OVERVIEW

The aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge of the cellular processes recently acquired by the scientific community, illustrating new mechanisms that increase the complexity of cell biology.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course in Cell Biology aims to deepen into the knowledge of the cell by detailing the biological processes that regulate gene expression at different levels, both in physiological and pathological conditions.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Cell biology aims at investigating the interactions between the different cellular components, in particular those that play a role in the regulation of gene expression, both in terms of production and in the elimination of proteins. Starting from the nucleus, we will analyze other cell organelles and pathways responsible for regulating gene expression.
The study of cellular processes will be addressed both from a theoretical point of view, outlining the role of different mechanisms both in physiological conditions and in the pathology, and from a practical point of view, guiding the student to the study of cellular mechanisms through the description of approaches experimental with progressively increasing complexity (expression of proteins in vitro, production of induced stem cells, organoids).

At the end of lessons, the student will be able to describe:
1. The role of communication between cytoskeleton and nucleus in gene expression
2. The processes involved in the life of a protein from its birth to its elimination, in particular the role of microRNAs, of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy, thus managing to visualize the complexity of intracellular interactions
3. The cellular response to a malfunctioning protein and the consequence of the malfunctioning of these mechanisms, with particular attention to aggregation proteins and autophagy defects.
4. Intercellular communication methods, cell differentiation, role and use of stem cells
5. The type of experimental approach suitable for the study of the described processes, thanks to the illustration of various biotechnological methods used in the study of cell biology.

PREREQUISITES

To understand lessons well, it is required that the student has acquired the basic knowledge of Cytology and Genetics

TEACHING METHODS

48 hours of frontal lessons provided through using multimedia tools

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Outline of cellular organization in particular on the interactions between nucleus and cytoskeleton in the regulation of gene expression

Intercellular communication through cellular processes: citoneme and "tunneling nanotubes"

Core and mechanical sensitivity and role in the regulation of gene expression

Role of non-coding RNA in gene expression (microRNA and their regulation, long ncRNA, circ-RNA)
Regulation of post-translational expression and role of protein elimination mechanisms (UPS system, autophagy, selective types of autophagy)

Cell quality control systems (ER-stress signaling, ER-phagy)

Interaction between autophagy and apoptosis (when the cell chooses and what?)

Aggregation proteins and cellular response (examples of neurodegenerative diseases) 

Intercellular diffusion of aggregates and their role in neurogedenerative pathologies

Use of cellular and molecular tools for the study of the mechanisms analyzed (expression plasmids, reporter plasmids, planning of experimental approaches)

Systems of increasing complexity for the study of cell biology processes (monolayer cell cultures, 2D, 3D, organoids, 4D systems) with examples aimed at the study of aggregation proteins and microRNAs.

Stem cells, classifications and their use; production and use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCc)
​
EMT / MET in physiological processes and their role in iPSCs production

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All slideshows used during lessons will be available on AulaWeb at the end of the lessons round

Some parts of the course can be found in Alberts - Biologia molecolare della Cellula - Zanichelli

In addition, several articles and reviews will be provided to the students to allow a clear comprehension of all the topics 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

TIZIANA BACHETTI (President)

SARA FERRANDO (President)

CRISTIANO ANGELINI

SIMONA CANDIANI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Please check the following link: http://www.distav.unige.it/ccsbio/orario-lezioni-bms

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The evaluation consists in an oral test

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on the way to study and on the consolidation level required will be provided throughout the lessons.

The oral test will be on the topics addressed during lessons; the aim of the test will be to assess the right understanding of the topics and the ability of the student to apply such knowledge through the description of the planning and execution of a functional experiment.

Exam schedule