Ateneo - UPO

The course provides knowledge on current molecular methodologies in
basic and biomedical research.

Course slides provided by the teacher.

The course aims to teach the student the main methodologies based on
biomecular therapies applied in basic research and biomedicine.

Basic knowledge of biology and its molecular mechanisms.

Frontal lessons with PowerPoint presentations on screen. Analysis and
discussion in the classroom on scientific papers.

Learning controll: critical-experimental approach through the analysis of
scientific papers.

The exam consists of an oral test.
Each student will have about 30 minutes to take the exam and answer the various topics of the course.

Overview of the study of molecular pathways implicated in
tumorigenesis. From the in vitro and in vivo study to the current therapy.
Immunotherapy: a new frontier of experimental oncology.
Gene therapy, uses and experimental approaches. Gene therapy for
hereditary diseases. Gene therapy and cancer (as an enhancement of the
immune response). Basic principles of gene cloning and DNA analysis.
Study of expression vectors and importance of cloning vectors: viruses as
cloning vectors for mammalian cells.
Engineering of human cells from stem cells. Stem cells: origin and
differentiation. Applications in biomedical research and regenerative
medicine. Stem cells and gene therapy.
Advanced techniques for the study of gene function: RNA-seq as a
method for the analysis of the transcriptome; Chip-seq for the genomic
study of protein-DNA interaction; study of RNA interference techniques
(gene knockdown in clinical therapy).
Genome editing techniques based on the Crispr / CAS9 system and
related applications in basic research and biomedical diagnosis.
Pharming, a new approach for the production of recombinant proteins
from animal and plant systems. Importance and application uses.
In-depth knowledge of some more advanced molecular methodologies:
Deep Sequencing technique (Next Generation Sequencing). Sequencing
techniques of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genome. Hierarchical
sequencing (clone by clone) and whole genome shotgun sequencing
(WGS, Whole Genome Shotgun). 16S ribosome analysis for the study and
identification of new microorganisms, implicated in the development of
tumorigenesis.
Study on the importance of human microbiota and microbiome.
Interaction between microorganisms and human body. Diet and
microbiota. Microbiota and its relationships with cellular systems. Impact
on human health. Mechanism of action on cancer and new therapeutic
target. Brief notes on metagenomic and metabolic approaches in cancer
research.

At the end of the course, the student must be able to have a solid
theoretical and applicative basis for understanding and developing the
main molecular methods used in the research.
The student must be able to formulate hypotheses autonomously on
cutting-edge therapies in the field of tumorigenesis and to be able to
critically argue each of its aspects, applying the acquired knowledge.