90920 - Stem Cells and 3D Organoid Systems

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows: - the molecular pathways that control the degree of staminality and stem cell differentiation potential; - the key elements concerning the innovations and development of 3D culture systems for drug discovery and their use for disease modeling; - the methods for the in vitro preparation of cellular models useful for defining 3D spheroidal cultures.

Course contents

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 pluripotetn stem cells (iPSCs).

Adult stem cells: phenotypic characterization, multipotential ability and comparison with Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Extraembryonic Tissues as sources of Perinatal Stem Cells: phenotypic characterization and biologial features.

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

3D organoid development and growh: 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.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended Textbook: G.P. Bagnara, Stem Cells, Ed. Esculapio.

Recommended scientific papers given during the lessons.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures and Laboratory work experience in Cell Culture Lab.

 

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students (including all the international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Module 1, 2 online [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio], while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Assessment methods

The final test focuses on the achievement of learning objectives about:

- stem cell basics and classification

- stem cell applications, cell therapy and tissue engineering

- 3D organoid l research and techniques

Oral examination on two topics among a list of topics covered during the course.

The result is graduated from 18/30 to 30/30

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

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

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

Exhaustive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis and connection, full mastery of specific terminology, and ability to argue and self-reflection → 30-30L.

The online registration to the examination is mandatory.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations will be available online as downloadable content.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Alviano