OVERVIEW

The course aims at increasing the student’s knowledge on the current themes of biomedical research such as the complex molecular mechanisms of gene expression control and epigenetics. Here these important topics are explained in detail also focusing on the dramatic consequences arising from defects of these fundamental cellular and nuclear management mechanisms,  such as tumor progression and aging.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The objective of the course is to deepen the molecular biology basic knowledge tackling in detail the functional mechanisms of nuclear biomolecular processes. Furthermore, students will develop methodological instruments to be able to face molecular biology challenges in applied research.

TEACHING METHODS

4 credits as lectures and 2 credits as practical lessons with discussions and oral presentations from the students on specific themes of interest as well as with seminars on particular molecular biotechnology topics

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Gene expression control, from chromatin remodeling and modification to RNA degradation.

In particular the following topics will be studied: the molecular mechanisms of gene expression induction, euchromatin to eterochromatin switch and viceversa, the histone code, the cis and trans control systems of eukaryotic gene transcription, the control of alternative splicing, the control of RNA before nuclear exportation, the post-transcriptional gene expression control, the mechanism and scope of RNA editing, the RNA interference and mRNA stability. Furthermore, a series of lessons will be dedicated to gene therapy techniques and the most innovative gene transfer methods and vectors.

In the practical part of the course students will be asked to prepare oral and informatics presentations (Italian and English language) on topics of the theoretical part of the course that were of particular interest. Furthermore, a series of seminars will be held by experts on molecular biotechnology themes such as the management of GMO in foods and biotechnological patents.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lewin B, Il gene X

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SONIA SCARFI' (President)

MARCO GIOVINE

MARINA POZZOLINI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

October 1, 2017

Class schedule

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2 AND LABORATORY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The knowledge acquired during the course will be verified by an interview with the student and by the preparation of the oral presentation in English and in Italian during the practical part of the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam is composed of two parts, an oral presentation on a topic chosen by the student and a final interview. The oral presentation during the practical part of the course will be judged as follows: 0 points if sufficient, 1 point if good, 2 points in excellent. These points will be summed up to the score obtained during the oral interview.

Exam schedule