00061 - Biochemistry (D)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will know: the essential elements of the intermediary metabolism of major biological molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, and nitrogenous compounds), the associated energy modifications, their interrelationships and metabolic and hormonal regulations, as well as the cellular localization and compartmentalization of the main metabolic pathways; the specialization of various human organs and tissues in metabolic activities as a prerequisite for understanding their specific functions; the molecular mechanisms of cellular activity regulation with particular regard to intracellular signal transduction and the function of hormones, other extracellular messengers, and vitamins at the metabolic and genetic levels; the biochemical principles underlying human nutrition with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of nutrient digestion and absorption and essential nutritive principles with references to nutrigenomics.

Course contents

Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids with Clinical Case Studies

Nucleic Acids: Structures and classes.

DNA Metabolism: Features of DNA replication, reaction mechanisms, functional characteristics of enzymes involved in replication; stages of the replication process. Replication at telomeres.

Mitochondrial DNA: Structure and general features, maternal origin and uniparental inheritance, role of mtDNA.

RNA Metabolism: Stages of transcription, transcription factors involved. Messenger RNA processing. Introduction to gene expression regulation and major epigenetic modifications. Categories of RNA and their functions.

Protein Synthesis: The genetic code. Stages of translation. Post-translational modifications and the fate of proteins in the cell. Protein degradation (ubiquitin, proteases, proteasome).

Small Non-Coding RNAs: Structure, functions, and therapeutic potential.

CRISPR/Cas9: a strategy for genomic editing.

Biochemistry of Nutrition

Nutrients: Functions of nutrients, essential nutrients, nutritional and energy requirements. Nutritional status and its indicators. Body Mass Index (BMI) and correlations. Body composition and its modifications. Energy balance and its components: basal and total metabolism. Short- and long-term regulation of energy balance. Gastrointestinal and adipose tissue signals in energy balance regulation. Leptin: biological and biochemical role. Leptin gene and receptor, correlations with obesity and diabetes. Role of adiponectin. Function of AMPK.

Nutrigenomics: Transcriptional regulation of metabolism by nutrients. Nutrient "sensors," transcription factors and their functions. PPAR, SREBP, ChREBP, CREB. Biochemical-molecular adaptations after feeding and during short, prolonged, and extended fasting. Biochemical role of sirtuins.

Energy-Yielding Macronutrients: Carbohydrates: Biochemical-nutritional role. Features and functions of dietary fiber. Prebiotics and probiotics. Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Glycemic index and glycemic load of foods. Transcriptional regulation after feeding: role of insulin and glucose. Biochemical basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes: causes, metabolic imbalances, correlations with obesity. Lipids: Biochemical-nutritional role. Digestion and absorption of lipids. Biochemical composition, functions, and metabolism of different lipoproteins. LDL receptors. Regulation of cholesterol homeostasis. Development of atherosclerotic plaque. Essential fatty acids and derivatives: biochemical-nutritional aspects. Omega-6 and omega-3 families. Prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Proteins: Biochemical-nutritional role. Biological value and protein requirements. Essential amino acids. Protein complementarity. Nitrogen balance and protein turnover. Digestion and absorption of proteins. Fate of selected amino acids. Correlations between proteins and TOR, insulin, and IGF1 (IIS) pathways. Protein-related pathologies. Protein and protein-energy malnutrition: biochemical bases and adaptations.

Micronutrients: Biochemical-nutritional aspects. Regulation and biochemical-molecular mechanisms of iron and calcium homeostasis. Water-soluble vitamins: Biochemical characteristics, dietary sources, coenzymatic activity, deficiency syndromes. Fat-soluble vitamins: Biochemical characteristics, biological role, biochemical mechanisms of action, deficiency syndromes.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides presented during the lecture will be made available to students on the Virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

For the topics covered in the Biochemistry of nucleic acids section, it is recommended:

• D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox "I principi di Biochimica di Lehninger" Zanichelli editore.

For the topics covered in the BIOCHEMISTRY OF NUTRITION section, it is recommended:

• Pignatti C. “Biochimica della nutrizione” Ed. Esculapio, 2022.

Teaching methods

The course is delivered through face-to-face lectures supported by diagrams, figures, and graphical representations of the molecular mechanisms underlying biochemical processes.

Throughout the lectures, examples of metabolic integration and molecular regulation are discussed to promote connections between the different topics covered and to consolidate students' understanding of the main biochemical mechanisms.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning is structured into a written examination and an oral examination.

The written examination, consisting of multiple-choice questions, covers topics in general biochemistry (proteins and enzymes, principles of bioenergetics, and nucleic acid biochemistry) and assesses the acquisition of the fundamental knowledge required to address the subsequent topics of the course. Passing the written examination is a prerequisite for admission to the oral examination.

The oral examination consists of an interview aimed at assessing the student’s level of knowledge and understanding of the main biochemical mechanisms covered during the course, with particular reference to metabolic pathways, their regulation, and the interrelationships between energy metabolism, signal transduction, hormonal regulation, and nutrients.

During the oral examination, the student’s ability to:

• correctly describe the main biochemical processes addressed during the course;
• relate the different metabolic pathways and their regulatory mechanisms;
• appropriately use biochemical terminology;
• organize and present the acquired knowledge in a clear and coherent manner;
  will be evaluated.

The final grade is based on the overall evaluation of the examinations taken and takes into account the educational weight of the different parts of the course.

The assessment will consider the accuracy of the acquired knowledge, the completeness of the discussion, the ability to integrate the different topics covered in the syllabus, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.

Indicatively:

18–21: essential and correct knowledge, with an understanding of the main concepts of the discipline;

22–25: good knowledge of the course content and ability to correctly describe the main biochemical processes;

26–29: strong command of the course content, ability to integrate different biochemical mechanisms and establish connections between metabolism and regulation;

30–30 cum laude: complete and in-depth knowledge, ability to critically connect the different topics and full mastery of biochemical terminology.

During the examination, the use of any supporting materials is prohibited, including textbooks, notes*, artificial intelligence tools, and any other electronic or computing devices. Any use of such materials or tools constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

* Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Use of text slides integrated with slides depicting original diagrams and figures.

Office hours

See the website of Stefania D'Adamo