C8340 - ANGIOGENESIS AND HEMATOPOIESIS, SIGNALING PATHWAYS IN PROLIFERATION, DIFFERENTIATION AND EPIGENETICS

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, the student is able to understand and define the molecular mechanisms underlying hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and eukaryotic cell proliferation and differentiation. The student acquires knowledge of the formation of blood cells from stem cells, including the development of innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as the processes of embryonic vasculogenesis and adult neovascularization, with emphasis on the role of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors and their signaling pathways. Additionally, the student gains insight into the molecular machinery controlling mitosis, the cell cycle, cell growth, differentiation, senescence, quiescence, and reprogramming. The student is also able to select, apply, and interpret appropriate experimental methods for studying hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, proliferation, differentiation, and epigenetic regulation in eukaryotic cells.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “CELLULAR PHISIOLOGY”.

By the end of the module, the student is able to understand and define the molecular mechanisms underlying hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and eukaryotic cell proliferation and differentiation. The student acquires knowledge of the formation of blood cells from stem cells, including the development of innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as the processes of embryonic vasculogenesis and adult neovascularization, with emphasis on the role of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors and their signaling pathways. Additionally, the student gains insight into the molecular machinery controlling mitosis, the cell cycle, cell growth, differentiation, senescence, quiescence, and reprogramming. The student is also able to select, apply, and interpret appropriate experimental methods for studying hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, proliferation, differentiation, and epigenetic regulation in eukaryotic cells.

MODULE 1 - Prof. Chiara Bernardini

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Hematopoiesis: Blood function and composition (1 hours)
• Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Myelopoiesis (2 hours)
• Erythropoiesis and Lymphopoiesis (2 hours)
• Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis (3 hours)
  

Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• Experimental Methods in Hematopoiesis Research (4 hours)
• Experimental Methods in Angiogenesis Research ( 8 hours)
  

MODULE 2 – Dott. Corinne Quadalti

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Eukaryotic cell cycle and proliferation control: molecular regulations of cell cycle phases, Cyclin-Cdk activation, chromosome duplication, mitosis mechanisms, and DNA damage checkpoints. (4 hours)
• Chromatin structure and epigenetics: epigenetic regulations including chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, DNA methylation, and cellular memory mechanisms. (4 hours)
• Cell differentiation, homeostasis, and reprogramming: stem cell biology, signaling pathways driving differentiation, niche maintenance, and nuclear reprogramming methods like iPSCs. (3 hours)
• Senescence and programmed cell death: intrinsic proliferation limits, telomere dynamics, and the biochemical cascades regulating mitochondrial and receptor-mediated apoptosis. (2 hours)
• Advanced experimental methodologies: laboratory techniques for cell analysis, including flow cytometry (FACS), Western Blotting, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and CRISPR-mediated editing. (3 hours)

Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• Aseptic techniques and microscopic evaluation of cell growth (6 hours): practical introduction to biosafety and sterile workflow under the hood, preparation of growth media, and in vitro microscopic analysis of cell confluence, morphology, and visual markers of cell cycle states.

Cell subculturing, viability assays, and seeding for proliferation studies (6 hours): hands-on practice with enzymatic dissociation for cell line maintenance, cell counting and viability assays.

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions including lectures, group work, in-class exercises, lab work.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course “CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY” consists of a written exam made of:

• 50 multiple-choice questions divided in two parts: 27 questions for "METABOLISM" and 23 questions for "ANGIOGENESIS AND HEMATOPOIESIS, SIGNALING PATHWAYS IN PROLIFERATION, DIFFERENTIATION AND EPIGENETICS"

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

The exam is considered passed only if both parts are successfully completed (minimum 18/30). The final grade is determined by the average of the two parts expressed out of 30. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

Grades will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/?lang=en ) within 5 working days of the date of the exam.

Students may reject the final grade one time by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is prof. Salvatore Nesci

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

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.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Slideshow presentations will be used during frontal lessons, together with videos.

Work group for lab activities, literature analysis and re-elaboration.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

See the website of prof. Chiara Bernardini and Dr. Corinne Quadalti

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Bernardini

See the website of Corinne Quadalti