OVERVIEW

The course aims to teach essential notions on general and clinical molecular oncology, immunology, and endocrinology. This aim is achieved studying the physio pathology of neoplasia, immune system and endocrine organs. These topics are considered at the cellular level on the genes involved in the development of neoplasia, factors involved in the regulation of the immune response, the features of hormones and their actions on target cells. A peculiar attention is given to the molecular mechanisms and clinical manifestations. The course will provide essential notions on the analytical methodologies to measure the plasma levels of hormones (hormonal dosage) and on the diagnosis of the endocrine pathologies, besides updates on their procedures of studying and the drugs employed in the treatment of neoplasia and alterations of the immune system.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aims of the course are the knowledge of molecular mechanisms of the generation of neoplasia, the tumor microenvironment, the anti-tumor immune response, the cellular plasticity and complexity together with the factors involved in the immune response, the molecular basis of the use of anti-tumor and immunomodulating drugs, the physiopathology of endocrine organs and their role in the regulation of vital functions.

PREREQUISITES

For an appropriate understanding of the course, students should have already acquired elements of human anatomy and physiology.

TEACHING METHODS

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, should contact the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liaise and arrange the specific teaching methods so that the learning aims and outcomes may be met.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Molecular mechanisms of cell death

Overview of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines

Molecular pathology of blood cells and of the immune system:

- Qualitative and quantitative molecular defects of innate immunity.

- Autoinflammatory disorders

- Cytotoxicity defects.

- Molecular defects of erythrocytes: hemolytic anemia, defects of erythrocyte cell membrane, enzymatic defects, hemoglobin defects

- Primary Immunodeficiencies of adaptive system Severe Combined Immunodeficiencies: SCIDs

- Mechanisms of tolerance. Autoimmune diseases.

- Type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus

- Solid organ transplantation

- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)

Laboratory experiences:

- Flow cytometry assays for the diagnosis of innate immunity defects - Analysis of flow cytometry data

- Laboratory tests for cytotoxicity defects

- Mass spectrometry

- Analysis of proteomic data

- Methods for identification and characterization of Treg cells

- Management of a Stem Cell Unit Bank activity

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will consist of oral tests, one for each subject. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Student knowledge will be evaluated by specific questions on the subjects taught during the classroom lessons. During the test, the ability to correlate subjects, to summarize concepts as well as to critically interpret the acquired fundamentals will be evaluated as well.