Gene to Protein – Exploring the Central Dogma in Action

Duration: 2 weeks (6 sessions)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Format: Hybrid (Lectures + Practical Sessions)

Course Objectives:

1. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the central dogma of molecular biology.
2. To explore the processes of transcription and translation in detail.
3. To introduce bioinformatics tools for analyzing genes and proteins.
4. To develop skills for sequence analysis and protein prediction using computational tools.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the central dogma and its biological significance.
2. Analyze gene sequences and predict protein products.
3. Use bioinformatics tools to study transcription and translation.
4. Gain hands-on experience with DNA, RNA, and protein analysis software.

Week 1: Sequence Retrieval and Analysis

1. Session 1: Sequence Retrieval from NCBI
   • Accessing nucleotide and protein databases on NCBI.
   • Retrieving gene sequences.
   • Introduction to FASTA format.
2. Session 2: Sequence Alignment
   • Pairwise and multiple sequence alignment.
   • Tools: BLAST and Clustal Omega.
3. Session 3: Gene Annotation and ORF Prediction
   • Identifying coding regions and Open Reading Frames (ORFs).

Week 2: Protein Prediction and Modeling

1. Session 4: Translating DNA to Protein
   • Converting nucleotide sequences to protein sequences.
   • Understanding codons and the genetic code.
   • Tools: Expasy Translate & Expasy Protparam
2. Session 5: Protein Structure Prediction
   • Predicting secondary and tertiary protein structures.
   • Tools: SwissModel
3. Session 6: Final Project and Wrap-Up
   • Complete workflow: Sequence retrieval, analysis, and protein modeling.
   • Project: Analyze a selected gene and model its protein.

     Course Evaluation:

     • Knowledge Check: Short quizzes at the end of each module to assess understanding.
     • Case Study Analysis: Participants will review and analyze a case study and provide a step-by-step approach to early assessment and intervention.
     • Certificate of Completion: Issued upon completing the course, with the option to provide additional certificates for continuing education credits.