96022 - Biochemistry of Cellular Signaling

Learning outcomes

"At the end of the training program, the student will have acquired a solid and in-depth understanding of the biochemical mechanisms that regulate signal transduction at both the intra- and extracellular levels, processes that are fundamental for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and proper cellular function.The student will also have developed practical skills in the maintenance and manipulation of human cell cultures in vitro, along with a solid knowledge of the experimental methodologies used to study the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying cellular energy efficiency, proliferation, and cell death. In particular, the student will be able to:- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the main cellular signaling pathways and their complex functional interconnections, with a specific focus on the biochemical reactions involved in signal transduction; - critically analyze and interpret scientific literature related to the molecular and biochemical mechanisms regulating signal transduction, assessing methodological quality, the significance of results, and their impact in the context of basic and biomedical research; - independently design and conduct cellular biochemistry experiments aimed at analyzing signal transduction mechanisms, using advanced experimental approaches and cutting-edge technologies to identify and characterize signaling pathways involved in physiological processes and specific pathological conditions."

Course contents

The course consists of 35 hours (5 CFU) of lectures and 25 hours (1 CFU) of practical laboratory activities.

Lectures provide theoretical background on cellular signaling pathways and their biochemical regulation. In particular, the topics covered will include:

Fundamentals of Cellular Signaling: i) cell signaling features; ii) molecular switches; iii) molecular signature of the GPCRs and RTKs; interaction and functional integration between GPCRs and RTKs receptors; iii) mechano-signaling; iv) structural organization and function of major cellular signaling effectors; v) second messengers and in vivo determination; vi) scaffold/adaptor proteins; vii) desensitization/endocytosis and cellular signaling.

Mitochondria and signaling transduction interaction: i) ultrastructure versus network organization; ii) mitochondria as a cellular signaling platform: iii) signaling between mitochondria and ER; iv) ultrastructural features of the subcellular compartment MAMs and them contribute to biochemical process and signaling such as calcium homeostasis.

AMPK and mTOR signaling pathways: i) AMPK and mTOR complexes: structure and cellular functions; ii) signaling mediated by the molecular complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2; iii) molecular interaction between AMPK and AKT in signaling triggered by amino acids and growth factors; iv) Autophagy as molecular and cellular axis regulated by the interplay between mTOR and AMPK to maintain cellular homeostasis.

The practical laboratory activities allow students to acquire hands-on experience in the maintenance and manipulation of human cell cultures and in the application of biochemical and molecular techniques for the investigation of signal transduction mechanisms.

Readings/Bibliography

Required and Supplementary Bibliographic References

During the course, students will be provided with the laboratory activity protocol and a selection of original research articles and review papers chosen to expand upon the topics covered in class and to foster the development of critical scientific literature analysis skills. All teaching materials will be made available in PDF format through the University of Bologna's Virtual Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it [https://virtuale.unibo.it/] ).

Recommended References

To reinforce fundamental knowledge and further explore the core concepts of cellular and structural biochemistry, students are encouraged to consult the following textbooks:

• Cells – Lewin et al.
• Protein Structure and Function – Petsko & Ringe.
• Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry – Nelson & Cox.

Teaching methods

The course is based on classroom lectures during which the topics included in the syllabus will be presented and explained using PowerPoint presentations. Although attendance at lectures is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended, as the course content will be presented by the instructor and discussed interactively with the class. This teaching approach is designed to facilitate learning and to support students in achieving the knowledge and skills defined in the course learning outcomes.

Practical laboratory activities will take place in the teaching laboratories of the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), in a single laboratory section. Students will work either individually or in pairs, depending on class size and laboratory workstation availability. The laboratory activities constitute an integral part of the course. Although attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended, as it enables students to develop the practical and transferable skills envisaged by the course learning outcomes.

During the laboratory sessions, students will generate experimental data that will subsequently be processed using ImageJ and Microsoft Excel. The analysis, interpretation, and critical discussion of the experimental results will take place in a dedicated bioinformatics/computer laboratory, where each student will have access to an individual computer workstation.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students (including all the international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Module 1, 2 online [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio], while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Assessment methods

Assessment of the learning outcomes achieved through both the lectures and the practical laboratory activities will consist of an oral examination comprising 3–4 questions. The examination is designed to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the lectures as well as the experimental activities carried out in the laboratory. The examination will also evaluate students' ability to integrate and relate the different topics addressed throughout the course, critically interpret experimental results, and demonstrate appropriate use of scientific and technical terminology. Attention will be paid to the clarity, accuracy, and rigor of the student's oral presentation.

Students have the right to reject the proposed positive grade once (in accordance with the University Teaching Regulations, ART.16, paragraph 5).

Students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support their independent study, including for clarifying concepts, exploring topics in greater depth, and summarizing the scientific literature. However, students remain fully responsible for verifying the accuracy, reliability, and correct interpretation of any information obtained through AI tools, as well as for critically evaluating and independently elaborating the content. With regard to the assessment of learning, the use of AI during the in-person examination is strictly prohibited. Any such use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

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 ) 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.

Students recognized as “working students”: please consult the dedicated website (https://www.unibo.it/en/study/guide-to-choosing-your-programme/balancing-study-and-work) to apply for this status and to learn about the available measures.

To obtain a final grade of 30/30 with honors, the student must show to know in depth all the topics covered during the lessons. Further, the student must explain and integrate the topics with properties of scientific language. To obtain a final grade of 30/30, the student must explain contents covered during the lessons and show the ability to properly integrate them with properties of scientific language. The final grade will be scaled from 30/30 to 18/30 based on the number of questions to which the student is able to answer and on her/his ability to integrate the topics with properties of scientific language. To obtain the minimum grade of 18/30 the student must show to have basic knowledge of all the contents discussed during the lessons and not be able to integrate them with properties of scientific language.

Teaching tools

The content of both the lectures and the laboratory activities will be presented using PowerPoint slides, supplemented with diagrams, figures, graphs, scientific articles, and other teaching materials. All course materials will be made available to students in digital format through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (Virtuale). During lectures, the instructor may also use the whiteboard and other multimedia resources to facilitate students' understanding of the topics covered.

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, considering the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Maria Porcelli