The course aims to deepen the knowledge in the field of Cell Biology applications. More specifically, the course aims to analyze the relative knowledge
to the molecular composition and functional properties of some of the molecules involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion systems, paying particular attention to the
cytoskeletal component and possible pathologies related to possible alterations of these molecules. A part of the course will be dedicated to the knowledge of the basic procedures and the main study methods necessary to cultivate eukaryotic cells with particular attention to stem cells (CS) and their role in the clinical practice of the future will also be discussed.
At the end of the course the student shoul be able to understand the different causes and the pathogenetic mechanisms of human diseases, as well as the etiopathogenesis of the fundamental alterations of the structures, functions and control mechanisms. They also have to know the fundamental biological mechanisms of defense and their alterations. The course will develop from the molecular level to the higher levels of organization (cellular, tissue, organ, apparatus, organism)
Lectures, exercises and discussion of scientific works on the topics covered.
Frontal lesson
1) Cytoskeleton and cell motility. Organization and functional characteristics of the structural elements of the cytoskeleton. Interactions between cytoskeletal components. Analysis methods for the study of cytoskeletal functions. Pathologies related to alterations of cytoskeletal components.
2) Interactions between cells and the surrounding environment. Extracellular matrix. Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Membrane receptors and adhesion molecules: immunoglobulins, cadherins, integrins, lectins, selectins. Necrosis and Apoptosis: cellular and molecular aspects. Pathologies related to alterations of cell adhesion mechanisms.
3) ROS and oxidative stress. Cellular antioxidant defense systems. Nrf2 and the response to oxidative stress.
4) Introduction to cell cultures. Continuous or primary cell lines, in adhesion and in suspension. Maintenance in culture and expansion of cell lines in adhesion and in suspension. Mobile phone account.
5) Stem cells and nuclear reprogramming. Stem cells: generalities and historical outlines. Stem cell differentiation potential. Stem cells: embryonic, fetal, amniotic, adult. In vivo and in vitro techniques for studying stem cells. Technological aspects and applications in the clinical field.
Frontal lessons
• Introduction of general pathology
• Alterations of base-acid balance
• Genetic diseases
• Environmental pathology
• Cellular pathology: cellular adaptations (hyperplasia, hypertrophy, atrophy, metaplasia, dysplasia), apoptosis, necrosis
• Regeneration, repair and healing
• Inflammation: acute, chronic, mediators of inflammation
• Fever and temperature changes
• Immune system: innate immunity, acquired (mediated and humoral cell)
• Elusion of immune defence
• Primary and acquired immunodeficiencies (AIDS)
• Hypersensitivity: I, II, III and IV type
• Immune tolerance
• Autoimmunity: pathogenic mechanisms and some autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes)
• tumors
• Atherosclerosis
• Amyloidosis
Exercises
• Safety regulations in the pathology and immunology laboratory.
• Correct use of reagent and equipment supplied to the laboratory
• Cell cultures of primary and tumor cells
• Immunological techniques
• Basic techniques in molecular biology
1) Alberts B. et al. - Biologia molecolare della cellula - Zanichelli
2) Karp G. - Biologia cellulare e molecolare - EdiSES
3) Hardin J, Bertoni G.P. - Becker. Il mondo della cellula - Pearson
4)Teaching materials (ppt files) will be provided during the course.
Elementi di patologia generale per corsi di laurea in professioni sanitarie, Giovanni M. Pontieri – Piccin
Patologia generale di Maurizio Parola