66642 - BIOTECNOLOGIE CELLULARI

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student possesses the basic knowledge of experimental embryology, including techniques for propagation and differentiation of embryonic and adult somatic stem cells in vitro. In particular, the student knows genetic and molecular determinants of the control of proliferation and differentiation of internal mass, determination of body axes, structural specializations (limbs, head, etc.), embryo polarization, mesodermal induction and notochord formation. He/she also knows and has the ability to critically evaluate literature and protocols related to the maintenance of totipotency and/or differentiation of embryonic stem cells, cellular reprogramming, isolation and characterization of somatic hematopoietic, mesenchymal, epithelial and corneal, neural, and fetal adnexal-derived stem cells. Upon completion of the laboratory, the student acquires the skills necessary for the manipulation of animal gametes and the use of in vitro cellular models. The student is also able to have autonomy of judgment with respect to the proper planning of experiments involving animals, retrieving information from the Web on experimental procedures and alternative methods, and to have communication skills with respect to current views regarding animal experimentation.

Course contents

1. Introduction to the course; model bodies and main study methods

2. Egg cell polarization and cytoplasmic rotation at fertilization

3. Embryonic stem cells: totipotency, pluripotency, multipotency, differentiation, terminal differentiation, dedifferentiation; cell cycle and asymmetric division; lineage determinants. Cell reprogramming: nuclear transfer and gene reprogramming. Induced pluripotent cells.

4. Morula and blastula: segmentation, compaction, determination.

5. Gastrulation in non-mammalian model organisms: specification maps. Implantation and gastrulation in mammals: epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

6. Polarization of the embryo, formation of the antero-posterior, dorso-ventral and medio-lateral axes. Developmental genes: maternal, segmentation and homeotic genes

7. Ectoderm and its development: formation of notochord, neuroectoderm, fold, tube and neural growth. Neurogenesis (in vivo and in vitro); skin development (in vivo and in vitro)

8. Mesoderm and its development: para-axial, intermediate, lateral mesoderm; somitogenesis and regulation of myogenesis. Antero-posterior and lateral folds. Vasculogenesis and cardiogenesis (in vivo and in vitro).

9. Endoderm and its development: genetic determinants of GI segmentation, gastric rotation; formation of liver and pancreas and genetic determinants of their specification (in vivo and in vitro)

10. Formation of limbs and body appendages

11. From embryology to regenerative medicine: embryonic stem cell differentiation protocols; 3-D culture systems; artificial scaffolds and cell differentiation.

Readings/Bibliography

Developmental Biology, Gilbert SF, Zanichelli, 2018; Websites and eBooks previously presented and explained in class.

Updated lecture material is provided in class, retrievable via username and password from Virtual - University of Bologna.

The lecture material presented in class is not a substitute for the reference texts but supplementary to them, and is a guide for selecting and understanding the topics to be covered.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures, supported by web tools, such as movies, portals and databases of interest.

Students are advised that, due to recent University directives, it will not be possible to take the course in alternative modes to attendance (teams), except for specific situations that must be properly documented and approved by the University prior to the start of classes.

Notice is also given that lecture recording will not be available.

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of a written in itinere evaluation and an oral final examination.

The in itinere assessment, performed on syllabus items 1-7, will be offered about halfway through the course. It is a written test with 10 multiple-choice and/or open-ended questions, scored from 0 to 3 for each question, and is intended to provide the student with a means of self-testing. The student is free to accept or reject the outcome of the in-progress assessment.

The final oral exam will cover syllabus points 8 to 16, for students who have taken and accepted the outcome of the in-progress assessment; all syllabus points for students who have not taken the in-progress assessment or who have not accepted the assessment. It will consist of a ppt presentation (10 min), possibly of one or more scientific papers on the chosen topic.

Learning assessments will prioritize conceptual aspects over purely notional ones, and will aim to assess fundamental knowledge of the subject, autonomy of judgment, ability to learn even with autonomous tools, and ability to communicate scientific concepts.

Follow alerts on Virtual for updates

Students with DSA or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is recommended to contact the responsible Athenaeum office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) in good time: it will be their responsibility to propose to the interested students any possible adaptations, which must in any case be submitted, 15 days in advance, for the approval of the teacher, who will also assess their appropriateness in relation to the educational objectives of the teaching.

 

Teaching tools

Lecture materials: lecture materials presented in class will be made available to the student in electronic format at the link https://virtuale.unibo.it/ [http://campus.unibo.it/]

Username and password are reserved for students enrolled at the University of Bologna.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Calzà