NUTRIGENETICA E NUTRIGENOMICA

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, students will have acquired advanced knowledge of the biological and molecular basis of diet–genome interactions and of the mechanisms through which individual genetic variability can influence responses to nutrients and bioactive compounds introduced through the diet.

Students will understand the main molecular mechanisms through which nutrients and bioactive compounds can modulate gene expression and epigenetic modifications of chromatin, as well as the role of gene–environment and gene–diet interactions in determining complex phenotypes and susceptibility to pathological conditions.

Students will also acquire knowledge of the main genomic and molecular approaches used in nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics studies and of the principles of personalized and precision nutrition.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to the interpretation of relationships among genetic variants, dietary components, and individual phenotypes, assessing the potential contribution of genetic variability to differences in response to nutritional interventions.

They will also be able to critically interpret data and results from nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics studies and recognize their potential applications in personalized nutrition and health promotion.

Making judgements

Students will be able to critically evaluate the scientific literature on diet–genome interactions, distinguishing well-established scientific evidence from associations that still require validation.

They will be able to critically assess the potential and limitations of using genetic and genomic information to personalize nutritional interventions, while also considering the ethical and social issues related to the use and protection of genetic data.

Communication skills

Students will be able to appropriately use the scientific terminology of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics and to present and discuss, orally and with the support of multimedia tools, topics and findings derived from the scientific literature in the field.

They will also be able to clearly and rigorously communicate the implications of gene–diet interactions and their potential applications in personalized nutrition.

Learning skills

Students will develop the ability to independently deepen their knowledge of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics through the critical consultation of scientific literature and major sources of scientific information.

The acquired skills will enable students to independently keep up to date with advances in knowledge and genomic technologies applied to nutrition and to undertake further study, research, and professional activities in the field.

The course includes lectures supported by presentations and other multimedia tools.

During the course, scientific articles on topics related to nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics will also be analyzed and discussed, with particular attention to the critical interpretation of experimental results and their potential applications in personalized and precision nutrition.

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD). In accordance with current legislation and to ensure equal learning opportunities, students requiring accommodations are encouraged to arrange an individual meeting with the course instructor in order to discuss any appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on the learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the departmental CInAP (Centro per l'Integrazione Attiva e Partecipata – Services for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders) representative.

Basic knowledge of cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology is required, corresponding to that normally acquired in degree programs of the L-13 class or equivalent educational programs.

Basic knowledge of the mechanisms of gene expression regulation and the main molecular analysis methods is also recommended.

Attendance is mandatory, as specified in the Academic Regulations of the Degree Program.

General principles of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. Interactions among the genome, diet, and environment.
Genetic variability in human populations. Genetic polymorphisms and variants associated with individual responses to nutrients.
Gene–gene and gene–environment interactions. Epistasis and pleiotropy.
Nutrition and epigenetics. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin regulation.
Nutrients and bioactive compounds as modulators of gene expression and the epigenome.
Genomic and molecular approaches applied to nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. Genetic variant analysis and omics technologies.
Interactions among the genome, diet, and gut microbiota.
Nutrition, DNA damage, oxidative stress, aging, and carcinogenesis.
Nutrigenomics and the Mediterranean diet.
Nutrigenetics of taste perception and the influence of genetic variability on food preferences and eating behaviors.
Nutrigenetics of obesity and energy balance. Genes, genetic variants, and gene–diet interactions associated with obesity and overweight.
Genetic variants, nutrition, and susceptibility to complex diseases, with particular reference to metabolic diseases and cancer.
Personalized nutrition and precision nutrition: potential, limitations, and future perspectives.
Ethical and social aspects of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. Management and protection of genetic data.

Gabbianelli R. Fondamenti di nutrigenomica e nutrigenetica. Zanichelli, Bologna.
Galimberti D., Gidaro A., Calabrese E., Gelli V., Govoni S. Nutrigenetica ed Epigenetica. EDRA S.p.A., Milan.

De Caterina R., Martinez J.A., Kohlmeier M. Principles of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics. Elsevier.

Scientific articles, reviews, and other materials selected from recent scientific literature and indicated by the lecturer during the course.

Lecture slides provided during the course.

The assessment includes the preparation of two individual assignments, one on a topic related to nutrigenetics and one on a topic related to nutrigenomics, based on the relevant scientific literature. The assessment includes a final oral examination.

The assignments will be presented and discussed orally, also with the support of multimedia tools. During the discussion, students will also be asked questions on the topics covered by the assignments and on the general contents of the course.

The assessment will take into account the accuracy and completeness of the knowledge acquired, the ability to integrate and apply concepts of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, the ability to critically analyze the scientific literature, independent judgement, clarity of presentation, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD): In accordance with current legislation and to ensure equal opportunities, students requiring accommodations may request an individual meeting with the instructor to discuss appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, consistent with the learning objectives of the course and their specific needs. Students may also contact the departmental representative of CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Inclusion – Services for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders) for further assistance.

• Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics: definitions, differences, and fields of application.
• Genetic variability and individual responses to nutrients.
• Gene–diet interactions and their relevance to personalized nutrition.
• Nutrition and epigenetics: DNA methylation and histone modifications.
• Nutrients and bioactive compounds as modulators of gene expression.
• Resveratrol: molecular mechanisms and potential nutrigenomic effects.
• Quercetin: biological effects and modulation of gene expression.
• Curcumin: molecular mechanisms and epigenetic effects.
• BDNF, regulation of energy balance, and obesity.
• Genetic variants associated with obesity and their interactions with diet and lifestyle.
• Genetics of taste perception and its influence on food preferences.
• Interactions among diet, genome, and gut microbiota.
• Nutrigenomics and the Mediterranean diet.
• Nutrition, DNA damage, and carcinogenesis.
• Principles, potential, and limitations of personalized and precision nutrition.
• Ethical issues and protection of genetic data in nutrigenetics.