Disease, Signalling and Drug Targets

The minor Disease, Signaling and Drug Targets (DSDT) is focused on fundamental scientific research required for discovery of new drug targets and development of new drugs. Students learn how disease- and drug-induced alterations in signaling pathways, as well as induced pluripotent stem cell models, can be used for the discovery of new drug targets and the development of personalized drug treatments.

Goal of this minor is to provide insight into general signal transduction pathways and how these pathways are altered in disease or upon modulation with pharmacological agents. Moreover, it is illustrated how fundamental research of these processes can be used for the discovery of new drug targets. Furthermore, this minor shows how insights in the changes in molecular pathways of disease constitute the basis for the identification of biomarkers that can be used for monitoring disease progression in patients. This is important for the development of new drugs aiming at modification of disease progression as well as for assessment of the effects of novel drug treatments in clinical trials. Several of these concepts are illustrated during two wet-lab research projects at the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research. These projects focus on Atherosclerosis and the application of induced pluripotent stem cells as innovative models for drug discovery and safety.

Admission criteria apply to this minor (see appendix 2 of the Onderwijs- en Examenregeling). The minor DSDT is particularly suitable for students in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Nano)Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Life Science & Technology.

The maximum number of students admitted in the academic year 2026-2027 has been set at 40. Application occurs via EduXchange (LEI/TUD/EUR), between April 1st and April 10th 2026 and all students will remain on a waiting list until final placement. For TUD/EUR students a maximum of 7 places per university are available in the minor DSDT.

Please note that all non-LEI and non-LST students must send a transcript of their grades to the Minor Coordinator before April 10th 2026 to check the admission requirements.

In order to be admitted to the minor Disease, Signaling and Drug Targets, students must have successfully completed two (bio)chemical practical courses of at least 3 ECTS each. Moreover, students must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of genetics, cellular biochemistry and (bio)pharmacy; students may be invited for an interview with the minor coordinator. Students may be asked to study selected parts of textbooks prior to the start of the minor. Furthermore, the minor is mainly suitable for BSc students in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Nano)Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Life Science & Technology.