LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide basic training for a suitable selection of histological samples, the choice of the most useful methodologies for the analysis of the different samples and the correct interpretation of the data obtained. The learning outcomes  also include the acquisition of skills for: i) the isolation and preparation of histological samples that can be analyzed by microscopy or flow cytometry ii) the acquisition, data analysis and evaluation of their biological significance.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation in learning outcomes  (class teaching) will allow the student to acquire the necessary knowledge to learn the methodological path aimed at the analysis of cells isolated from healthy and pathological histological samples, in particular tumor samples. Specifically, the course aims to achieve the following objectives:

1) to know the different possible methodological approaches for sample collection (solid and liquid sample)

2) to understand how to evaluate the suitability of the sample taking into account its histological characteristics 

3) to learn in detail the methodological approaches for  ex-vivo samples processing derived from solid or liquid tissues 

4) to know in detail the techniques of particular cell types isolation (example: lymphocytes infiltrating tumor tissues and /or tumor cells themselves) from ex vivo samples derived from solid or liquid tissues and be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the various isolation methods.

5) to know different methodologies useful for the phenotypic and functional study of cells derived from ex-vivo samples, derived from solid or liquid tissues and to be able to evaluate the merits and limits of the different applicable methodologies (microscopic and flow cytometric techniques) 

6) to learn about other in vitro tissue study models (e.g. 3D models). 

During the course lessons, students will be offered some assessment tests of the acquired knowledge to which students will respond individually and anonymously. The topics emerging from the test will be discussed together with the teacher.

PREREQUISITES

To effectively address the teaching contents basic knowledge of cytology and histology are required

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes 2 CFU (16 hours) of class teaching.

It is possible that the method of conducting the lessons is changed due to emergency situations that prevent the performance of the lessons in attendance. In this case the lessons will be carried out through the Teams platform. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Methods for the study of healthy and pathological tissues in basic and applied research:

- collection and processing of healthy tissue samples and samples derived from solid and haematological tumors (e.g. neuroblastoma, colon carcinoma, leukemia) 

- techniques for the isolation of tumor tissue cells 

- separation of specific cell populations from the leukocyte infiltrate 

- insights into techniques for studying the phenotype and functions of cells derived from tumor samples

 - microscopic and flow cytometric analyses for the observation of histological samples 

- collection, validation and interpretation of the data obtained

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The slides used during the lessons will be made available in PDF format together with other bibliographic material.