C8347 - STEM CELLS

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student understands the basic definition of stem cells and their functions, including the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the regulation of their biology. The student develops a critical understanding of the fundamental properties and methods for isolating stem cells from various origins, producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and expanding and analyzing the cultures. The student applies the knowledge of embryonic and adult stem cells, as well as iPSCs, to regenerative medicine, with a contextualization of the main possibilities and limitations.

Course contents

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “C8346, REGENERATIVE MEDICINE”.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of stem cell biology and its cutting-edge applications in translational medicine. The program is structured into three main thematic areas:

• Fundamentals of stem cell biology: introduction to basic definitions, classifications, and core functions of stem cells. Focus into the molecular mechanisms, microenvironmental cues (niches), and key signaling pathways that regulate stem cell self-renewal, pluripotency, and differentiation.
• Methodologies and cell reprogramming: isolation techniques for stem cells of various origins; theoretical and practical frameworks for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), along with analysis of advanced protocols for in vitro culture expansion, characterization, and quality control.
• Regenerative medicine and translational applications: use of embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and iPSCs in tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. This section critically addresses the current clinical landscape, evaluating the major therapeutic opportunities, technical bottlenecks, safety concerns, and ethical limitations.

SPECIFIC PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE:

To better understand the topics covered in this course, students are advised to have already acquired knowledge in Cellular Physiology (integrated course).

MODULE 1 – Corinne Quadalti

Lectures:

• Introduction to stem cell biology and embryonic stem cells (4 hours)
• Molecular, signaling, and epigenetic regulation of stem cell fate (4 hours)
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): reprogramming methods and culture scaling (4 hours)
• In vitro characterization, quality control, and principles of regenerative medicine (4 hours)

• Ethical considerations, technological limitations, and translational challenges (2 hours)

Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• Introduction to sterile techniques, laboratory biosafety, and morphological evaluation of stem cell colonies (4 hours)
• Stem cells culture maintenance: enzymatic dissociation, cell counting, passaging, and cryopreservation (4 hours)
• Phenotypic analysis: cell fixation, staining, and microscopic analysis (4 hours)

MODULE 2 – Aliai Lanci

Lectures:

• Adult stem cell niches: homeostasis, tissue regeneration, and somatic stem cell types; mesenchymal stem cells: adult and fetal sources, biological properties, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential (2 hours)
• Mesenchymal stem cell-based and cell-free regenerative therapies in veterinary medicine (2 hours)
• Clinical application of regenerative medicine: current evidence, therapeutic protocols, administration routes, limitations, regulatory aspects, and future perspectives (4 hours)

Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• Isolation and culture of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (4 hours)
• MSC culture expansion, passaging, cell counting, and viability assessment (4 hours)
• Cryopreservation, thawing, and post-thaw quality control of MSCs (4 hours)
• Preparation of MSC-based therapeutic products for veterinary clinical applications (4 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Required readings:

Bagnara, G. P. (Author), Bonsi, L., & Alviano, F. (Eds.). Stem Cells (English Edition). Esculapio.

Teaching methods

The course includes both in-person 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 and respective practical/laboratory sessions.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course unit “C8346 REGENERATIVE MEDICINE” consists of two parts.

The first part is relative to the assessment of the Integrated Course unit“C8347 STEM CELLS”, consisting of a single test composed of:

• Multiple choice written test comprising 20 questions (13 regarding the contents of Module 1 and 7 the contents of Module 2). Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question.
• Open-ended written questions comprising five questions (3 regarding the contents of Module 1 and 2 the contents of Module 2). Each correct question will earn 2 points; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question.

The test will cover topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter. No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers. The exam is considered passed only if all parts are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by the sum of the results obtained in the two parts of the test.

The test assignment will last 1h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

The results of the written exam will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact.

The second part is relative to the assessment of the Integrated Course unit “C8348 - IN VITRO MODELS AND ORGANOIDS”, consisting of a single test composed of:

• Multiple choice written test comprising 15 questions (10 regarding the contents of Module 1 and 5 the contents of Module 2). Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question.
• Open-ended written questions comprising 3 questions (1 regarding the contents of Module 1 and 2 the contents of Module 2). Each correct question will earn 2 points; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question.

The test will cover topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter. No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers. The exam is considered passed only if all parts are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by the sum of the results obtained in the two parts of the test.

The test assignment will last 1h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

The results of the written exam will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact.

The final exam of the Integrated Course "Regenerative Medicine" is considered passed only if two parts (Stem Cells and In vitro Models and organoids) are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by the average of the grades from the two parts of the exam, expressed out of 30. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

Grades for individual parts and 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 two times, by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The communications about this course must be sent to both Dr. Corinne Quadalti and Dr. Aliai Lanci.

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, videos and online scientific resources.

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en) and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Corinne Quadalti

See the website of Aliai Lanci