90926 - EMERGING MOLECULAR BIOLOGY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

Learning outcomes

Describe general overviews on stem cell biology Identify the most important solutions and problems arising from some of the most advanced views in cellular signaling, genome function and cellular reprogramming. Identify when progression in basic and translational research can effectively match unmet clinical needs Discuss the mechanisms underlying cell growth and differentiation, with particular reference to the modulation of gene expression, epigenetics, nuclear dynamics and signaling. Critically explain the future perspectives in Regenerative and Precision Medicine. Evaluate the most updated publications within the context of Molecular and Cellular Biology, with particular emphasis to mechanisms underlying cellular commitment and adaptation, reprogramming, and differentiation.

Course contents

• Analysis of physical patterning in cellular microtubuli. Dissection of microtubular oscillations at the nanomechanical, and electromagnetic level.
• Microtubuli as a network of oscillators that synchronize and swarm. Microtubular dynamics in biomolecular recognition patterning. Implication of microtubuli as a bioelectronic circuit.
• Nuclear trafficking of signaling molecules. The nuclear pore complex. RAN-TC and kariopherins. The nuclear import of transcription factors and protein kinases: a prelude to the epigenetic regulation and transcriptional remodeling.
• Nuclear receptors and signaling. The "intracrine" regulation of cellular dynamics. Implication of intracrine patterning in stem cell biology. Disregulation of intracrine mechanisms and disease.
• The exosome world. Viewing the exosomal route as pocket of information. Exosomes and intracrine pathways.
• Transcritpional regulation. DNA bending and DNA loops driving the sliding pattern of the RNA polymerase complex. The role of transcription factors viewed as force actuators in gene transcription: Nanomechanics and the transcriptional machinery.
• Cellular rhythms and polarity: a new context for deeper understanding of epigenetics and wide ranging transcriptional remodeling.
• Introduction to Regenerative and Precision Medicine. The use of Chemistry and Physics for the development of novel paradigms of cure.

Readings/Bibliography

Readings and bibliography will be provided throughout the Course, during each lesson, stored and made available in the IOL section.

Teaching methods

• Computer assisted presentations.
• Discussion of experimental findings.
• Seminars, particularly focused on novel approaches in Regenerative Medicine.
• Presentation and discussion of main findings and major conclusions from International Meetings coherent with the aim, contents and outcomes of the Course.

Assessment methods

• Computer assisted presentations.
• Discussion at the end of each lesson.
• Discussion of experimental findings.
• Questions and highlights.
• Seminars, particularly focused on novel approaches in Regenerative Medicine.

Teaching tools

• Power point presentations.
• Critical discussion of personal research and review articles.
• Critical readings of studies published by other Authors.
• Presentation of movies form international meetings.

Office hours

See the website of Carlo Ventura