OVERVIEW

The course focuses on some selected topics in molecular physiology, including the fluidity of biological membranes and its adaptation to environmental changes, mechanisms of the transport of molecules across the membrane. The molecular mechanisms involved in maintaining of the organism homeostasis are also emphasized. The course introduces various aspects of molecular physiology, including quantitative studies of molecular interactions, microscopy, and a number of spectroscopic techniques

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing basic training in the field of  Molecular Physiology.

In particular, the course aims at achieving the following objectives:

• knowledge of the basic principles underlining the structure/function relationship in living systems from molecules to cells and tissues
• deepening of some recent techniques for structural characterization of cells and biopolymers

deepening the role of ionic channel mutations  in some important pathological conditions

TEACHING METHODS

Lessons.

V. Taglietti, C. Casella Principi di Fisiologia e Biofisica della Cellula. Ed. La Goliardica Pavese

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to Molecular Physiology.

Biological Membranes: Chemical-physical characteristics of membrane lipids and function; Liposomes and micelles: characteristic and use as drug and cosmetic vehicles.

Biological Membrane Fluidity: physiological role; factors that modulate fluidity (saturated and unsaturated fatty acids w-3 and w-6); techniques for quantitative analysis of in situ fluidity (fluorescence probes, fluorescence anisotropy, FTIR spectroscopy, FLIP whitening techniques, FRET); Diagnostic and therapeutic implications (in pathologies such as schizophrenia, leukemia, etc.).

Ionic channels: classification, structure/function; ionic selectivity; canalopathies (dystrophy, etc.).
Water channels: structure/function, classification; the role of aquaproins in degenerative and metabolic diseases (dystrophy, neurodegenerative diabetes, etc.).

Calcium channels: free calcium and intracellular stores, calcium ionophore (raziometric and non-raziometric), calcium imaging and calcium wave; fluorimetry and cytofluorometry techniques. Structural analysis by spectroscopic techniques.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA VERGANI (President)

LAURA CANESI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

April 2018

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral.

Exam schedule