90936 - Molecular Basis of Haematological Disorders

Learning outcomes

Describe the biological properties of the hematopoietic stem cells and relevant biotechnological applications. Describe the phenotype and genotype of hematological malignancies. Discuss the principles of targeted therapy and cell therapy with particular reference to the transplantation of stem cells and regenerative medicine. Define the molecular targets and cellular structures suitable for the development of new forms of targeted therapy. Critically evaluate new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in hematology.​

Course contents

Hematopoiesis.

Normal and leukemic stem cells and their niche.

Clonal hematopoiesis and pre-leukemic states.

Mechanisms of leukemogenesis.

Molecular bases of acute leukemias.

Molecular bases of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasias.

Molecular bases of lymphoid malignancies.

Principles of targeted therapy.

Mechanisms of resistance to target therapy.

Readings/Bibliography

"Hematology-Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment" S. Tura, M. Cavo, PL. Zinzani-Società Editrice Esculapio Bologna.

In addition, specific recent bibliography and web resources will be indicated.

Teaching methods

Power Point slide presentations

Assessment methods

Oral exam at the end of the course, upon registration.

The oral exam will consist of two questions.

The final exam aims to evaluate the achievement of the educational objectives:

- To know the biomolecular bases of normal and leukemic hemopoiesis

- To understand the design of an experimental research plan and to critically evaluate experimental results.

The final grade of the Integrated Course is based on the average of the scores reported on topics related to the main objectives of the Course.

Teaching tools

Slides and scientific literature will be made available to students.

Office hours

See the website of Simona Soverini