Ateneo - UPO

The course provides students with knowledge of the basic mechanisms of nervous system diseases. The clinical, genetic/epigenetic, cellular, and molecular aspects of the major neurological and neurodegenerative disorders will be described

No textbooks are required. All the teaching material used for the frontal lessons (ppt lectures, articles and reviews) will be made available to students in the DIR platform.

The course aims to teach students to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying nervous system diseases. By the end of the course, they will be able to distinguish the various cellular, molecular, and genetic processes that characterize different neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. They will understand the importance of basic research, including the use of experimental models, in identifying pathogenic mechanisms and developing new therapies to treat these disorders.

A basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology and genetics is required

Class lectures with PowerPoint projections. Reading, discussion and presentation of scientific articles in class.

Learning control will be carried out through collegial discussion of the topics covered.
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Oral exam. The oral exam includes the discussion of scientific articles and few questions on the main topics of the program. To pass the exam the student is required to know and understand the fundamental concepts of the subject and be able to explain them in an understandable and scientifically correct way.

Alzheimer’s Disease: clinical features, beta-amyloid peptide and amyloid plaques, tau protein and neurofibrillary tangles, pathogenic mechanisms, genetic mutations, and genetic risk factors. Experimental models, current therapies, and new therapeutic approaches.
Parkinson’s Disease: clinical features, degeneration of dopaminergic cells, α-synuclein and Lewy bodies, genetic and environmental factors. Experimental models, current therapies, and new therapeutic approaches.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): clinical features, motor neuron degeneration, genetic mutations (SOD1, TDP-43, FUS, C9orf72), and risk factors. Pathogenic mechanisms. Experimental models, current therapies, and new therapeutic approaches.
Trinucleotide Repeat Disorders. Huntington’s Disease: clinical features, degeneration of striatal neurons, mutation in the HTT gene, pathogenic mechanisms, anticipation, and somatic instability. Experimental models, current therapies, and new therapeutic approaches.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: clinical features and diagnosis, genetic mutations, genetic and environmental risk factors, treatments, and therapeutic interventions.

Acquire an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms and genetic alterations associated with nervous system diseases. Understand the importance of basic research in advancing knowledge in this field and in directing the development of new, more effective therapies for the treatment of these disorders.
Communication skills: ability to present the topics of the course, in a clear and understandable way with the use of correct scientific terminology.
Learning skills: deepen one's knowledge of the discipline through the reading of scientific publications, in order to follow the advancement in this field with a critical attitude.