66642 - Cellular Biotechnology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has basic knowledge of experimental embryology, including techniques for propagation and differentiation of embryonic and adult somatic stem cells. In particular, the student knows the genetic determinants and molecular control of proliferation and differentiation of the inner mass, body axis determination, structural specializations (limbs, head, etc..), the polarization of the embryo, mesodermal induction and notochord formation. Also knows and has the ability to critically evaluate the literature and protocols related to the isolation and maintenance of totipotency and / or differentiation of embryonic stem cells; reprogramming somatic cells; isolation and maintenance of hematopoietic, mesenchymal, epithelial, neural and stem cells derived from fetal annexes.

Course contents

1. Introduction to the course; model organisms and the main methods of study

2. Polarization of the oocyte  and cytoplasmic rotation at fertilization.

3. Embryonic stem cells: totipotency, pluripotency, multipotency, differentiation and terminal differentiation; cell cycle and asymmetric division; lineage determinants. Cellular reprogramming: nuclear transfer and genetic reprogramming. Induced pluripotent cells.

4. Morula and blastula: segmentation, compaction, determination.

5. Gastrulation in non-mammalian model organisms: maps of specification. Mammalian gastrulation. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

6. Polarization of the embryo, formation of the anterior-posterior, dorsal-ventral and medial-lateral axes. The developmental genes: maternal, segmentation and homeotic genes

7. Ectoderm and its development: formation of the notochord , neuroectoderm, embryo folds, neural tube. In vivo and in vitro neurogenesis; in vivo and in vitro development of the skin

8. Mesoderm and its development: para- axial , intermediate, lateral; somitogenesis and myogenesis. Antero-posterior and lateral folding. In vivo and in vitro vasculogenesis and cardiogenesis

9. Endoderm and its development: genetic determinants of the gut segmentation, stomach rotation; liver and pancreas formation and in vivo and in vitro genetic and epigenetic determinants

10. Limb and body appendices formation

11. From embryology to regenerative medicine: protocols for differentiation of embryonic stem cells; 3D culture systems; artificial scaffolds for cell differentiation.

Readings/Bibliography

Developmental Biology, Gilbert SF, Freeman, 2023; Websites and eBooks previously presented and explained in class.

Teaching material presented to class will be available through a username and password at Virtuale - University of Bologna.

The educational material presented in class does not replace but supplement the reference texts, and is a guide for the selection and understanding of the subject matter.

 

Teaching methods

lessons, supported by web instruments (movies, database of interest, etc).

Students are hereby informed that, due to recent University directives, it will not be possible to attend the course remotely (e.g., through recordings), except in specific cases that must be duly documented and approved by the University prior to the start of classes.

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of a written evaluation (optional) and a final oral examination.

Ongoing evaluation, performed on the points 1 to 7 of the program, will be proponed at the middle of the course as a written test with 10 multiple-choice and / or open questions, with a score from 0 to 3 for each question. The aim is to offer a self-evaluation instrument to the student. The student is free to accept or reject the outcome of the ongoing evaluation.

The final oral examination will focus on 8 to 16 points of the program for students who have supported and accepted the outcome of the ongoing evaluation; on all points of the program for students who did not support the ongoing evaluation or who do not have accepted the assessment.

The knowledge checks will give priority the conceptual aspects than purely notional and will aim to assess the fundamental knowledge of matter, their independent judgment, the ability to learn even with stand-alone tools, the ability to communicate scientific concepts.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Material: the material presented in class will be made available to the student in electronic format via the Internet. Such material should be printed and brought to class.

To get educational materials: https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Username and password are reserved for students enrolled at the University of Bologna.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Calzà