Application of Bioinformatics Tools and Cell Biotechnology in Case Studies of Precision Medicine: A Comprehensive Experimental Practice for Upper-Division Undergraduates

Abstract

Precision medicine (PM) tailors healthcare to individual genetic and molecular signatures to achieve more-effective treatments, while also guiding targeted drug development. Advances in bioinformatics have greatly accelerated the discovery of novel therapeutics and have played a pivotal role in the progress of PM. For biochemistry and pharmacy undergraduates preparing for careers or research in the life sciences, acquiring knowledge and skills in PM is essential. Herein, we designed a four-week comprehensive biochemistry course that enables students to apply bioinformatics tools and cell biotechnology to practical case studies in PM. The course combines chemical principles with biological phenomena and clinical applications, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of PM. It demonstrates how genetic variations reshape protein conformation, alter chemical interactions with small molecules, and influence regulatory mechanisms in living systems, ultimately informing drug development and therapeutic strategies. The learning activities include literature review and presentation, bioinformatics analysis of KRAS mutations in lung cancer cells with cBioPortal, visualization of protein conformational changes and drug-target interaction patterns using PyMOL, cell culture of lung cancer cells with different genotypes, and assessment of drug responses through the MTS assay. The course has been implemented three times in the pharmacy major at East China University of Science and Technology and has received high overall satisfaction and positive feedback from students. It significantly enhances students’ scientific competencies and fosters greater engagement through hands-on, data-driven learning experiences.