The Course purpose is the in-depth knowledge in the applicative field of Cell Biology.
More specifically, the course aims to examine in depth the molecular composition and the functional features of some molecules involved in cell-cell/cell-matrix adhesion systems, paying particular attention to the cytoskeletal components and their pathological alterations.
The course will analyze also the biological/clinical applications of the stem cells (SC) and the in vitro/in vivo methods of study of these cells: the main mechanisms that regulate the differentiation process and self-renewal of SC will be analyzed, including the role of growth factors, cytokines and transcription factors.
The course also aims to provide the students with the methodological skills related to the identification of some studied cell molecules and in vivo/in vitro techniques for investigations on stem cells .
The student should learn basic alterations of physiologic processes governing the function of tissues, organs and systems
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) .
GENERAL PATHOLOGY: medical speciality concerned with the study of disease processes and how these provoke structural and functional changes in the body PROGRAM INTRODUCTION Health and disease: concept of aetiology and pathogenesis CELLULAR PATHOLOGY Cell adaptation: hypertrophy, hyperplasia, atrophy, metaplasia, dysplasia Mechanisms and patterns of cellular injury (necrosis and apoptosis) Accumulations and pathological pigmentation INFLAMMATION AND REPAIR Acute inflammation: vascular phenomena, cellular recruitment and activation, cell adhesion molecules, mediators Morphologic patterns of acute inflammation Chronic inflammation: cellular involvement and mediators Granulomatous inflammation: types of granuloma Systemic effects of inflammation Repair and wound healing: granulation tissue and scarring; primary and secondary intention IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY The immune system: innate and adaptative response, lymphocytes, complement system, immunological memory Pathogenesis of disorders of the immune system: • hypersensitivity (type I: allergies and anaphylaxis; type II: antibody-mediated reactions, ADCC; type III: immune complex diseases; type IV: delayed type hypersensitivity) • autoimmune disorders (immunological tolerance; classification) • immune deficiency disorders (main primary and acquired immune deficiency) ONCOLOGY Cancer cell biology: clonal evolution and biological properties Classification; stage and histological grading Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes Carcinogenesis: chemical carcinogens and ionizing radiation; viral infection Immune system dysfunction Cachexia and metastasis
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
Robbins 'FONDAMENTI DI PATOLOGIA E DI FISIOPATOLOGIA' IX ed., Edra MASSON, 2013