Ateneo - UPO

The aim of the course is to provide the student with the instruments to understand the molecular basis of the human genetic diseases with a direct interaction with food and nutrition and to prepare the students for the interpretation of genetic tests

Human Molecular Genetics
STRACHAN TOM; READ ANDREW, 5th Edition, Garland
Selected articles on international Journals on the topics of the course

The specific aims of the course, focused on the Nutritional genomics, a branch of precision medicine , are the following
-To study human genetic diseases with a direct interaction with food and nutrition
-To study the prediction of genetic variants and genetic tests in diet and response to nutrients

A basic knowledge of cell biology and flow of genetic information is expected.

Frontal lessons and exercises in moodle platform (DIR) followed by comments with the teacher in the classroom

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 Studentesse e 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 exams:
A power point presentation of one article selected by each Student among a list provided by the teacher during the course.
The presentation will be followed by questions or clarifications on the presentation and by further questions on topics related or not related to the selected article

-Genetics of monogenic diseases. Examples of monogenic disesases and traits with food interaction: Familial Hypercolesterolemia phenylketonuria, galactosemia,, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
-Common monogenic traits with food interaction: lactose intollerance, bitter taste.
-Genetic tests for monogenic diseases .
-Examples of therapy driven by genetic knowledge in monogenic diseases
-Genetics of multifactorial diseases
-Methods to identify genes associated with multifactorial diseases
-Examples of multifactorial diseases with food interaction: Celiac disease, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, food allergy
-Interaction with environment and food: methods and examples, genetic and epigenetic signature

-The influence of genetic traits in diet, predictive genetic tests and diet

Students are expected to learn the basics about the structure and organization of the human genetic material and the laws that regulates its transmission in the families with a particular attention to the genetic conditions influenced by food , nutrition, and diet. Moreover, students are expected to be able to apply the knowledge on the different genetic topics to interpret and to critically discuss the results of experiments and trials related to genetic tests on food, nutrition, and diet from the literature. Finally, students are expected to learn skills to communicate the genetic topics taking into account the possible future professional role as nutritionists