BIOLOGIA CELLULARE E PATOLOGIAModule BIOLOGIA CELLULARE
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ANNA MARIA PAPPALARDOExpected Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, students will have acquired in-depth and systematic knowledge of the molecular composition and functional properties of the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix and cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion systems (cadherins, integrins, selectins, etc.). They will understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cell motility, oxidative stress (the Nrf2 signalling pathway), programmed cell death (necrosis and apoptosis) and stem cell biology (differentiation potential and nuclear reprogramming). They will also be able to contextualise the pathological basis associated with alterations in these macromolecular structures.
2. Applied knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to apply the biological principles learnt to the critical analysis of experimental protocols and laboratory methodologies. In particular, they will be able to describe and set up the main methods for the establishment, maintenance, expansion and counting of cell lines, both adherent and suspension-grown (primary and continuous). They will be able to interpret the results derived from in vivo and in vitro techniques for the study of stem cells and from functional analysis of the cytoskeleton.
3. Independent judgement
Students will develop the ability to independently evaluate and critically interpret scientific data derived from the literature and classroom exercises. They will be able to analyse and critically discuss original scientific papers relating to the topics covered, linking specific molecular alterations to pathological phenotypes or to variations in the cellular response to oxidative stress.
4. Communication skills
Students will acquire the ability to present the concepts of cell biology clearly and coherently, using rigorous scientific and biomedical language. They will be able to discuss, both in writing and orally, the theoretical foundations of cell differentiation, motility and interactions, demonstrating the ability to summarise and communicate effectively when presenting the scientific content analysed in lectures.
5. Learning skills
The course will equip students with the methodological tools required for continuous self-directed learning in the fields of cellular biotechnology and experimental biology. It will develop their ability to learn independently, enabling them to explore in depth the new frontiers of clinical applications of stem cells and nuclear reprogramming, and to successfully undertake further studies at a higher level.
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.
Attendance of Lessons
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 examination consists of a structured written test, i.e. multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions and/or diagrams. 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.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Which molecular motor is responsible for anterograde axonal transport towards the (+) end of microtubules?
A.
MreB
B.
Dynein
C.
Myosin
D.
Kinesin