37305 - Stem Cell Laboratory

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have knowledge on stem cell features, molecular mechanisms of differentiation and possible applications related to regenerative medicine.

The student will have also knowledge on the characteristics of embryonic stem cells and those of the adult stem cells.

Exercise Laboratory Practice of stem cell isolation from extraembryonic tissues will help the student to understand the possibility of obtaining progenitor cells from different tissue sources.

Course contents

Frontal lessons (2CFU)

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): historical background, isolation, immunophenotypic characterization, differentiation ability, trophic and immunomodulatory features.

Alternative source and clinical perspectives of MSCs.

Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) and induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs).

Resident angiogenic mesenchymal stem cells from heart-beating multiorgan donors

Stem cells for the regeneration of chondrogenic and osteogenic.

The regeneration of the skin. The stem cell niches of epithelial stem cells.

Cell Culture Laboratory for studying stem cells. The risks of contamination: cryopreservation.

The safety devices in the cell culture laboratories.

Lab work experience (2CFU)

1- Demonstration of human term placenta. Human mesenchymal cells isolation from the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord;

2 - Isolation of epithelial cells from amniotic membrane;

3 - Isolation of mononuclear cells from blood and preparation of a co-culture to evaluate the immunomodulatory action of the epithelial cells isolated from amniotic membrane;

4 - Evaluation of the cycle phases of mononuclear cells maintained in co-cultured with epithelial cells of the amniotic membrane;

Discussion of data and comparison with those reported by scientific literature.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended scientific papers given during the lessons.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures and Laboratory work experience in Cell Culture Lab.

Assessment methods

Written test on two topics will be chosen by student among a list of topics covered during the course. The online registration to the examination is mandatory.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations that will be available online as downloadable content.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Alviano