OVERVIEW

Molecular microbiology plays a central role in biotechnology and study the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic and physiological processes of microbes and their application in detection of pathogens, the study of pathogenicity of microbes, and the production of medicines such as vaccines, or antibodies.

The course integrates knowledge of  the organization and evolution of microbial genomes with the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenicity and virulence. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge in the field of molecular microbiology, necessary to tackle, with appropriate cultural tools, the study of modern microbiology and microbial biotechnology. Knowledge will be provided on the organization and evolution of microbial genomes and metagenomes integrated with those on the mechanisms underlying cell biology and physiology, pathogenicity and virulence. Up to date molecular techniques applied to the study of microorganisms will also be treated including the development of innovative strategies for the study of microbiology in the biomedical, agro-food and forensic sectors. Use of such techniques will be given for the prevention and control of microbial activities, pathogenic microorganisms and the diseases for which they are responsible.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participation in the planned training activities will allow the student to acquire in-depth knowledge of applied molecular microbiology. On completing the course students will have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

• Be able to describe the molecular processes underlying bacterial evolution and the role played by horizontal gene transfer
• Understand the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial defense against viral infections and stress conditions
• Understand the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial virulence and the antimicrobial strategies in use
• Understand the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria develop antibiotic resistance
• Be familiar with the most advanced molecular biology techniques applied to microbiology and their uses and limits
• Identify the main microorganisms associated with food production processes and food safety
• Describe the main areas of application of forensic microbiology and investigative epidemiology.
• Develop practical skills in data interpretation and communication, in communication.

TEACHING METHODS

The aims of the course will be achieved by a combination of lectures, exercises and group discussions. Attendance is strongly recommended. Lectures are provided through multimedia.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course covers the following topics:

• Plasticity of the bacterial genome: horizontal gene transfer in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and role in the evolution of pathogenic strains
• Antibiotic-resistance: molecular mechanisms responsible for the antimicrobial resistance phenotype, mechanisms of selection of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs), cycle and spread of antibiotic-resistance bacteria and related ARGs
• Molecular bases of bacterial pathogenicity and virulence and microbial biofilms
• Bacterial viruses and possible applications in biotechnology
• Quorum sensing: molecular aspects of quorum sensing in Gram-positive and –negative
• Bacterial immune defense systems against viral infections and DNA repair mechanisms
• Vaccines: conventional and new generation
• Analysis of cells and microbial communities by culture-dependent and culture-independent assays, applications and advantages of the different approaches.
• Techniques applied to the identification and genotyping of microorganisms
• Next Generation Sequencing.
• Case study of investigative epidemiology and forensic microbiology.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All slides used during the lectures and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each cycle of lessons or will be provided to the students directly by the teachers. The books listed below are suggested as supporting texts, but students can still use other university level texts.

-"Brock - Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale"  M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, K. S. Bender, D.H. Buckley, e D.A. Stahl  (2016) e "Brock - Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia biomedica” M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, D.A. Stahl  e D.P. Clark (2012). Pearson Education

-“Biologia dei microrganismi” G. Deho ed E. Galli  (2014) Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ELISA TAVIANI (President)

LUIGI VEZZULLI

LUIGI VEZZULLI (President)

ELISA TAVIANI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable go to the link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Please check the module Aulaweb page for timetable updates dependent on the sanitary and epidemic situation.

Class schedule

MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination includes a written exam composed of questions on topics covered during the course, and a seminar assignment exposing a topic chosen by the student. 3 sessions will be available in the winter session (January-February) and 3 in the summer session (June, July, September).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each topic will be provided during the lessons.

The exam will focus on the topics covered in class and will aim to assess not only if the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also if he has acquired the ability to recall theoretical notions by applying them to simple concrete contexts. The ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

La frequenza costante e regolare alle lezioni è fortemente raccomandata