The course aims at aims at providing students with basic knowledge in
1. Cell-to cell communication
2. Principles of Development
3. Principles of Differentiation
4. Mocelular mechanisms of cell biogenesis, turnover, homeostasis and death
6. The applications of biotechnologies to improve heath
Expected learning outcomes:
o Knowledge and understanding
The student has to learn the following biological processes: cell to cell communications, development, differentiation, tissue turnover and homeostasis, cell death, the effects of environment -which include exercises- on gene expression in order to maintain health status, and possible therapeutic use of biotechnology.
o Applying knowledge and understanding
The student’ll apply knowledge to:
•identify and compare the different cell to cell communications
•understand the molecular mechanisms of cell biogenesis, turnover, homeostasis and death
•promote both suitable life stiles and correct use of biotechnology to maintain and preserve health and wellness.
o Making judgements
The student has to gain the e skill to select the appropriate scientific sources in order to make correct data integration and interpretation.
The student has to explain the acquired knowledge using a proper scientific language, thus demonstrating a full comprehension of the course topics.
o Lifelong learning skills
The student has to develop the appropriate learning method in order to easily improve and upgrade his skills/knowledge
The aim of this course is the fundamental learning of: cell-to-cell communications (3ECTS credits); cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to development, differentiation, tissue renewal and cell turnover ((3ECTS credits); the epigenetics and the applications of biotechnologies to improve heath.
Plasma membrane and extracellular matrix
•Autocrine, paracrine and endocrine signaling
•Cell surface receptors
•Signal transduction and second messengers
•Nuclear receptors and action of steroid hormones
•Neurons, synapses and neural communication
Development and differentiation
•Mitotic Cell Cycle: progression and checkpoints
•Growth factors, mitogens and survival factors
•Cell death: necrosis, apoptosis and autophagy
•Meoisis, gametogenesis and fertilization: oocyte and spermartozoa, the earliest steps in human development and germ layers
•Mechanisms of cellular determination and pattern formation
Gene expression in development and epigenetics
•Differential gene expression and development
•Skeletal Muscle Myogenesis
•The interplay between genes and environment
•Epigenetic reprogramming in mammalian development
•Life style and epigenetics
Tissue turnover and homeostasis
•Stem cells: basics, classification and applications
•Role of adult stem cells in tissue turnover, homeostasis and regeneration
•Muscle stem cells
•Applications of DNA recombination technology
•Bioetics ang biotecnnology
•Fantoni - Bozzaro - Del Sal – Ferrari Biologia cellulare Piccin editore
•Campbell & Reece Biologia vol 5 - La forma e la funzione negli animali Pearson education
•Selected scientific artiche provided during the course
Oral examination and analysis of a recent articles using methodological tools discussed in class/explained in the textbooks.