BIOCHEMICAL BASIS OF HUMAN PATHOLOGY

Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge and understanding of the biological and pathological consequences of misfolding processes and of the main biochemical and metabolic characteristics of the tumor microenvironment.

Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to interpret metabolic reprogramming processes in cancer cells and understand their effects on drug resistance mechanisms and tumor progression.

Making judgements: At the end of the course, students will be able to develop independent judgment and formulate critical and well-argued assessments of the content and issues addressed during the course. Independent judgment will be developed through the discussion of scientific articles and assessed through classroom discussions and activities.

Communication skills: At the end of the course, students will be able to communicate the knowledge and skills acquired in a clear, effective, and appropriate manner, using the language and terminology specific to the discipline. These skills will be developed through oral presentations, supported by PowerPoint slides, on selected topics from the course syllabus, fostering students’ ability to organize and present the content in a clear and coherent manner.

Learning skills: At the end of the course, students will be able to continue their learning independently by further exploring the topics covered and making effective use of the knowledge acquired. These skills will be developed through in-depth study of specific topics included in the course syllabus, also through the search for and use of additional sources and materials

 Protein structure and principles of protein folding. Proteinopathies (or folding disorders): examples of inherited and non-inherited diseases associated with protein misfolding.

    Structural and biochemical aspects of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Metabolic adaptation to hypoxia; metabolic competition and mechanisms of immunosuppression.

    Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells: the Warburg effect and the reverse Warburg effect. Lactate production and its role in the tumor microenvironment, and metabolic communication between cancer cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment.

     Critical discussion of scientific articles related to the topics covered, through group activities and oral presentations supported by PowerPoint slides.