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 and molecular 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 acquire and deepen the knowledge of biophysics and molecular and cellular physiology with particular reference to the nervous system. Students will acquire the understanding of the mechanisms associated with transport processes, membrane bioelectric phenomena and cell signaling. They will be able to describe and illustrate, with appropriate scientific language, the contents of the course in a logical and complete manner, being able to make connections between the various topics and to apply the acquired knowledge in the fields of pharmacology and pharmaceutic technology.

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.
The calcium ion as the second messenger. Intracellular calcium homeostasis. Calcium signaling toolkit as a pharmacological target.
Techniques and probes for measuring the dynamics and concentrations of calcium in the various intracellular compartments. Use of calcium sensors in drug development and screening technologies.
The cells of the nervous system. Homeostatic role of glial cells. Glia-neuron interaction and its alterations in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Applications for the development of diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic strategies
Laboratory activity will include the implementation and analysis of calcium imaging experiments on single cell and a virtual laboratory of electrophysiology.

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, and cellular 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.