Ateneo - UPO

-Human complexity and genomics: the role of gene expression control, hints of comparative genomics.
- Molecular basis of epigenetics: structure and chromatin regulation.
- Transcriptional regulation.
- RNA maturation and post-transcriptional control. - Non-coding RNAs.
- Cancer, oncogenes and tumor suppressors.

- Watson et al. "Biologia Molecolare del gene" VII (ed. Zanichelli)
- Alberts et al. “Biologia Molecolare della Cellula” VII (ed. Zanichelli)
- Allison et al. "Fondamenti di biologia molecolare" (ed. Zanichelli)
- Lewin “Il gene X”, (ed. Zanichelli)
- Amaldi et al. “Biologia Molecolare”, terza edizione (ed. Ambrosiana)

Provide basic knowledge of molecular biology with a focus for eukaryotic organisms and with particular reference to human bio-medical applications, their research perspectives and the understanding of the major cellular processes in a living cell.

General knowledge of cellular biology.

PowerPoint presentations accompanying each lecture. Discussion of scientific articles.

Le studentesse e gli studenti con disabilità, DSA, BES, una volta preso contatto con lo Staff di Ateneo, possono contattare la/il docente titolare dell'insegnamento in relazione alla declinazione delle modalità di esame, in merito agli aspetti didattici.

The examination consists of a written test comprising 30 multiple-choice questions and one open-ended question. Each multiple-choice question is worth 1 point if answered correctly and 0 points if answered incorrectly. The open-ended question is worth up to 3 additional points. The minimum passing score is 18 points. A total score exceeding 30 corresponds to the final grade of 30 cum laude. Achieving the minimum passing grade of 18 requires a basic understanding of the course topics, whereas achieving an excellent grade requires a thorough knowledge of the subject, including familiarity with concepts and advanced topics discussed in the recommended textbooks.

Introduction to molecular biology.
- The genomic basis of complexity: the role of gene expression control, comparative genomics.
- The human genome project: description and main results.
- Molecular basis of epigenetics: structure and regulation of chromatin. Structure of nucleosomes and organization of chromatin.
- Histones and their modifications (acetylation, methylation, de-methylation, phosphorylation).
- Mechanisms of histone remodeling and chromatin modifications and their role in the regulation of gene expression. Bromodomain and chromodomain. Role and examples of histone modifying enzymes: histone acetyl transferase (HAT), histone deacetylase, histone demethylases. Histone remodeling complexes.
- Examples of epigenetic therapy and epigenetic diseases.
- DNA methylation: biological significance, role of DNA methyl-transferase, mechanisms by which DNA methylation regulates gene expression.
Transcriptional regulation.
- Transcription and regulation in eukaryotes: RNA polymerase II, promoter structure, Pol II basal factors and initiation complex assembly.
- Recognition mechanisms of transcription initiation sites: TATA box and formation of transcription initiation complexes.
- Role of transcription regulatory sequences and factors that regulate transcription (transcription factors and their modular and dimeric organization).
- Role of interactions between transcription factors and chromatin remodeling and histone modification complexes in transcription regulation. Examples.
- Mechanisms of transcription repression.
- Different strategies for regulating the function of transcription activators. Examples (NF-kB)
- The structural classes of transcription factors: helix-loop-helix (homeogenic), helix-turn-helix (Myc / MAx / Mad), Leucine zipper (Jun-Fos, CREB, NFAT), zinc fingers (receptors for glucocorticoids, estrogens, retinoic acid). For each class: structural elements and mechanisms of interaction with DNA, regulation of function, hints on function and regulated genes.
RNA maturation and post-transcriptional control
- Meaning of capping and polyadenylation of transcripts. Notes on capping, polyadenylation and mRNA termination mechanisms.
- The discontinuous nature of genes and the significance of splicing.
- The spliceosome and the molecular mechanisms of splicing. Alternative splicing.
- Regulation of splice site recognition: ESE / ISE and ESS / ISS sequences. SR proteins (containing RRS domains) and hRNPs proteins in the regulation of splicing.
- Examples of pathologies caused by mutations deregulating splicing.
- Mechanisms of mRNA editing.
- Notes on the regulation of transport and localization of mRNAs.
Non-coding RNAs and Micro-RNA.
- miRNA gene structure, transcription and maturation, role of Dicer and RISC proteins, different mechanisms of gene expression regulation (transcription, mRNA stability and translation).
- Impact of the discovery of microRNAs in the study of gene function, in tumors and clinical perspectives.
- short-interfering RNAs; use in basic research and in the clinic.
- role of microRNAs in tumor-oncogenes and tumor suppressors (Myc and p53 as examples).

The student must have a basic knowledge of molecular biology for human cells, in particular with respect to medical interest. Must be able to independently read and understand research articles in the field of molecular biology, with references to biomedical applications, in particular relating to cancer. Finally, the student must be able to pass a written molecular biology exam composed by multiple choice and open questions.