90920 - STEM CELLS AND 3D ORGANOID SYSTEMS

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

Alla fine del corso lo studente conosce: - i percorsi molecolari che controllano il grado di staminalità e il potenziale di differenziazione delle cellule staminali; - gli elementi chiave riguardanti le innovazioni e lo sviluppo dei sistemi di cultura 3D per la scoperta di farmaci e il loro uso per la modellizzazione della malattia; - i metodi per la preparazione in vitro di modelli cellulari utili per la definizione di colture sferoidali 3D.

Contenuti

Frontal lessons (2 UC)

Pluripotent stem cells. Embryonic stem cells: phenotypic characterization and therapeutic potential.

Somatic nuclear transfer for the generation of pluripotent cells. Reprogrammng strategies for generation of induced pluripotetn stem cells (iPSCs).

Adult stem cells: phenotypic characterization, multipotential ability and comparison with Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Extraembryonic Tissues as sources of Perinatal Stem Cells: phenotypic characterization and biologial features.

3D Scaffold application in cell culture and organoid models: tissue engineering approach for disease modelling and regenerative medicine approaches.

3D organoid development and growh: general overview of the background and current methods for the generation and characterization of organoids

Application of human derived organoids: cerebral, liver, skin and intestinal model of organoids.

 

Lab work experience (1 UC)

Introduction to the lab work of the stem cell course; macroscopic description of the placenta and extraembryonic tissues; laboratory experience: isolation of human mesenchymal cells derived from fetal membranes.

Laboratory experience: isolation of human epithelial cells derived from amniotic membrane and preparation of 3D cellular models for 3D culture system.

Laboratory experience: Morphological evaluation of the cell cultures obtained and discussion of research findings.

 

Testi/Bibliografia

Recommended Textbook: G.P. Bagnara, Stem Cells, Ed. Esculapio.

Recommended scientific papers given during the lessons.

Metodi didattici

Frontal lectures and Laboratory work experience in Cell Culture Lab.

 

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students (including all the international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Module 1, 2 online [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio], while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

The final test focuses on the achievement of learning objectives about:

- stem cell basics and classification

- stem cell applications, cell therapy and tissue engineering

- 3D organoid l research and techniques

Oral examination on two topics among a list of topics covered during the course. 

The online registration to the examination is mandatory.

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

PowerPoint presentations will be available online as downloadable content.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Francesco Alviano