Selective Toxicity

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• State the importance of anthelmintic therapy for human health. Describe common animal parasites of humans and the pathophysiology associated with infection. Outline the most commonly used anthelmintic agents. Describe in detail the mechanism of action of levamisole, piperazine and ivermectin and in particular how these drugs achieve selective toxicity.
• Outline the key molecular targets of common anti-fungal agents. Explain the mechanism of action and selectivity (or not) of these agents.
• Describe the processes that can lead to cancer formation (viral and cellular oncogenes, chromosomal aberrations, mutagenesis). Explain the molecular basis of action of current anticancer agents, with particular emphasis on cytotoxic agents targeted at DNA replication and new agents against specific molecular targets.
• Outline the most common antibiotic agent classes and describe the mechanism of action. Describe the processes that can lead to bacterial antimicrobial resistance, including biofilm formation. State the importance of antibiotic stewardship for human health and tacking antimicrobial resistance. Describe efflux pump types and their functional mechanisms. Outline the key molecular targets for inhibiting drug efflux for the restoration of antibiotic action. Explain the mechanism of action and selectivity (or not) of new agents developed to achieve this.
• Describe the global necessity for insecticide compounds in relation to food security and control of insect pests. Characterise the target sites and modes of action of historic and modern-day drugs and discuss the limits to selective toxicity.
• Identify the key events in the life cycle of the malaria parasite. Explain how these may be targeted by antimalarial agents.

This module is concerned with the mechanism of action of several chemotherapeutic agents, targeted at various organisms and disease states. Topics covered include anticancer agents, anthelmintics, insecticides, antibacterial and antiviral agents, and cellular drug efflux. The module will emphasise the molecular mechanism of action and target site of drugs in each category.

Lectures and workshops. Students are strongly encouraged to attempt previous exam questions. The module coordinator will set a previous question that students are encouraged to submit for formative feedback.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.