BIOLOGIA CELLULARE E PATOLOGIAModule BIOLOGIA CELLULARE
Academic Year 2022/2023 - Teacher: ANNA MARIA PAPPALARDOExpected Learning Outcomes
The course aims to deepen the knowledge in the field of Cell Biology applications. More specifically, the course aims to analyze the relative knowledge
to the molecular composition and functional properties of some of the molecules involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion systems, paying particular attention to the
cytoskeletal component and possible pathologies related to possible alterations of these molecules. A part of the course will be dedicated to the knowledge of the basic procedures and the main study methods necessary to cultivate eukaryotic cells with particular attention to stem cells (CS) and their role in the clinical practice of the future will also be discussed.
Course Structure
Lectures, exercises and discussion of scientific works on the topics covered.
Required Prerequisites
Knowledge of the morphological, structural and functional organisation of the eukaryotic cell animal. Knowledge of the morphological and functional organisation of animal tissues. Knowledge basic knowledge of the main developmental mechanisms of Metazoa, with particular reference to Mammals Eutherians. Basic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Detailed Course Content
1) Cytoskeleton and cell motility. Organization and functional characteristics of the structural elements of the cytoskeleton. Interactions between cytoskeletal components. Analysis methods for the study of cytoskeletal functions. Pathologies related to alterations of cytoskeletal components.
2) Interactions between cells and the surrounding environment. Extracellular matrix. Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Membrane receptors and adhesion molecules: immunoglobulins, cadherins, integrins, lectins, selectins. Necrosis and Apoptosis: cellular and molecular aspects. Pathologies related to alterations of cell adhesion mechanisms.
3) ROS and oxidative stress. Cellular antioxidant defense systems. Nrf2 and the response to oxidative stress.
4) Introduction to cell cultures. Continuous or primary cell lines, in adhesion and in suspension. Maintenance in culture and expansion of cell lines in adhesion and in suspension. Mobile phone account.
5) Stem cells and nuclear reprogramming. Stem cells: generalities and historical outlines. Stem cell differentiation potential. Stem cells: embryonic, fetal, amniotic, adult. In vivo and in vitro techniques for studying stem cells. Technological aspects and applications in the clinical field.
Textbook Information
1) Alberts B. et al. - Biologia molecolare della cellula - Zanichelli
2) Karp G. - Biologia cellulare e molecolare - EdiSES
3) Hardin J, Bertoni G.P. - Becker. Il mondo della cellula - Pearson
4)Teaching materials (pdf files) will be provided during the course.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | * Organisation and functional characteristics of the structural elements of the cytoskeleton. | 1) 2) 3) 4) |
| 2 | * Interactions between cytoskeletal components | 1) 2) 3) 4) |
| 3 | Analysis methods for studying the functions of structural elements of the cytoskeleton | 4) |
| 4 | Pathologies related to alterations in cytoskeleton components | 4) + lavori scientifici forniti dal docente |
| 5 | * Extracellular matrix | 1) 2) 3) 4) |
| 6 | * Membrane receptors and adhesion molecules: immunoglobulins, cadherins, integrins, lectins, selectins. | 1) 2) 3) 4) |
| 7 | * Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions | 1) 2) 3) 4) |
| 8 | * Necrosis and Apoptosis: cellular and molecular aspects. | 1) 2) 3) 4) |
| 9 | Alterations in cell adhesion and diseases | 4) + lavori scientifici forniti dal docente |
| 10 | Stem cells: generalities and history | 4) |
| 11 | * Differentiation potential of stem cells | 1) 4) |
| 12 | * Stem cells: embryonic, germ cell embryonic, fetal, amniotic, adult | 1) 4) |
| 13 | In vivo and in vitro stem cell study techniques | 4) |
| 14 | * Nuclear reprogramming techniques: nuclear transfer, cell fusion, translation of transcription factors | 4) |
| 15 | Stem cells and nuclear reprogramming: technological aspects | |
| 16 | * Minimum knowledge required to pass the exam. | |
| 17 | N.B. Knowledge of the topics marked with an asterisk is a necessary but not sufficient condition for passing the examination. Answering questions on these topics sufficiently or even more than sufficiently does not, therefore, guarantee a pass in the examination. |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The final exam consists of an oral interview on a topic and/or a scientific publication chosen by the student from among those provided by the lecturer relating to one of the topics covered during the lectures. The exam is aimed at ascertaining the degree of learning and understanding and the ability to analyse and synthesis of the topics covered during the course. The assessment consists of a grade in thirtieths, with a minimum mark of 18/30, averaged with the exam grade for the Pathology Module.