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Learn the fundamentals/applications of autophagy through the inspirational story of Yoshinori Ohsumi’s research, for which he was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and an array of other prizes.
In this short course, you’ll learn about autophagy, the fascinating degradation process that occurs within cells. The exciting story of 2016 Nobel Prize winner Yoshinori Ohsumi’s research career, during which he discovered autophagy and uncovered its mechanism in yeast, will also be described.
The course is aimed at a non-specialist audience and is divided into three sections (weeks). During the first week, we’ll cover basic cell biology and discuss the fundamentals of autophagy and its role in the cell. In the second week, Professor Ohsumi’s four-decade research career, during which he discovered autophagy in yeast and uncovered its molecular mechanism, will be discussed in detail. The third week’s lecture discusses the role of autophagy in yeast, humans and other organisms, as well as links between autophagy and diseases in humans and the future of autophagy research.
These lectures together provide an insight into an exciting and continually evolving field at the cutting-edge of fundamental biology research. The course also provides an example of a world-leading scientist’s unconventional and diligent approach to research, offering inspiration to young and aspiring researchers and laypeople alike.
All learners are welcome; some knowledge of cell biology and molecular biology (genes, proteins, lipids) may help you to better understand the course.
By taking this course, you will be able to:
"This course is very comprehensible. Also it helped me to expand my knowledge about not only autophagy, but also cell processes." - Previous Student
Honorary Professor, Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research • Tokyo Institute of Technology
Associate Professor, School of Life Science and Technology • Tokyo Institute of Technology
Specially Appointed Assistant Professor, Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research • Tokyo Institute of Technology
Is it free to enroll in this course?
Yes, it is free to enroll in the course. However, if you would like to obtain a verified certificate upon completion you will have to pay a fee for the certificate.
Do the instructors provide answers to questions about Autophagy posted in the discussion board?
The course staff monitor the discussion board weekly but the instructors do not answer questions.