This course explores the regulation of cellular function and gene expression from a perspective that integrates current paradigms in molecular genetics, intracellular trafficking, genomics, and synthetic biology. Topics include: the roles of protein modifications/interactions and lipids in signal transduction, transcriptional and post-transcriptional control, chromosome instability, cellular degradation pathways, epigenetic mechanisms including gene silencing, programmed cell death, and the appropriation of organelle transport pathways by HIV. A central feature of the course will be discussion of articles from the primary literature, with an emphasis on the molecular bases for a variety of human pathologies such as cancer and aging. The laboratory will consist of a semester-long project that incorporates recombinant DNA techniques, quantitative PCR analysis of transcriptional patterns, bioinformatics, and fluorescence-based approaches to examine defense mechanisms common to the innate immune systems of plants and animals. Evaluation will be based on three take-home tests, in-class discussion of papers, laboratory notebook/report, an independent lab research project, and a grant proposal.