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Signal Transduction: How Cells Communicate
Time to complete course: 32 min.
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About Signal Transduction: How Cells Communicate Virtual Lab Simulation
This is the full-length “Signal Transduction” simulation. For shorter, more targeted versions see the Related simulations below.
In this simulation, you will learn how tumor cells send signals to surrounding cells to help promote tumor growth, and how this signal is transmitted inside the cell.
Analyze patient samples by western blotting
As a researcher in the R&D department of a big pharma company, your mission will be to test the hypothesis that increased blood vessel growth, also called angiogenesis, plays a role in breast cancer development. To investigate this idea, you will perform a western blot experiment to test for the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) expression in patient samples compared to healthy tissue samples.
Learn about VEGFR signal transduction
Following the interpretation of initial results, you will learn more about how VEGFR, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) transmits an external signal to the inside of the cell, and how this influences angiogenesis. You will be able to follow the process in a 3D animation.
Develop a strategy for breast cancer therapy
Finally, your mission is to test different inhibitors targeting VEGFR signaling. You will design an experimental approach to test for the activity of this specific class of RTKs.
Will you be able to identify a promising new drug candidate for treating patients with breast cancer?
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Investigate the connection between blood vessel growth and cancer development, and use this knowledge to identify a promising treatment for breast cancer.
Techniques in Lab
- Western blotting
- Cell culture
- Inhibitor treatment
- Histology
Learning Objectives
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to…
- Explain the principles and importance of intracellular signal transduction
- Explain receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) cell signaling
- Analyze dysregulated signal transduction in human cancer cells
- Understand the connection between angiogenesis and tumor growth
- Investigate the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling in human breast cancer
Simulation Features
Length – 32 minutes
Languages – English
Examples of Related Standards
University
Life Sciences related 2nd year onwards
NGSS
No direct alignment
IB
6.6: Hormones, Homeostasis and Reproduction
AP
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
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