- Docente: Carlo Ventura
- Credits: 5
- SSD: BIO/11
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Medical Biotechnology (cod. 8859)
Learning outcomes
The major learning outcomes involve: - A detailed comprehension of modulatory networks intervening in cell growth and differentiation. - An updated analysis of nuclear trafficking within the context of an "intracrine" view of cell signaling. - Dissection of transcription factor dynamics, with particular emphasis on: (i) the nanomechanical hypothesis on force generation at the level of DNA loops in the modulation of transcription rate by RNA polymerase complexes; (ii) the interpretation of "epigenetics" in the light of the nanomechanis and dynamic architecture of non-coding DNA. - The basis of Stem Cell Biology, within the context of Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine. - Stem Cell and Somatic Cell Reprogramming: Basic and Advanced Concepts. - The use of physical energies, including electromagnetic fields and nanomechanical vibration, to afford efficient modulation of (stem) cell reprogramming.
Course contents
- Molecular dissection of cell signaling networks governing cell growth and differentiation. - Nuclear trafficking and nuclear pore dynamics. - The cytoskeleton as a dynamic oscillatory network to support intracellular web. - Transcription factors: phosphorylation and nuclear trafficking; nano mechanics of transcription: "nano-architectonics using supra-interactions" as an epigenetic mechanism based on non-coding DNA. - Stem cells and tissue healing. - Chemical and physical strategies to afford efficient modulation (optimization) of cell multi-/pluri-potency. - Human stem cell and somatic (non-stem) cell reprogramming. - Molecular imaging in vivo: a novel tool for pre-clinic and clinic assessment of strategies for Regenerative Medicine.
Readings/Bibliography
The course does not involve text books, but rather it relies on the discussion and dissemination of all the material presented during each lesson.
Teaching methods
- Audio/video presentations. - Discussion of scientific articles and projects. - Seminars. - Make the students able to present and discuss their own ideas and projects on the basis of lessons and seminars attended during the Course.
Assessment methods
- Oral examination and brief presentation of a personal thesis on a subject of interest chosen among issues discussed during the Course.
Teaching tools
- Presentation and discussion of experimental strategies and results. - Discussion of scientific articles. - Dissection of structure/presentation of scientific projects prepared by international collaborative networks
Office hours
See the website of Carlo Ventura