12946 - Molecular Biology

Learning outcomes

The major outcomes will include the acquirement of modern view 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/intracrine 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 fields of Regenerative Medicine and Precision Medicine.

Course contents

At the end of the Course, Students will acquire detailed knowledge on the modern view considering the cytoskeleton, including microtubuli and actin filaments, as a major network in the generation and deployment of information based upon the transport of mechanical, electric and electromagnetic patterning. According to the most recent studies, microtubuli will be presented as a sort of "bioelectronic circuit" essential for biomolecular recognition processes, and for the gene expression modulation. We will discuss the most recent development in the field of intra- and inter-cellular communication through the exchange of electromagnetic radiation (light). We will present the modern frontier of "Photobiomodulation", as a novel strategy to control cellular responses. Within this context, we will also discuss the "autocrine", "paracrine" and "intracrine" regulation of cellular dynamics. We will show details of the nuclear trafficking of signaling molecules and intranuclear signal-transduction mechanisms. The interaction between cytoskeleton and nucleoskelton will be placed in the frame of transcriptional regulation. We will present details on the mechanisms of action of molecular motors (kinesins, dyneins) in the regulation of gene expression and chromatin remodeling. Gene transcription will be presented as a process controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, with particular reference to the genome architecture, and the development of physical vectorial forces capable of controlling gene transcription. The last part of the Course will be dedicated to the modern outcomes of Regenerative Medicine and Precision Medicine, with particular emphasis on the molecular and physical bases of cell reprogramming.

Readings/Bibliography

The course does not involve text books, but rather it relies on the discussion and dissemination of all the material presented during each lesson.

Teaching methods

- Audio/video presentations. - Discussion of scientific articles and projects. - Seminars. - Making the Students able to present and discuss their own ideas and projects on the basis of lessons and seminars attended during the Course.

Assessment methods

The assessment methods include:

- Discussion of main topics, to be performed at the end of each lesson.

- Providing Students with suitable "reading keys" to gain a profitable use PubMed_Medline and other telematic tools.

- Elaborating on subjects of interest and curiosity.

Finally, oral examination will be the used to assess the degree of Students' preparation and the achievement of the training goals. The examination will be based upon a brief presentation of a personal thesis on a subject of interest chosen among issues discussed during the Course. This thesis will serve as a platform to further discuss other related issues, thus expanding the assessment of competences achieved throughout the Course

Teaching tools

- Presentation and discussion of experimental strategies and results. - Discussion of scientific articles. - Dissection of structure/presentation of scientific projects prepared by international collaborative networks

Office hours

See the website of Carlo Ventura