1) Cytoskeleton and cell motility
Organization and functional features of the structural elements of the cytoskeleton.
Interactions between cytoskeletal components.
Analysis methods for the study of the cytoskeletal functions.
Pathological alterations of cytoskeletal components.
2) Interactions between cell surface and environment
Extracellular matrix.
Cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions.
Membrane receptors and adhesion molecules: immunoglobulins, cadherins, integrins, lectins, selectins.
Necrosis and Apoptosis: cell and molecular aspects.
Methods used for the identification of molecules involved in cell-recognition and cell-adhesion.
Pathological alterations of the cell adhesion mechanisms.
3) Stem cells and nuclear reprogramming
Stem cells: introduction and background.
Differentiation potential of stem cells.
Stem cells: embryonic, embryonic germ, fetal, amniotic, adult.
Investigative tecniques, in vivo and in vitro, of stem cells.
Techniques of Nuclear reprogramming: nuclear transfer, cell fusion, transduction of transcription factors.
Role of epigenetic events in nuclear reprogramming.
Technological aspects and applications in the clinical setting.
Some scientific studies regarding the abovementioned topics will be examined and discussed critically during the Course.
Laboratorial activities will be also carried out for learning some standard techniques used in the investigations related to some of the abovementioned topics (therefore, certificate showing the frequency of Safety Course is required and it is compulsory to wear a lab coat) .
1) Alberts B. et al. - Biologia molecolare della cellula - Zanichelli
2) Bacci S. et al. (Cur.: Colombo R., Olmo E.) - Biologia. Cellula e Tessuti - Edi-Ermes
3) Cooper G.M., Hausman R.E. - La cellula. Un approccio molecolare - PICCIN
4) Lewin B. et al. - Le cellule - Zanichelli
5) Materials (ppt) will be provided during the course