C8504 - Advances in Stem Cell Technology and 3D Organoid Systems

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: understand the main molecular pathways that regulate stem cell stemness and differentiation potential; understand the fundamentals of innovation and development of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, with particular reference to drug discovery and disease modeling; and apply methods for the in vitro preparation of advanced cellular models aimed at generating 3D spheroid/organoid cultures.

Course contents

In order to optimize the learning experience, the following prerequisites are recommended: basic concepts of human histology and embryology

 

Module 1 - Frontal lessons (3 UC)

Pluripotent stem cells. Embryonic stem cells: phenotypic characterization and therapeutic potential

Somatic nuclear transfer for the generation of pluripotent cells. Reprogrammng strategies for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

Adult stem cells: phenotypic characterization, multipotential ability and comparison with pluripotent stem cells

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

Alternative source and clinical perspectives of MSCs

Extraembryonic tissues as sources of perinatal stem cells: phenotypic characterization and biological features

3D Scaffold application in cell culture and organoid models: tissue engineering approach for disease modelling and regenerative medicine approaches

3D organoid development and growth: general overview of the background and current methods for the generation and characterization of organoids

Application of human-derived organoids: cerebral, liver, skin and intestinal model of organoids

 

Module 2 Frontal lessons (2 UC) + Lab work experience (1UC)

The stem cell niche and microenvironment: mesenchymal stromal cell and hematopoietic stem cell interactions

Cell therapy and drug screening models

Translational and pharma-industrial applications of stem cell technology

Emerging trends of stem cell research

Introduction to cell culture laboratory: stem cell differentiation and immunomodulatory potential

Introduction to the lab work of the stem cell course: macroscopic description of the placenta and extraembryonic tissues

Laboratory experience: isolation of human mesenchymal cells derived from fetal membranes

Laboratory experience: isolation of human epithelial cells derived from amniotic membrane and preparation of 3D cellular models for 3D culture system.

Laboratory experience: morphological evaluation of the cell cultures obtained and discussion of research findings

Readings/Bibliography

G.P. Bagnara, Stem Cells, Ed. Esculapio

Scientific papers discussed during the lessons

Teaching materials will be available online as downloadable content from the "Virtuale" platform, accessing the academic year of attendance

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures and Laboratory work experience in Cell Culture Lab

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students (including international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Module 1 and 2 online, while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended ifollowing the information available on the specific page on the website of the degree programme

Assessment methods

Oral examination aiming to verify the students' ability to apply their knowledge and make the necessary logical-deductive connections, focusing on achieving the learning objectives, specifically related to:

- stem cell basics and classification

- stem cell applications, cell therapy and tissue engineering

- 3D organoid research and techniques

 

The oral examination will be based on at least two topics among all contents covered during the course, including the laboratory section

 

The exam will be considered sufficient with a score ranging from 18/30 to 30/30, according to the following scheme:

Lack of preparation, serious and repeated conceptual errors → <18

Preparation on a very limited number of topics and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, expressed in an overall correct language → 18-19

Preparation on a limited number of topics and ability to perform autonomous analysis only on purely executive matters, expression in correct language → 20-24

Preparation on a large number of topics, ability to make independent choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29

Exhaustive preparation on the topics, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis and connection, full mastery of specific terminology, and ability to argue and self-reflection → 30-30L (honors will be added in case of outstanding preparation)

 

To access the exam, online booking on Almaesami before the exam is mandatory

 

For students with learning disabilities (LD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: we recommend contacting the competent university office promptly; they will be responsible for suggesting any specific adaptation. All issues must, however, be submitted 15 days in advance for approval by the instructors, who will evaluate the appropriateness of the request, also taking into account the educational objectives of the course

 

Regarding learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any such use constitutes a violation of academic integrity

Teaching tools

- PowerPoint Presentations

- Video Presentations

PowerPoint and video presentations will be available online as downloadable content from the "Virtuale" platform, accessing the academic year of attendance

Office hours

See the website of Matilde Yung Follo

See the website of Francesco Alviano