain how these may be targeted by antimalarial agents.
• Outline the major points in a virus lifecycle of that are potential targets for selective antiviral agents with particular reference to herpes and HIV. Describe how nucleoside analogues function as inhibitors of thymidine kinase, DNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase.
• Outline the potential of oligonucleotides as antisense agents for inhibiting the synthesis of individual gene products. Describe their mechanism of action and the various modifications that have been used to increase their activity.
• Describe the processes that can lead to cancer formation (viral and cellular oncogenes, chromosomal aberrations, mutagenesis). Explain the molecular basis of action of current anticancer agents, with particular emphasis on cytotoxic agents targeted at DNA replication and new agents against specific molecular targets.
• State the importance of anthelmintic therapy for human health. Describe common animal parasites of humans and the pathophysiology associated with infection. Outline the most commonly used anthelmintic agents. Describe in detail the mechanism of action of levamisole, piperazine and ivermectin and in particular how these drugs achieve selective toxicity.

This module is concerned with the mechanism of action of several chemotherapeutic agents, targeted at various disease states. Topics covered include anticancer agents, anthelmintics, antimalarials, antisense oligonucleotides and antiviral compounds. The module will emphasise the molecular mechanism of action of drugs in each of these categories.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures. Students are strongly encouraged to attempt exam questions from previous years and to submit these for comments and feedback.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.