B8799 - In vitro Models

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be familiar with cell models based on cell lines or primary culture isolation, their use as screening platforms and as alternatives to animal testing. They will understand and be able to apply the principles used to design an in vitro experiment, exploring cultures of increasing complexity, from standard monolayers to organoids, including advanced models based on co-cultures, microfluidics, and chips, and the related readouts.

Course contents

The program is structured as follows:

Theoretical lessons:

General principles and study protocols for:

* 2D cell systems: cell lines and primary cultures (2 hours)
* Stem cells and induced pluripotent cells (2 hours)
* 3D cell systems: spheroids and organoids (2 hours)
* Cocultures and microfluidics (2 hours)

Alternative models to animal testing: neurological, dysmetabolic, hypoxic-ischemic (3 hours)

Choice of readouts for: (2 hours)

* Vitality and cell cycle
* Mitochondrial function
* Lysosomal function

Choice of analytical system: 2 hours

* Biochemical and biomolecular
* Morphological
* Omics

Single cell analysis (1 hour)

Laboratories:

*Critical analysis of in vitro models: developing critical skills in reading and interpreting experimental data and scientific publications (3 hours)

*Designing an in vitro experiment (3 hours)
Reading and interpreting results in in vitro disease models (6 hours).

*Formulation of an in vitro experimental model with student presentation (4 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

Model Systems in Biology: History, Philosophy, and Practical Concerns. J. Striedter, The MIT Press, 2022

In Vitro Toxicology. Alok Dhawan, Seok (Soga) Kwon, Academic Press, 2017

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical lessons and practical exercises/laboratory work.

Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn when participating in practical exercises and laboratory work. Appropriate DPI will be provided for specific activities, such as disposable latex gloves.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of an oral test.

In assessing the oral exam, the teacher refers to the following learning assessment scale:

* Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, expression in generally correct language → 18-22;

* Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to analyze independently only on purely executive issues, correct language expression → 23-26;

* Preparation on a wide range of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis choices, mastery of specific terminology → 27-29;1

*Substantially exhaustive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis and connection choices, full mastery of specific terminology, and ability to argue and self-reflect → 30-30L.

The oral exam grade will be communicated at the end of the interview. The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint, videos, software for viewing digital slides.

If students have difficulty understanding the subject matter, the professor is available to meet with them for clarification by appointment via email.

Office hours

See the website of Luciana Giardino