B8806 - CELLULE STAMINALI

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student understands the fundamental concepts underlying the biology of embryonic stem cells and the different niches of adult stem cells; is familiar with the key properties and methods for the isolation and expansion of stem cells of various origins and induced pluripotent stem cells; and is able to understand the impact of the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine for different organs and tissues.

Course contents

Theoretical Lectures

Introduction to Stem Cell Biology
Definitions of totipotency, pluripotency, multipotency, differentiation, terminal differentiation, and dedifferentiation. Embryonic stem cells and adult somatic stem cells. Historical overview and timeline of major discoveries in stem cell research.
2 hours

Embryonic Stem Cells
Totipotency, pluripotency, and multipotency. Differentiation, terminal differentiation, and dedifferentiation. Cell cycle regulation and asymmetric cell division. Molecular and cellular determinants of lineage commitment.
2 hours

Adult Stem Cells and the Stem Cell Niche
Anatomical localization of adult stem cells. The vascular stem cell niche: cellular and extracellular components. Physiological and pathological niches. Asymmetric cell division, cell polarity, and the role of the niche. Numb and Notch signalling. Omics approaches to the study of somatic stem cells.
2 hours

Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Composition of the hematopoietic stem cell niche and mechanisms regulating stemness, including angiopoietin signalling, Ca++ signalling, and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling.
2 hours

Mesenchymal Stem Cells
In vivo and in vitro characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and their adult tissue sources. Spontaneous and induced differentiation. Paracrine properties and their biological relevance.
2 hours

Skin Stem Cells
Holoclones, meroclones, and paraclones. Role of stem cells in skin homeostasis, tissue renewal, and wound repair.
2 hours

Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal crypt as a stem cell niche. Turnover dynamics of different intestinal cell populations and mechanisms of cell migration from the crypt to the villus. Wnt/β-catenin and ephrin signalling pathways. Role of Paneth cells in the intestinal stem cell niche.
2 hours

Neural Stem Cells and Adult Neurogenesis
The neurosphere system. Neurogenic regions of the adult central nervous system. Extent, biological role, and regulation of adult neurogenesis. Integration of newly generated neurons into pre-existing neural circuits, with particular reference to the olfactory bulb and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Neurogenesis under pathological conditions.
2 hours

Regenerative Medicine for Traumatic and Vascular Injuries of the Nervous System
Stem cell-based and regenerative medicine approaches to traumatic and vascular injuries of the nervous system.
2 hours

Regenerative Medicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Principles and applications of regenerative medicine in degenerative diseases of the nervous system.
2 hours

Cardiac Stem Cells and Myocardial Regeneration
Cardiac stem cells and regenerative medicine strategies for myocardial repair and regeneration.
2 hours

Stem Cells from Placental and Extraembryonic Tissues
Stem cells derived from the amnion, umbilical cord, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, and placenta. Umbilical cord and cord blood banking: technical aspects, regulatory frameworks, and implications for regenerative medicine. Current status and perspectives of clinical trials.
2 hours

Practical Activities

The practical component of the course is designed to facilitate the application of theoretical knowledge in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine while developing students’ skills in critical scientific analysis and experimental design.

Practical activities will include:

- Guided analysis of experimental procedures: viewing and discussion of selected videos illustrating procedures and experimental approaches in stem cell research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on methodological and experimental aspects.

- Critical analysis of scientific literature: analysis and discussion of selected studies from the international scientific literature, focusing on experimental design, methodologies, interpretation of results, and study limitations.

- Experimental design exercises: development of a study plan for the validation of biomaterials intended for regenerative medicine applications. Students will define study objectives, experimental models, appropriate controls, endpoints, and evaluation criteria.

- Critical evaluation of experimental protocols: group discussion of the proposed study protocols, with critical assessment of their scientific rationale, feasibility, methodological robustness, and relevance to regenerative medicine.

Readings/Bibliography

Stem cells, Gian Paolo Bagnara, Laura Bonsi, Francesco Alviano, Esculapio, 2025

Stem Cells Scientific Facts and Fiction, Christine L. Mummery, Anja van de Stolpe, Bernard Roelen, Hans Clevers, Elesevier, 2021

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning for course B8807 - BIOMATERIALS includes an oral exam integrated with course B8806 - STEM CELLS.

The learning verification consists of an oral exam. Assessments will focus on conceptual aspects rather than rote knowledge, and aim to evaluate fundamental knowledge, critical thinking, the ability to learn independently, and the ability to communicate scientific concepts.

Average duration of the exam: 20 - 30 min

The exam is divided into two parts:

1. A 10-minute presentation supported by slides on a scientific article chosen by the student.

2. Assessment of preparation with specific, reasoning-oriented questions on the course material.

Evaluation criteria will include the choice of the article to present (relevance to the topics covered, critical selection of the study), the presentation (timeliness, clarity of explanation and slide organization, scientific language proficiency, ability to critically comment on the study), mastery of course topics, and ability to apply them in scientific reasoning.

In evaluating the exam and assigning the final grade, the instructor refers to the following "learning assessment scale," which outlines descriptors for each grade level to make the meaning of each assigned grade clear and shared.

Mark: <18 (Fail) – Lacks knowledge on key topics, poor choice of study for presentation, superficial and incorrect presentation of the study’s essential aspects, lack of scientific language proficiency.
Mark: 18 - 20 – General content knowledge with limited depth, difficulty applying theoretical concepts, superficial or partially incorrect presentation of the study, weak scientific language skills.
Mark: 21 - 23 – Basic content knowledge, limited ability to apply theoretical concepts, simple but not fully appropriate presentation for a scientific context, limited depth.
Mark: 24 - 25 – Appropriate content knowledge, coherent study choice, some weaknesses in preparation or presentation, limited application of theoretical concepts.
Mark: 26 - 27 – Complete content knowledge, coherent study choice, good application of theoretical concepts, proficient technical-scientific language.
Mark: 28 - 29 – Comprehensive and in-depth content knowledge, coherent and critical study choice, good application of theoretical concepts, proficient technical-scientific language.
Mark: 30 - 30 cum laude – Complete and thorough content knowledge, coherent and critical study choice, excellent application of theoretical concepts, excellent presentation and technical-scientific language proficiency.

The exam is considered passed when the student scores a minimum of 18/30, the threshold for minimal learning objectives.

The final grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/?lang=en) within 5 working days of the date of the exam.
Students may reject the final grade 2 times by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.
The designated course contact for this course is Luciana Giardino

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

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/for-students) 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.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations in PDF format, scientific publications in specialized journals, websites, videos.

If students struggle to understand the material, the instructor is available for meetings after class or by appointment via email. Additional resources will be provided if necessary.

Office hours

See the website of Luciana Giardino