Experimental models of human diseases, IIBm, UAM-CSIC

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The activity is made up of 3 consecutive phases, each of which lasts 10-15 minutes (maximum duration of the activity, 30-45 minutes). Look for the mutant: Explanation: The process of autophagy and the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum (Dicty). European Directive 2010/63/EU. The 3Rs: replace, reduce and refine the use of animals. Importance of the model as a sustainable alternative to reduce the use of laboratory animals. Practical part: Study of different plates with developing Dicty, using a binocular loupe, to identify WT amoebas and autophagy mutants A and B. Look for the protein: Explanation: Use of the genetic code. Gene sequencing and interpretation of a chromatogram. Practical part: Using a chromatogram provided and applying the genetic code, find the sequence of the protein responsible for the phenotype of mutant A. BLAST analysis to arrive at the name of the protein. Look for mutation and disease: Explanation: Homology between proteins Practical part: Identification of mutated amino acids by comparing the chromatogram belonging to the WT protein and that of the protein with the mutation. Search for similarities with the Dicty homologue of this protein in humans. Identification of the rare disease associated with the mutation found. Age range for which the activity is aimed: students in the last years of ESO and Baccalaureate.