Teaching code

4S010643

Academic staff

Vincenzo Corbo, Elena Zenaro

Coordinator

Vincenzo Corbo

Credits

6

Language

English

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

MED/46 - BIOTECHNOLOGY AND METHODS IN LABORATORY MEDICINE

Period

Semester 2 dal Mar 3, 2025 al Jun 13, 2025.

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The course is designed to provide a broad survey of experimental systems (in silico, in vitro, and in vivo) for the modeling of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases with the regard to disease progression, changes in the microenvironment, and preclinical evaluation of drug efficacy. The different experimental models will be defined based on different parameters: (i) biological complexity; (ii) field of application; (iii) quantitative and qualitative features; (iv) advantages and disadvantages; (v) integration and cross-validation with other experimental models. Through teamwork activities, the students will discuss specific examples from current scientific literature on the use of given experimental models to address relevant biological questions. Attention will specifically be paid to the evaluation of model' suitability, results' reproducibility and clinical translation of the results. This course will provide the students with the means (methodological and technological) to design and execute pre-clinical studies. A relevant part of the program will focus on choice and use of appropriate experimental systems for addressing specific research questions. Specific objectives of the course include: -identification of laws and ethical regulatory frameworks for handling of laboratory animals; - description of protocols for the generation of genetically engineered mouse models; - genotype and phenotype analysis of laboratory animals; - identification of environmental factors and common infections that might affect interpretation of the results; - protocols for the derivation of cell cultures and their use in pharmacological screens; - protocols for genetic perturbation analysis of cell cultures; - description of protocols for cocultivation of different cell types; - principles of cross-species analysis.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Knowledge of basic concepts of molecular and cellular biology as well as of genetics is required.

Program

The course program is divided into 4 different units as shown below.
UNIT 1- CELL CULTURE Design and equipment for a cell culture laboratory Basic principles of cell culture (types of cell cultures, culture systems, advanced techniques [organoids, tissue slices, organ-on-a chip], quality controls) Cell Culture in the Oncology field Cell Culture in neurodegenerative diseases Advantages and Disadvantages of Cell Culture
UNIT 2- ETHICAL AND LEGISLATIVE ASPECTS RELATED TO THE USE OF MATERIALS AND MODELS IN RESEARCH Principles of the 3Rs Experimental protocols for preclinical studies
UNIT 3- MURINE MODELS Design and equipment for an Animal Facility; Mouse Models of Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases (Origins and History of Mouse Models, transgenic mice, inbred/outbred, conditional knockin/out, genetically modified models, models based on the use of carcinogens or drugs, behavioral models, chimeric models and transplantation) Phenotypic Analysis (Pathological anatomy, imaging, immunophenotype, behavioral tests, single cell sequencing, spatial analysis) Advantages and Disadvantages of mouse models
UNIT 4-CASE STUDIES

Didactic methods

The teaching methods include lectures, discussion of scientific articles through journal clubs by students, and discussion of "case studies". The teaching material will be provided to students on the moodle platform.

Learning assessment procedures

There are two learning tests for each module: one halfway through the course and one at the end of the course. In both cases, it will be a written exam consisting mainly of closed-ended questions and some open-ended questions that cover the entire course. The written exam lasts one hour. Only in conjunction with the last exam, the student will be given the opportunity to complete with an oral interview (optional). The exams of the other sessions will include a single written exam (duration 1 hour and forty-five minutes) with the possibility of completing with an oral interview.

Evaluation criteria

The basic knowledge of the discipline is assessed.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths; the results are communicated through the University registration system.

Exam language

english