Ateneo - UPO

The course offers an in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological functions, such as nerve and synaptic transmission and cellular signaling, illustrating state-of-the-art techniques in the field of membrane biophysics andmolecular and cellular physiology. The lectures are complemented by laboratory activities.

G. Aicardi, V. Carabelli, E. Carbone, R. Maggi. Fisiologia: dalle molecole ai sistemi integrati (terza edizione). EdiSES, 2025. ISBN 9788836232308.
Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes. Bertil Hille, Sinauer Associates Inc. 2001
The recommended texts will be integrated with additional material indicated during the lectures

The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of biophysics and molecular and cellular physiology, with particular emphasis on the nervous system, offering an advanced comprehension of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying physiological processes and human diseases. Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms associated with transport processes, membrane bioelectrical phenomena, and cellular signaling. The course also promotes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating concepts from biophysics, molecular biology, cellular physiology, and technological applications. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to present the course topics using appropriate scientific language, establish connections among the different concepts, and apply the acquired knowledge in technological contexts

Students must have basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology.

Theoretical lectures and laboratory exercises. In case of the COVID-19 emergency, the lessons will be held at a distance using e-learning technologies, according to the schedule and modality indicated by the administration.

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.

See teaching overview sheet.

Bioelectric phenomena. Processes of transport across the plasma membrane. Biophysical structure and properties of ion channels. Steady state properties of the membrane. Conduction properties of cells. Membrane excitability. Ionic channels, membrane potential and cell cycle. Intracellular pH homeostasis. Ionic channels as drugs targets. Channelopathies. Techniques used to investigate bioelectric phenomena and applications in drug screening and development field. Intracellular calcium homeostasis. The calcium ion as a second messenger and presentation of the "calcium signaling toolkit" as a pharmacological target. Examples of techniques and probes to measure calcium dynamics and concentrations in different intracellular compartments. Homeostatic role of glial cells and the importance of calcium ion signaling. Glia-neuron interaction. Calcium ion-dependent cellular alterations applied in research and in the study of prion diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The laboratory activity will include performing and analyzing single-cell calcium imaging experiments and a virtual electrophysiology laboratory.

By the end of the course the students will have deepened their knowledge of the biophysics of bioelectrical phenomena and of cellular and molecular physiology as well as of the theoretical and practical aspects of the state-of-the-art methodologies experimental research in these areas. They will be able to apply the acquired skills for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
These expected learning outcomes, defined in line with the Dublin Descriptors, are:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in biophysics and molecular and cellular physiology, with a specific focus on the nervous system. Understanding the mechanisms underlying membrane transport, bioelectrical phenomena, andcellular signaling.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Apply theoretical knowledge to analyze and interpret complex physiological processes. Solving problems in biomedical and pharmacological fields.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS Critically evaluate experimental data and theoretical models in biophysics and physiology. Integrate knowledge from multiple domains to make informed and autonomous judgments in academic or applied contexts.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS Communicate scientific concepts clearly and coherently using appropriate terminology. Present and discuss course topics logically, demonstrating the ability to link different subject areas.
LEARNING SKILLS Develop autonomous learning strategies for continuous knowledge enhancement. Prepare for advanced study or research in neuroscience, pharmacology, or biomedical sciences