Biologic membranes are essential to cell function. Disorders of membrane structure, (dys)functionality of membrane proteins and cell compartmentalization may have serious consequences for living cells and have been related with several diseases. Knowledge on biological membranes structure/function and transmembrane transport mechanisms is therefore essential for developing new diagnostic methods, therapeutically approaches and drug design for the treatment of membrane diseases.

Subjects to be discussed include:

1. -Biomembranes: structure and composition. Biophysical bases of membrane transport; Chemio-osmotic transduction and transport systems – channels, carriers, pumps.
   

2. -ABC transporters and multiple drug resistance.
   

3. -Transepithelial transport: kidney as osmoregulatory organ; intestinal nutrient and drug uptake.
   

Lectures will allow the student to obtain a global view of the structure and mechanisms of membrane transport, and the biophysical bases of molecules movement between two compartments separated by a barrier, the cell membrane.

Practical classes aim at teaching how to use simple mathematical models to simulate the different transport systems described.

In laboratory sessions the students learn several methodologies to assess different transport systems (carriers, channels and pumps) that can be applied to biologic samples with different compartmentalization such as membrane vesicles, cells and tissues. Lab protocols will give the student a hands-on approach on membrane transport equipments adapted to each experimental situation, taking into account the kinetics of each transport system and the biological sample to analyze.