72722 - Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine

Learning outcomes

The students know the fundamental properties and methods of isolation and expansion of stem cells of different origin; They are able to understand the impact of their use in the regenerative medicine of different organs and tissues.

Course contents

MODULUS 1

Stem Cells: Introduction and definitions

Embryonic stem cells, asymmetric division, cell cycle, genes of totipotency and differentiation

Adult/somatic stem cells: the niche

Stem cells from the placenta and appendages (properties, isolation and expansion)

Somatic stem cells: hematopoietic and mesenchymal (properties, isolation and expansion)

Somatic stem cells: skin and mucous membranes (properties, isolation and expansion)

Somatic stem cells: parenchyma (liver, pancreas) (properties, isolation and expansion)

Mesenchymal stem cells and immunomodulation

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: introduction and definitions

Regenerative medicine for skin (ulcers, burns, epidermolysis bullosa)

MODULUS 2

Cell reprogramming: iPCs

Neural stem cells: fetal vs adult; niche in the different brain areas; genetic and epigenetic regulation; drugs and diseases (properties, isolation and expansion)

In vitro development of cells and tissues

Extracellular matrix

Regenerative medicine for myocardium

Regenerative medicine for traumatic and vascular injuries of the nervous system

Regenerative medicine for degenerative nervous system diseases

Regenerative medicine for the eye (cornea and retina)

Readings/Bibliography

Bagnara GP, Cellule Staminali, Società Editrice Esculapio

International literature

Teaching methods

Material: the material presented in class will be made available to the student in electronic format via the Internet. Such material should be printed and brought to class.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

The knowledge checks will give priority the conceptual aspects than purely notional and will aim to assess the fundamental knowledge of matter, their independent judgment, the ability to learn even with stand-alone tools, the ability to communicate scientific concepts.

Teaching tools

Power-point presentation, laboratory

Office hours

See the website of Luciana Giardino

See the website of Vito Antonio Baldassarro