Ateneo - UPO

Review of general topics of Molecular Biology, Chromatin Remodeling, Epigenetic definition, Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, Heterogeneity of tumors, stochastic and hierarchical theories, properties of cancer stem cells, their isolation, asymmetric and symmetric divisions. Reprogramming of somatic cells; Parallelisms between epigenetic reprogramming and cancer. Therapeutic use of iPS Cells and embryonic stem cells. the principle of Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem cells, Gene transfer by viral and non viral vectors

Alberts, Molecular Biology of the Cell.
Mauro Giacca, Terapia genica, Springer.
Animated gene therapy course, Utah University, USA
Scientific Journals:
Human Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy
Cancer Gene Therapy
Journal of Gene Medicine
Molecular Therapy
Nature
Science
Databases:
NCBI - MEDLINE, GenBank, Genomi, ecc.
Genetic Modification Clinical Research Information System (GeMCRIS)
Clinicaltrials USA
Wiley clinical trial database

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to understand and discuss published articles on stem cell reprogramming and pluripotency, with particular reference to biomedical applications and an understanding of key cellular processes, cell and gene therapy, and the fundamental vectorology used in gene therapy in preclinical and clinical studies.

A basic understanding 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. Gender Integration: Interactive lesson and classroom discussion on the topic "Women in Science": what their contribution has been and how their entry into the world of science has impacted their integration into society.
Stem cells, cellular reprogramming and use of these cells in cell therapy protocols in preclinical and potential applications in the clinic. Isolation, in vitro expansion and preparation of cells for experimental cell therapy. Vectors used for gene transfer: viral vectors and non-viral. Origin, construction and modification. Modulation of Expression cassettes: Constitutive and regulated expression. transcriptional or post-transcriptional expression regulation Immune response to vectors and transgenes used in gene transfer. Concepts of ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy. Clinical trials using cell and gene therapy strategies of target diseases.

Provide basic knowledge of stem cell biology, reprogramming and pluripotency with particular reference to bio-medical applications and an understanding of key cellular processes, cell and gene therapy, and the fundamental vectorology used in gene therapy in preclinical studies and clinical trials.