From gene to protein: Prostatic acid phosphatase: Structure and expression of gene and protein*

A set of classes for medical students is designed to reinforce an understanding of the basic laboratory methods of molecular biology and protein biochemistry in the context of a clinically important problem, prostate gland pathology. Students examine the gene coding for prostatic acid phosphatase and they assay expression of the gene in different lines of prostate cancer cell cultures (LNCaP and PC-3). The three-dimensional structure of the expressed protein is also investigated, in relation to its catalytic function. Students are encouraged to collect data for their experiments and to perform laboratory exercises on their own. The theory and practice should stimulate the students' discussion of various fields of biochemistry and molecular biology.