12946 - Molecular Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the Course, Students will acquire detailed knowledge on the mechanisms underlying cell growth and differentiation, with particular reference to the modulation of gene expression, epigenetics, nuclear dynamics and signaling.  Students will be introduced to the molecular dissection of the action of transcription factors, chromatin remodeling and establishment of tissue specific features. The Course will trace the interplay between cell signaling networks and the changes in genome structure and function. Emphasis will be placed on the discussion of several features of stem cell biology, including the concept of pluripotency, paracrine/autocrine regulation, and multilineage commitment. Finally, we will dissect the issue of reprogramming of adult somatic non-stem cells to lineages in which these cells would never otherwise appear. These aspects will form the underpinning for Students' guidance through the newly developing field of Regenerative Medicine.

Course contents

On the whole, the Program will focus on the molecular dissection of mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene expression and the modulation of cell growth and differentiation: - Signal transduction mechanisms: G proteins, plasma membrane receptors, nuclear receptors - Cytosolic calcium handling and ionic fluxes as intracellular messengers - Nuclear trafficking of transcritpional regulators - The cytoskeleton, a dynamic physical network supporting the intracellular trafficking of signaling molecules: the role of molecular motors (kinesins, dynein) - Transcription Factors and gene expression regulation - Chromatin remodeling: gene transcription as a result of genome architecture, and the development of vectorial physical forces capable of driving the transcriptional processes - Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine - Molecular  and physical underpinning for Cell Reprogramming

Readings/Bibliography

The Course is contained in the material presented during each lesson

Teaching methods

Molecular dissection and discussion of mechanisms that form the essential core for the current and future development of biomedical research and Regenerative Medicine

Assessment methods

Discussion at the end of each lesson. Final oral examination

Teaching tools

Projection of ppt documents and movies. All the material is available to the Students

Office hours

See the website of Carlo Ventura