Ateneo - UPO

Review of general topics of Molecular Biology relevant to the understanding of the course. Chromatin Remodeling: Histone Modifications, DNA methylation Structural classes of transcription factors (Myc, Fos) Epigenetic definition: epigenetic diseases and epigenetic therapies. Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. P53 function in normal and tumoral cells. MDM2 as an oncogene. pRb function. Heterogeneity of tumors, stochastic and hierarchical theories, properties of cancer stem cells, their isolation, asymmetric and symmetric divisions. Signaling Pathways activated in cancer stem cells, therapeutic implications of cancer stem cells. Reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotency by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) into oocytes. Fusion between somatic and pluripotent cells and ectopic expression of defined transcription factors. Sheep cloned by nuclear transfer (Dolly sheep). Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells); Yamanaka papers; reprogramming by transcription factors; causes of low reprogramming efficiency. Parallelisms between epigenetic reprogramming and cancer. Therapeutic use of iPS Cells and embryonic stem cells.

Allison Fundamental Molecular Biology AlbertsJohnson, Lewis, Morgan, Raff, Roberts, Walter Molecular Biology of the Cell Lodish, Berk, Matsudaira, Kaiser, Krieger, Scott, Zipursky, Darnell Molecular Cell Biology

Provide basic knowledge of stem cell biology, reprogramming and pluripotency with particular reference to bio-medical applications, their research perspectives and the understanding of the major cellular processes. A basic understanding of cell biology and molecular biology.

Fundamentals of cell biology and molecular biology.

Lessons in the classroom supported by the projection of films aimed at helping the learning process. Development of classroom problems involving the use of concepts and tools illustrated during lectures. Practise. To help students in their study and preparation for the final exam, deliveries will be assigned during the course which will contribute to a minimal part of the final grade.

Test of ongoing learning, through interactive tests in the classroom using the wooclap platform. 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.

Written exam and evaluation of assignments (preparation of scientific posters and presentations) concerning scientific articles assigned to students during the course.

Review of general topics of Molecular Biology relevant to the understanding of the course. Chromatin Remodeling: Histone Modifications, DNA methylation Structural classes of transcription factors (Myc, Fos) Epigenetic definition: epigenetic diseases and epigenetic therapies. Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. P53 function in normal and tumoral cells. MDM2 as an oncogene. pRb function. Heterogeneity of tumors, stochastic and hierarchical theories, properties of cancer stem cells, their isolation, asymmetric and symmetric divisions. Signaling Pathways activated in cancer stem cells, therapeutic implications of cancer stem cells. Reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotency by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) into oocytes. Fusion between somatic and pluripotent cells and ectopic expression of defined transcription factors. Sheep cloned by nuclear transfer (Dolly sheep). Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells); Yamanaka papers; reprogramming by transcription factors; causes of low reprogramming efficiency. Parallelisms between epigenetic reprogramming and cancer. Therapeutic use of iPS Cells and embryonic stem cells.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have developed an understanding of the molecular biology principles that form the basis of regenerative medicine. They will be able to apply this knowledge to the interpretation of biological processes and experimental data relevant to tissue repair and regeneration. Students will also develop the ability to critically analyze molecular mechanisms, evaluate current regenerative approaches, and make informed scientific judgments regarding their potential applications and limitations.