C8706 - MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR NEUROBIOLOGY

Learning outcomes

This course offers advanced insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain function. Topics include brain anatomy and brain atlas use, experimental models and techniques in neurobiology, neural development, physiology, and the molecular basis of neural network activity and plasticity. Special focus is given to brain-environment interactions and the pathophysiology of neurological disorders

Course contents

1. Experimental Models and Research Approaches in Molecular Neuroscience

Experimental models used to investigate nervous system development, physiology and disease, including primary neuronal cultures, immortalized cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), iPSC-derived neurons and glial cells, brain organoids, organ-on-chip technologies and animal models. Advantages and limitations of different experimental models in basic and translational neuroscience. Advanced research approaches, including CRISPR/Cas genome editing, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, quantitative proteomics, functional genomics and multi-omics data integration.

2. Ethics, Reproducibility and Scientific Communication in Neuroscience

Ethical aspects of neuroscience research, including the use of animal models, human biological samples, induced pluripotent stem cells and emerging neurotechnologies. Principles of research integrity, reproducibility and responsible conduct of research. Experimental design, statistical robustness and sources of bias in biomedical research. The scientific publication process, including manuscript preparation, peer review, editorial decisions, publication ethics, authorship, open science practices, data sharing and critical evaluation of the scientific literature.

3. Cellular Organization of the Nervous System

Cellular organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Molecular basis of neuronal and glial cell identity, diversity and specialization. Neuronal polarity, cytoskeletal organization, axonal and dendritic transport, intracellular trafficking and compartmentalization. Molecular regulation of gene expression, epigenetic mechanisms, RNA metabolism and local protein synthesis in neurons.

4. Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity and Memory

Cellular and molecular basis of synaptic plasticity and its role in learning and memory. Molecular mechanisms underlying short- and long-term synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). Synaptic protein turnover, dendritic spine remodeling and activity-dependent gene expression. Local mRNA translation, epigenetic regulation, immediate early genes and neuronal engrams in memory formation and consolidation.

5. Non-neuronal Cells and Brain Homeostasis

Physiological functions of glial cells in the healthy nervous system. Astrocytes in synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter recycling and metabolic support. Oligodendrocytes, myelination and adaptive myelin plasticity. Microglia in synaptic remodeling, neuroimmune interactions and inflammatory responses. Cellular interactions within the neurovascular unit and the contribution of the blood-brain barrier to central nervous system homeostasis.

6. Brain Homeostasis Beyond the Nervous System: Circadian Rhythms and the Gut-Brain Axis

Molecular organization of the circadian clock and regulation of biological rhythms in the nervous system. Circadian control of neuronal physiology, metabolism, gene expression and sleep-wake cycles. Interactions between circadian rhythms, synaptic plasticity, cognition and neurological disorders. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying gut-brain communication through neural, endocrine, immune and metabolic pathways. The role of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in brain development, brain homeostasis and neurological disease.

7. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurological Disorders

Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, including protein misfolding and aggregation, impaired proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, defects in intracellular trafficking, autophagy, synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Contribution of neurons, glial cells and the neurovascular unit to disease onset and progression. Representative examples from Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and neurodevelopmental disorders. Emerging molecular and cell-based therapeutic strategies.

Readings/Bibliography

Luo L. Principles of Neurobiology. 1st edition.

The course does not rely on a single textbook. Lecture slides will be made available through the course online platform. Additional teaching material, including selected review articles and primary research papers from the recent scientific literature, will be provided throughout the course to complement the textbook and discuss current advances in cellular and molecular neuroscience. 

Teaching methods

Teaching is based on interactive lectures integrating fundamental concepts with recent advances in molecular neuroscience. Lectures are supported by ppt material and by the discussion of representative research papers that illustrate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying nervous system function and disease.

The course adopts a research-oriented approach, with particular emphasis on the critical analysis of primary scientific literature. Selected research articles from leading international journals will be discussed throughout the course to familiarize students with experimental design, methodological approaches, data interpretation and the strengths and limitations of different experimental models.

Dedicated sessions will address ethical aspects of neuroscience research, principles of research integrity and reproducibility, and the scientific publication process, including manuscript preparation, peer review, authorship, publication ethics and open science practices.

Active student participation is encouraged through guided discussions, during which students will critically evaluate recent scientific publications, focusing on the biological questions addressed, experimental strategies, interpretation of results, methodological limitations and future research perspectives.

Whenever appropriate, publicly available databases and computational resources relevant to molecular neuroscience will be introduced to illustrate current approaches for the analysis and interpretation of high-throughput biological data.

Assessment methods

Student learning will be assessed through an oral examination.

During the examination, students will first critically discuss one of the scientific articles presented during the course, chosen by the student. The discussion (maximum 8 minutes) will be conducted without presentation slides and in an open-book format. Students are expected to summarize the scientific rationale, describe the experimental approaches, critically evaluate the results and discuss the strengths, limitations and significance of the study.

The examination will then continue with two additional questions selected by the lecturer, covering the topics addressed during the course.

The final grade will be based on the average of the three assessment components: (i) critical discussion of the selected scientific article, (ii) first oral question, and (iii) second oral question. Each component contributes one third of the final mark.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the University office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) as soon as possible so that appropriate accommodations can be proposed. Requests for examination adjustments must be submitted to the lecturer at least 15 days before the examination date. The lecturer will evaluate the appropriateness of the requested accommodations, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Working students: please consult the dedicated University webpage (https://www.unibo.it/en/study/guide-to-choosing-your-programme/balancing-study-and-work ) for information on eligibility, application procedures and the support measures available.

Teaching tools

Teaching tools include ppt presentations, lecture slides, scientific reviews and primary research articles, as well as publicly available databases and online resources for molecular neuroscience.

All teaching materials will be made available through the University's online learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Barbara Monti