72722 - Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine

Learning outcomes

The student understands the fundamental properties and methods for isolating and expanding stem cells from various origins. They can comprehend the impact of their use in regenerative medicine for different organs and tissues. The student is familiar with the main types of biomaterials, their applications, and therapeutic strategies for tissue regeneration.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Students entering this course should already understand the fundamental principles of cytology, the function and organization of subcellular structures, and the primary mechanisms underlying cell life.

Good English comprehension skills, both conversational and scientific, are required for reading the slides and scientific articles.

COURSE PROGRAM

Module 1

• Stem Cells: Introduction and Definitions
• Embryonic Stem Cells: Asymmetric Division, Cell Cycle, Totipotency and Pluripotency Genes
• Somatic/Adult Stem Cells: Tissue Niches
• Stem Cells from Placental and Extraembryonic Tissues (Properties, Isolation, and Expansion)
• Somatic Stem Cells: Mesenchymal and Hematopoietic (Properties, Isolation, and Expansion)
• Somatic Stem Cells: Skin and Mucosa (Properties, Isolation, and Expansion)
• Somatic Stem Cells: Parenchymal (Liver, Pancreas) (Properties, Isolation, and Expansion)
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immunomodulation
• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: Introduction and Definitions
• Regenerative Medicine for the Heart

Module 2

• Cell Reprogramming: iPSCs
• Neural Stem Cells: Fetal and Adult; Niches in Various Brain Areas; Regulation by Environmental Factors, Drugs, and Diseases; Isolation, Expansion, and Differentiation
• In Vitro Development of Cells and Tissues
• Extracellular Matrix
• Regenerative Medicine for Myocardium
• Regenerative Medicine for Traumatic and Vascular Injuries in the Nervous System
• Regenerative Medicine for Degenerative Nervous System Diseases
• Regenerative Medicine for the Eye (Cornea and Retina)

Readings/Bibliography

Bagnara GP, Cellule Staminali, Società Editrice Esculapio

Scientific literature articles provided during lessons.

Teaching methods

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.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

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.

Teaching tools

The course consists of lectures during which the listed topics are presented and discussed. The teaching material presented during lectures will be made available to students electronically through the designated virtual application.

Assessment methods

The learning verification consists of an oral exam. Assessments will focus on conceptual aspects rather than rote knowledge, and aim to evaluate fundamental knowledge, critical thinking, the ability to learn independently, and the ability to communicate scientific concepts.

The exam is divided into two parts:

1. A 10-minute presentation supported by slides on a scientific article chosen by the student.

2. Assessment of preparation with specific, reasoning-oriented questions on the course material.

Evaluation criteria will include the choice of the article to present (relevance to the topics covered, critical selection of the study), the presentation (timeliness, clarity of explanation and slide organization, scientific language proficiency, ability to critically comment on the study), mastery of course topics, and ability to apply them in scientific reasoning.

The exam is considered passed when the student scores a minimum of 18/30, the threshold for minimal learning objectives.

In evaluating the exam and assigning the final grade, the instructor refers to the following "learning assessment scale," which outlines descriptors for each grade level to make the meaning of each assigned grade clear and shared.

• Mark: <18 (Fail) – Lacks knowledge on key topics, poor choice of study for presentation, superficial and incorrect presentation of the study’s essential aspects, lack of scientific language proficiency.
• Mark: 18 - 20 – General content knowledge with limited depth, difficulty applying theoretical concepts, superficial or partially incorrect presentation of the study, weak scientific language skills.
• Mark: 21 - 23 – Basic content knowledge, limited ability to apply theoretical concepts, simple but not fully appropriate presentation for a scientific context, limited depth.
• Mark: 24 - 25 – Appropriate content knowledge, coherent study choice, some weaknesses in preparation or presentation, limited application of theoretical concepts.
• Mark: 26 - 27 – Complete content knowledge, coherent study choice, good application of theoretical concepts, proficient technical-scientific language.
• Mark: 28 - 29 – Comprehensive and in-depth content knowledge, coherent and critical study choice, good application of theoretical concepts, proficient technical-scientific language.
• Mark: 30 - 30 cum laude – Complete and thorough content knowledge, coherent and critical study choice, excellent application of theoretical concepts, excellent presentation and technical-scientific language proficiency.

The results are communicated immediately, allowing for self-assessment by the student.

Successful exam results are recorded electronically in the AlmaEsami system.

Students can register for the oral exam only through the online AlmaEsami system, with exam dates scheduled within designated windows.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders who need assistance during the oral exam should email the instructor to request specific accommodations.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations in PDF format, scientific publications in specialized journals, websites, videos.

If students struggle to understand the material, the instructor is available for meetings after class or by appointment via email. Additional resources will be provided if necessary.

Office hours

See the website of Luciana Giardino

See the website of Vito Antonio Baldassarro