The knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms implied in gene expression regulation will be acquired by the students with a particular attention to dietary behaviour and molecular mechanisms of the signal transduction controlled by nutrients in physiological and pathological metabolic condition. The molecular mechanisms through which an organism uses nutrients in order to produce the energy necessary to perform normal biological functions, will be highlighted. In addition, it is proposed to illustrate the action of hormones and nutrients on epigenetic modifications and gene expression mechanisms. To the end of the course, the knowdledge of bioinformatic approaches and the molecular biology techniques utilized for the analysis of gene expression regulation.
The teaching is held with lectures using slides and practical lessons. Attendance of the course is mandatory to the extent provided by the study programme.
Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.
Signal transduction pathways in response to nutrients, growth factors, stress signals, intracellular metabolite changes. Signal transduction and activation of gene regulation mediated by membrane receptors (G-protein-coupled, tyrosine kinase): mechanism of action and factors involved in gene transcription regulation. Glucagon-mediated signal transduction, insulin, and control of glucose homeostasis. The regulatory pathway of cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Intracellular receptor-mediated signal transduction and activation of gene regulation: mechanism of action and gene transcription factors involved. The regulatory pathway of growth, metabolism, and cellular homeostasis.
Elements of molecular bioenergetics. Regulation of cellular energy balance in response to nutrient availability. Energy demand and optimal energy expenditure. The mitochondrion as a central regulator of energy homeostasis. Modulation of the activity of specific transcription factors and coactivators involved in metabolism.
Mechanisms of chromatin modification, histone complexes, and DNA implicated in the control of gene expression. Role of DNA methylation. Effects of nutrients on epigenetic modifications and gene expression. Diet-related molecular mechanisms involved in the onset and/or prevention of diseases. Nutrients and non-coding RNA: synthesis and action. Genetically modified foods and their molecular traceability in the agri-food chain. Bioinformatic and experimental methods for identification of transcription factors and regulatory sequences and chromatin modifications.
Arienti G., IV edizione, Basi Molecolari della Nutrizione, Piccin
Alberts B. et al, VI edizione, Biologia Molecolare della cellula, Zanichelli
Latchman D.S., 2nd edition, Gene control, Garland Science
Lehninger ultima ediz; Nichols DG, Ferguson S - Bioenergetics 4th ed 2014 Academic Press
“Biologia molecolare” di J. Zatlanova, Ediz. Zanichelli
“Biologia molecolare del cancro” di L. Pecorino, Ediz. Zanichelli
“Biologia molecolare del gene” di J. Watson, VII Ediz. Zanichelli
Other additional material will be uploaded on Studium platform.