AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and active participation in the proposed training activity combined with individual study will enable the student to:

- learn the morphological/functional characteristics of the different extracellular vesicle subpopulations and the molecular mechanisms that control their biogenesis;

- analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the use of extracellular vesicles, and in particular of exosomes, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes;

- characterize the experimental strategies underlying the use of exosomes as molecules/drugs carriers;

- critically evaluate, analyzing the most recent scientific literature, the fields of application of engineered exosomes in order to actively transport bioactive drugs / molecules.

TEACHING METHODS

The module will include 16 hours of lecturing; each lecture will take place twice a week. 

Class will be managed as frontal lectures with Power Point notes. The main topics will be addressed during class by means of active discussion engaged by the Lecturer.

Students can take advantage of online material (lectures power point notes) available on the AulaWeb website; such material must not be shared to a third party, neither posted online or made available on any social/sharing platform.

 Lecturer can be reached via email/phone to arrange specific 1-to-1 meeting for further assistance/explanation as needed.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction on extracellular vesicles.

Definition of the vesicual subtypes: exomers, exosomes, microvesicles, apoptotic bodies.

Biological and functional characteristics of the different vesicular subtypes.

Extracellular vesicles as diagnostic tools: analysis of liquid biopsies.

Exosomes as a natural tools to deliver molecules.

Practical examples: engineering of exosomes for the treatment of metastatic malignancies.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecturer will provide power point slides at the end of the class as available to be downloaded from the AulaWeb website, as supporting material, which must not be either disclosed to third or shared on line or posted on social media. Scientific articles will be provided by the lecturer.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ELEONORA RUSSO (President)

BRUNO TASSO (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to the schedule made available from the organizing secretary.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Details about final exam will be explained during class. Assessment will be performed via a written exam about the main topics illustrated during class.

There will be 7 exams per year: 3 during the winter session (January and February) and 4 during the summer session (3 in June-July and one in September). Extraordinary dates will NOT be arranged.

Online registration with at least 48h advance is mandatory to have access to the exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the written exam the student's comprehension on the specific topics discussed in classwill be evaluated. Students will be assessed considering their knowledge and understanding.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For any further clarifications and/or explanation or any required information, students are strongly invited to contact the Lecturer - Prof. Tasso-  in advance by email (roberta.tasso@unige.it) or phone, to arrange specific appointments.