Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to introduce the fundamentals of the analytical techniques used in the field of omics (liquid and gas chromatography, two-dimensional chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry). The performance indices of an analytical method will be introduced in accordance with the ISO17025 standard. The differences between targeted and untargeted approaches, as well as the strategies to choose the best analytical approach to a practical problem, will be illustrated. The concepts of system biology, foodomics and omics sciences (metabolomics, proteomics, lipidomics) will be introduced at the service of biomedical and food fields, as well as the concept of identifying biomarkers and their validation. Data processing techniques will be also presented. The most recent applications to different sectors (clinical field, cultural heritage, food science) will be shown. The course includes some laboratory experiences: metabolite and lipid extraction, solid phase extraction (SPE), desalting, cut-off filters, exosome extraction, food proteomics, preparation of biological / food matrix samples; LC-MS sample injection, database processing and use, GCxGCMS sample analysis and processing. Finally, students will be supervised through a bibliographic search and the resolution of a case study suggested by the teacher.

Slides and material from the teacher

The course aims to provide the student with understanding of the most commonly used analytical instruments in the omics field (liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry), both one- and two-dimensional. Knowledge is also provided on the parameters for evaluating the performance of an analytical method, on the aspects that differentiate the different omics techniques (proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics) and on the entire analytical process, from sample preparation to final data processing utilizing bioinformatic tools. The teaching also includes laboratory activities designed to provide the student with the practical skills needed to conduct multiomic investigations, from sample preparation to final data analysis, including instrumental analysis. The student will develop critical sense skills, refining the ability to select the optimal experimental method to solve a particular analytical problem. Communication skills will also be honed through the use of an appropriate lexicon and the proposal of case studies for students to solve and present via ppt presentations. The proposed case studies will also allow for the improvement of learning skills.

None

Face-to-face lectures. The laboratory part will be carried out partly in Alessandria at DISIT and partly at CAAD (Novara) in the least possible number of days and in agreement with the students.

Ongoing learning will be assessed through classroom / streaming discussion with students, especially during the discussion of case studies. 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/servicesstudents-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 exam consisting of: - two questions on the topics of the course which may concern: 1) the description of the principles of an analytical technique; 2) the description of the instrumentation used in the omics field; 3) the solution of a simple analytical problem for which the student will have to select the best analytical approach. - a 5-10 minutes ppt presentation on the case study agreed with the teacher.

Introduction to the course. Performance indices of an analytical method (LOD, LOQ, trueness and precision, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility, recovery, dynamic and linear range, robustness, etc.). Basic principles of instrumentation for liquid and gas chromatography. Introduction to omics techniques. Use of chromatographic techniques (HPLC and GC) and their coupling with mass spectrometry in omics sciences. Two-dimensional LC and GC coupled to mass spectrometry. Targeted and untargeted approach. Introduction to the concepts of system biology, foodomics and omics sciences at the service of biomedical and food analysis. Programming and planning of omics experiments. Insights into mass spectrometry and chromatographic techniques (GC and LC) used for omics sciences. Lipidomics and metabolomics and their applications, proteomics and its applications. Applications to different fields: clinical proteomics, cultural heritage, food science, food allergens, case studies. The concept of biomarker and the validation of biomarkers. Laboratory experiences: metabolite and lipid extraction, solid phase extraction (SPE), desalting, cut-off filters, exosome extraction, food proteomics, preparation of biological / food matrix samples; LC-MS sample injection, data processing and database use, GCxGCMS sample analysis and data processing. Bioinformatics laboratory (data management of complex data, pathway analysis, GO, Metaboanalyst). Case studies: proposal of scientific articles, their analysis and group debate; how to perform bibliographic research for the solution of a case study.

Knowledge and understanding - knowledge of the theoretical and theoretical / practical bases of the most modern analytical techniques in the omics field (liquid and gas chromatography, even two-dimensional, mass spectrometry) - knowledge of the methods of pretreatment and analysis of samples in the omics field Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - knowing how to compare different analytical techniques - knowing how to choose the best method for solving a case study - Knowing how to deal with the pretreatment of a sample and multiomics analysis in the laboratory, up to the processing of the final data Communication skills - acquire and know how to use an appropriate vocabulary in relation to the topics covered in the course - knowing how to organize and present a case study through a ppt presentation Autonomy of judgment - ability to choose the best analytical approach in the omics field for the solution of an analytical problem Learning ability - to be able to perform a bibliographic research and to be able to select the best sources for the solution of a proposed case study.