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 with special needs and/or certifications are asked to contact the teacher by e-mail, entering DSA service in Cc (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it).

Assessment methods

The Cancer Biology exam will consist of a single written test covering all three modules.
The test will include 30 focused multiple-choice questions (10 per module) and 3 open-ended questions (one per module).
The final grade will be calculated as follows:

• 1/4 of the total grade will be based on the multiple-choice questions
• 1/4 of the total grade will be assigned to each open-ended question

The final grade, expressed out of 30, will be a single overall score for all modules.Students will have two and a half hours to complete the entire written test.

Students have the right to reject the proposed positive grade once (in accordance with the University Teaching Regulations, ART.16, paragraph 5).

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) 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.

Students recognized as “working students”: please consult the dedicated website (https://www.unibo.it/en/study/guide-to-choosing-your-programme/balancing-study-and-work) to apply for this status and to learn about the available measures.

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