Learning outcomes

Main objectives of the teaching course:

After attending the teaching course the student will know:
1) basic knowledge on epigenetics and mechanisms of gene-nutrient interactions affecting epigenetics;
2) main mechanisms through which some nutrients may alter gene expression by modifying epigenetic phenomena;
3) relationships between genes and nutrients and epigenetic mechanisms in major diseases;
4) main strategies on how to approach disease prevention by way of modifying gene expression mechanisms through epigenetics using a correct nutritional approach.

Program

Nutrional epigenetics:
- Introduction and description of the main epigenetic mechanisms
- Folate and epigenetics
- Gene-nutrient interacitons and epigenetics
- Bioactive food compounds and epigenetics
- Methodologies to study epigenetic features of DNA and their link with nutrition with a particular focus on methods to determine global DNA methylation and genome-wide as well as gene-specific methylation.

Examination Methods

IDONEITY based on participation to the course