Biochemical and biomolecular approaches to degenerative diseases

Module Biochemical approaches to degenerative diseases

Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge and understanding of protein folding mechanisms and of the metabolic changes that characterize brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Knowledge and understanding of the biochemical and metabolic features of the tumor microenvironment, as well as of the current state of research in this field.

Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to interpret the biochemical and metabolic alterations that occur during normal brain aging and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding of the metabolic reprogramming processes that characterize the tumor microenvironment and their contribution to the development of 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.

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.

·  Alterations of brain metabolism in aging and in neurodegenerative diseases.

·  Biochemistry of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Metabolic adaptation to hypoxia; metabolic competition; metabolic coupling between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs); metabolic targets within the TME as a therapeutic approach.

·  Metabolic control of the immune response: from cellular regulation to tumor immunosuppression.

·  Metabolic–epigenetic reprogramming and its implications in tumor plasticity and the tumor microenvironment (TME): key metabolites regulating the epigenome; epigenetic regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT); tumor stemness and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therapeutic implications.

Struttura e funzione delle proteine, Petsko e Ringe, Zanichelli

scientific articles

Immunometabolism

metabolic reprogramming