90920 - STEM CELLS AND 3D ORGANOID SYSTEMS

Anno Accademico 2025/2026

  • Docente: Francesco Alviano
  • Crediti formativi: 3
  • SSD: BIO/17
  • Lingua di insegnamento: Inglese
  • Modalità didattica: Convenzionale - Lezioni in presenza
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Laurea Magistrale in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (cod. 9068)

    Valido anche per Laurea Magistrale in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (cod. 9068)

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

Alla fine del corso lo studente conosce: - i percorsi molecolari che controllano il grado di staminalità e il potenziale di differenziazione delle cellule staminali; - gli elementi chiave riguardanti le innovazioni e lo sviluppo dei sistemi di cultura 3D per la scoperta di farmaci e il loro uso per la modellizzazione della malattia; - i metodi per la preparazione in vitro di modelli cellulari utili per la definizione di colture sferoidali 3D.

Contenuti

Pluripotent stem cells. Embryonic stem cells: phenotypic characterization and therapeutic potential.

Somatic nuclear transfer for the generation of pluripotent cells. Reprogrammng strategies for generation of induced pluripotetn stem cells (iPSCs).

Adult stem cells: phenotypic characterization, multipotential ability and comparison with Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Extraembryonic Tissues as sources of Perinatal Stem Cells: phenotypic characterization and biologial features.

3D Scaffold application in cell culture and organoid models: tissue engineering approach for disease modelling and regenerative medicine approaches.

3D organoid development and growh: general overview of the background and current methods for the generation and characterization of organoids

Application of human derived organoids: cerebral, liver, skin and intestinal model of organoids.

Testi/Bibliografia

Recommended Textbook: G.P. Bagnara, Stem Cells, Ed. Esculapio.

Recommended scientific papers given during the lessons.

Metodi didattici

Frontal lectures and Laboratory work experience in Cell Culture Lab.

 

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").

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

The final test focuses on the achievement of learning objectives about:

- stem cell basics and classification

- stem cell applications, cell therapy and tissue engineering

- 3D organoid l research and techniques

Oral examination on two topics among a list of topics covered during the course. 

The result is graduated from 18/30 to 30/30

Lack of preparation, serious and repeated conceptual errors → <18

Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, expressed in an overall correct language → 18-19;

Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to perform autonomous analysis only on purely executive matters, expression in correct language → 20-24;

Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29;

Exhaustive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis and connection, full mastery of specific terminology, and ability to argue and self-reflection → 30-30L.

The online registration to the examination is mandatory.

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

PowerPoint presentations will be available online as downloadable content.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Francesco Alviano

SDGs

Salute e benessere Istruzione di qualità

L'insegnamento contribuisce al perseguimento degli Obiettivi di Sviluppo Sostenibile dell'Agenda 2030 dell'ONU.