96042 - Metabolic Reprogramming of Cancer Cells

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, the student possesses the knowledge of metabolic reprogramming processes of cancer cells. Specifically, the student acquires knowledge on alterations of glycolysis, tricarboxylic acids cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and of lipid and amino acid metabolism in cancer cells, also in relation to the presence of genetic alterations affecting oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Finally, the student knows the effects of these metabolic alterations on tumor progression, invasiveness and aggressiveness of cancer cells and learns the metabolic-based strategies for targeting cancer cells.

Course contents

• The hallmarks of cancer: reprogramming of energy metabolism.
• Energy and biomass demand of cancer cells: Warburg effect versus oxidative metabolism.
• Oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and their metabolic role.
• Mitochondria as an essential and dynamic platform for glucose and glutamine metabolism in tumorigenesis.
• Amino acids and proliferation of cancer cells: serine and aspartate as metabolic support for cancer cells.
• Role of lipids as a source of energy and biomass in tumorigenesis;
• Metabolic heterogeneity in cancer;
• Metabolic interaction between tumor and stroma;

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials will be provided after each class. Further, scientific original articles and reviews related to the discussed contents will be indicated.

Teaching methods

The teaching method used is based on lectures during which the contents of the program will be illustrated with PowerPoint slides. Attendance to such lessons is not mandatory but it is highly recommended as the contents of the program will be presented and explained by the teacher and will be discussed with the whole class. This teaching method will facilitate the learning of contents and will allow the achievement of the knowledge and skills by the whole class. Students are encouraged to communicate to the teacher any requirements by e-mail as soon as possible. This will allow the teacher to evaluate which teaching support tools are most adequate to make the training course accessible to all students.

Assessment methods

The exam of Cancer Biology course (Porcelli-Perini-Rapino) will consist in written multiple choice test with a total of 100 questions (33 questions for each Module).

 

Teaching tools

The contents of the lectures will be presented using PowerPoint slides and will be discussed with the whole class through appropriate teaching supports. Students are encouraged to communicate to the teacher any requirements by e-mail as soon as possible. This will allow the teacher to evaluate which teaching support tools are most adequate to make the training course accessible to all students.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Maria Porcelli