OVERVIEW

The purpose of the course is to give an overview of cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate functions in the nervous system.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the course is to give an overview of molecular mechanisms that regulate functions in the nervous system with special emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate neurotransmission. In particular students receive a detailed information on the generation and propagation of the electrical signal in single neurons up to the complexity of the firing of neurons in network. Mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, fundamental for higher function such as learning and memory, will be analyzed in details. Moreover thank to the laboratory-activity, the students will learn basic skills in vitro electrophysiology (extra- and intracellular recordings, patch-clamp) and functional imaging techniques. Different recording modes and their advantages and disadvantages will be dealt with. By the end of the course the students should be able to understand the possibilities and the limitations of the different in vitro experimental approaches in neuroscience research and to design experiments in which the techniques are applied in a relevant manner to deal with up to date neurophysiology questions.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the course is to give an overview of molecular mechanisms that regulate functions in the nervous system with special emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate neurotransmission. In particular, students receive detailed information on the generation and propagation of the electrical signal in single neurons up to the complexity of the firing of neurons in the network. Mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, fundamental for higher function such as learning and memory, will be analyzed in details. Finally, They will learn how to generate 2D and 3D human model of brain starting from patients’ Induced pluripotent stem cell.  Moreover, thank to the laboratory activity, the students will learn basic skills in vitro electrophysiology (extra- and intracellular recordings, patch-clamp) and functional imaging techniques. Different recording modes and their advantages and disadvantages will be dealt with.

By the end of the course, the students should be able to understand the possibilities and the limitations of the different in vitro experimental approaches and the various human brain models in neuroscience research, and to design experiments in which the techniques are applied in a relevant manner to deal with up to date neurophysiology questions.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of the basic principles of physics, chemistry and biochemistry. Knowledge of cellular biology and human physiology.

Passing the exams of Human Physiology.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lessons of neurophysiology and Neurobilogy: 32 hrs.

Laboratory Activities: 16hrs.

Lab activities consist in: optical anad confocal fluorescence microscopy, Electrophysiology, Cell Biology, Immuncitochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry.

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

The neuron: - methods of studying, origin and function of neuronal multiplicity - subcellular organization of the neuron - origin, maintenance and functional aspects of neuronal polarity - neuronal cytoskeleton, molecular motors, axonal transport - dendritic spines, Transport and targeting of mRNA dendritic and local protein synthesis - trafficking of dendritic and axonal proteins. Cellular communication in the nervous system: - neuron as secreting cell and organization of presynaptic terminal - postsynaptic density, comparison neuromuscular junction/ central synapses - general classification of receptors for neurotramectors, Structure and function of GABA and glutamate receptors - molecular composition and dynamic regulation of gabaergic and glutammetric synapses - adhesion molecules, neurotrofins, growth factors in the genesis, maintenance and plasticity of synapses Non-synaptic communication. Glial cells - classification, morphology and classical roles - the gliotrasmission - myelinization: regulation and pathological aspects. Plasticity and response to injury: - adult neurogenesis as a form of nervous system plasticity - central and peripheral nervous system injury and repair. Short reports by students on recent scientific articles.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Neuroscience - Purves (2008 4th edition, 2012 5th edition). Trad. italiana a cura di Zanichelli (2009).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

April.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam. The oral exam, lasting about twenty minutes, involves several questions of neurophysiology and neurobiology asked by one teacher of the commission.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

By presenting classical theories and critical analysis of recent data, students will gain specific knowledge on the specializations of the cellular architecture of neurons and glia, their dynamic modifications and the respective molecular and functional correlations. They will also gain basic knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms of communication, plasticity, degeneration and repair of nerve cells, laying the foundations for further multidisciplinary insights.