96043 - Genetics and Epigentics of Cancer

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module the student will have acquired the basic aspects of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that elicit cellular transformation and promote progression of cancer cells towards more severe and aggressive phenotypes. The student will also learn the technical and molecular approaches to analyze the genetic and epigenetic features of cancer cells and will be trained in posing and solving critical questions addressing key issues of cancer biology.

Course contents

Genetic bases of cancer.

Role of viruses in cell transformation.

Identification and molecular mechanism of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.

Epigenetic bases of cancer, epigenetic complexes and their role in tumor initiation and progression.

Functional screens employed to identify novel genetic/epigenetic vulnerabilities that contribute to cancer formations.

Strategies of cancer gene therapy.

Readings/Bibliography

Original articles provided during the course

Teaching methods

Slides, white board and scientific brainstorming

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.

Teaching tools

Slides and scientific articles

Office hours

See the website of Giorgio Milazzo