Systems Biology and Human Health
Dr. James Lyons-Weiler
Spring, 2025
This course offers an immersive exploration into the intricate world of systems biology, specifically tailored to uncover the deep interconnectedness between complex biological pathways and their profound impact on human biology, health and disease. Designed for a diverse audience, from students to professionals in the field, this curriculum begins with foundational insights into biological pathways, advancing through critical topics such as signal transduction, cellular metabolism, genetic regulation, and the dynamic interactions within the microbiome, immune, and endocrine systems. With a focus on real-world applications, the course delves into the complexities of cancer biology, the principles of toxicology, and the latest research in neuroendocrine systems and chronic disease mechanisms. This comprehensive program not only aims to enrich understanding but also to inspire innovative approaches to biomedical challenges, making it an essential journey for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and impact in the realms of health and medicine.
Introduction to systems biology, course goals, structure, and key concepts.
Fundamental tools and methodologies for mapping and interpreting biological pathways.
Lecture 9: Neuroendocrine Systems
Exploring the interaction between the nervous and endocrine systems and their combined impact on physiological and behavioral processes.
Understanding how toxic substances interact with biological systems, including mechanisms of action, detoxification, and implications for human health.
Lecture 13: Pathophysiology of Metabolic Syndrome
Examining the complexity of developing neural systems, from synaptic function to neural circuits, and their role in cognition and disease.
Investigating the multifactorial origins of autoimmune diseases, incorporating genetic, environmental, and immune system interactions.
This lecture delves into the complexities of dysautonomia, a term used to describe disorders of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls the body's involuntary functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. Participants will explore the fundamental mechanisms of the ANS, its role in maintaining homeostasis, and how dysregulation can lead to a wide array of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild symptoms to life-altering conditions. Through examining the etiology, diagnosis, and management strategies for various forms of dysautonomia, such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Autonomic Neuropathy, the lecture aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these conditions, highlighting the importance of the ANS in overall health and the challenges faced in treating dysautonomia. This addition enriches the course's exploration of complex systems in health, offering insights into the interplay between neurological function and systemic health.
- Cutting-Edge Themes: Additional lectures cover the neuroendocrine system, the challenges of metabolic syndrome, systems neurobiology, and the multifaceted nature of autoimmune and chronic diseases, offering advanced insights into current and emerging issues in health and medicine.
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