CELL BIOTECHNOLOGIES

The course aims to expand the basic knowledge acquired during previous studies and apply it to the field of biotechnology, with particular reference to biomedical research. Students will develop an integrated understanding of biological phenomena and advanced scientific preparation at the cellular and/or molecular level for biotechnological applications. Particular attention is paid to issues related to biomedical applications.

The main skills acquired by students will be:

- an advanced understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cellular responses to treatments performed in a biomedical research laboratory, and of the main techniques used for the manipulation of cell cultures;

- the application of the acquired knowledge to the design and interpretation of simple experimental strategies involving the study of cellular phenotypes of biomedical interest, to the selection of the most appropriate methodological approach to the specific biological/biomedical question, and to the connection between experimental data and the underlying biological mechanism;

- developing the ability to critically analyze and evaluate data from experiments involving cell cultures and, more generally, from scientific articles, recognizing their limitations, reliability, and potential applications, as well as the ability to formulate hypotheses and discuss the scientific, ethical, and translational implications of research;

- developing the ability to communicate acquired information using precise and sector-specific scientific terminology, clearly and concisely explaining concepts and methodologies related to cell cultures and their applications, especially in the biomedical field;

- developing an independent study and refresher course that allows them to navigate the ever-evolving scientific literature.

1. Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding that extend and/or strengthen those typically associated with the first cycle and enable the development and/or application of original ideas, often in a research context;

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Apply one's knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar contexts, within broader (or interdisciplinary) contexts related to one's field of study.

3. Independent judgment: Integrate knowledge and manage complexity, as well as formulate judgments even on the basis of limited or incomplete information, including consideration of the social, scientific, or ethical responsibilities associated with the application of one's knowledge and judgments.

4. Communication skills: Communicate one's conclusions, as well as the underlying knowledge and rationale, clearly and unambiguously to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

5. Learning skills: Develop learning skills that allow for continued self-directed or autonomous study.

Lectures. Seminars are planned to introduce career opportunities and explore new research areas.

Good knowledge of biological phenomena acquired through a bachelor's degree.

Mandatory, according to the attendance percentages set forth in the Degree Programme regulations.

History of biotechnology. The animal and plant eukaryotic cell. The cell cycle and its regulation. Introduction to microscopy and flow cytometry. Cell culture: adhesion and suspension cells; media; primary cultures, subcultures, cell lines; enzymatic and mechanical dissociation; immortalization and transformation; preservation. Co-cultures, spheroids, and organoids. Conditioned media. Xenografts. Animal models: mice and zebrafish. Transgenic mice: knock-in mice, knock-out mice, and conditional knock-out mice. Stem cells (embryonic and adult) and induced stem cells: characteristics and applications. iPS cells (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) and reprogramming processes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs). Genetic manipulation of cell cultures: stable and transient transfections and modulation of gene expression: transfectants; siRNA; ASOs; miRNA mimics and inhibitors; vectors; CRISPR-CAS9. Cloning and reporter systems. In vitro functional assays: viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion; scar assay; angiogenesis. Cell cycle synchronization. Extracellular vesicles and their applications. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs).

Methods:

Lecture

Seminars led by instructors/professionals in the biomedical and non-biomedical scientific research fields.

Practical laboratory activities aimed at applying the basic concepts of cell culture covered during the course.

Teaching materials provided by the instructor, including scientific articles.

Oral exam.

The student will present a research project freely chosen from the scientific literature, after consulting with the instructor, explaining the methods and results, with particular attention to the topics covered during the course.

The exam assesses: i) the student's knowledge of the techniques used to maintain cell cultures in the laboratory; ii) the ability to apply this knowledge to analyze specific biological/biomedical questions and evaluate and interpret the experimental results obtained; iii) clarity of presentation; iv) mastery of scientific language.

The following criteria will be taken into account when assigning the final grade:

Grade 29-30 with honors: The student has an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, is able to promptly and correctly integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, independently solving even highly complex problems; has excellent communication skills and masters scientific language.

Grade 26-28: The student has a good knowledge of the subject matter, is able to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented in a linear and linear manner, is able to solve complex problems fairly independently, and presents the arguments clearly using appropriate scientific language.

Grade 22-25: The student has a fair knowledge of the subject matter, although limited to the main topics; is able to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented in a non-linear manner, and presents the arguments fairly clearly with reasonable command of the language.

Grade 18-21: The student has minimal knowledge of the subject matter, has a modest ability to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, and presents the arguments sufficiently clearly, although command of the language is poorly developed.

Exam failed: The student does not possess the minimum required knowledge of the main course content. The student has little or no ability to use the specific language and is unable to independently apply the acquired knowledge.

Assessment may also be conducted online, if necessary.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with applicable laws, interested students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their learning objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) contact teacher at the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Functional assays on cell cultures.

2D and 3D cultures.

Gene manipulation of cell cultures.