Ateneo - UPO

The Principles of Regenerative Medicine course consists of four modules: Mechanobiology and Mechanotransduction, Tissue Regeneration by Stem Cells, Functional Human Anatomy, and Basic Principles of Applied Immunology.

The course covers the following topics:

Mechanobiology and Mechanotransduction: cellular perception of mechanical stimuli, the role of the nucleus in sensing cytoskeletal deformation, tissue healing under high mechanical loads, the bioactivity principles of mechanobiology-based clinical technologies, and future applications of these technologies.

Tissue Regeneration by Stem Cells: general characteristics of stem cells; classification and localization of different stem cell types; methods for stem cell isolation, expansion, and maintenance in culture; and an introduction to preclinical and clinical stem cell-based therapies.

Functional Human Anatomy: lectures on the principles of functional human anatomy.

Basic Principles of Applied Immunology: an overview of the immune mechanisms underlying tissue regeneration, as well as biomaterial-based approaches and therapeutic delivery systems for next-generation regenerative medicine.

The slides presented during the lectures contain data from the scientific literature and provide sufficient material to prepare for the examination. All slides are uploaded and made available to students on the DIR platform. The full-text versions of all scientific articles from which the data presented in the slides are derived are available upon request to the lecturer.

The course aims to provide students with the biological and genetic foundations of mechanobiology applied to tissue healing and regenerative medicine. It also aims to develop knowledge of stem cell characteristics, localization, functions, differentiation, and quiescence, as well as the potential benefits and risks of their therapeutic use. The course further covers functional anatomy and the musculoskeletal system, together with the immune mechanisms regulating tissue regeneration and strategies for modulating these processes.

Basic knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, anatomy, histology, physics, mathematics, human anatomy, and immunology.

Classroom lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, which are uploaded to the DIR platform after each lecture. Further learning through independent reading of scientific articles recommended by the lecturer and educational videos available through the University’s library resources, including Acland’s Video Atlas of Human Anatomy, Grant’s Dissection Videos, and JoVE Video Journal.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and support by contacting the University Staff for Career Development and Coordination and Student Services, and consulting the relevant page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa
After contacting the University Staff, students may also contact the course instructor to discuss appropriate adjustments to examination procedures and other teaching-related arrangements.

The examination consists of a written assessment administered through the University’s DIR digital platform. It includes multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and true/false statements requiring brief explanations, designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in class. The minimum passing grade is 18/30, with a maximum grade of 30/30 cum laude. Appropriate accommodations are provided for students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), where applicable.

1. Mechanobiology and Mechanotransduction

Adaptation of cells and tissues to the mechanical properties of substrates (e.g., implantable biomaterials) and the resulting metabolic consequences.

Cellular responses to mechanical stimuli, including the relationship between DNA, the nucleus, and the cytoskeleton during mechanical deformation.

Effects of mechanical stimuli on major load-bearing tissues, including bone, cartilage, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Clinical practices based on mechanobiological principles, including negative-pressure therapy, shockwave therapy, sutures, and bone implants.

2. Tissue Regeneration by Stem Cells

Overview of human body organization: cells, tissues, and organs.

Stem cells and tissue regeneration.

Main characteristics and functions of embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Localization and differentiation of stem cells in different tissues, including symmetric and asymmetric cell division.

Isolation, characterization, and maintenance of embryonic and adult stem cells in culture.

Regulation of stem cell differentiation.

Biology, localization, and applications of hematopoietic, mesenchymal, and neural stem cells.

Stem cell-based therapies: current and future applications.

3. Functional Human Anatomy and Biomechanics

Basic principles of functional anatomy, biomechanics, and the osteoarticular system.

4. Basic Principles of Applied Immunology

The role of the immune system in tissue regeneration, including innate and adaptive immunity.

Phases of tissue regeneration and the role of immune polarization.

Strategies to promote tissue regeneration, including stem cells, biomaterials, and therapeutic delivery systems.

Dublin Descriptors

D1 – Knowledge and Understanding

Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of the biological, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms underlying mechanobiology and mechanotransduction, with particular reference to the relationship between mechanical stimuli and cellular and tissue responses. They will understand the role of the biomechanical properties of tissues and biomaterials in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and tissue engineering, as well as the biological principles underlying therapeutic applications based on mechanical stimulation.

Students will also acquire knowledge of the biological characteristics, localization, functions, and differentiation processes of the main types of human stem cells, including their therapeutic potential and the possible benefits and risks of their use. They will learn the fundamental principles of functional anatomy and the musculoskeletal system, as well as the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity involved in tissue regeneration and the role of immune response modulation in these processes. Students will develop an integrated understanding of the principles of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and strategies involving stem cells, biomaterials, and therapeutic delivery systems, using appropriate scientific terminology.

D2 – Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to interpret cellular and tissue responses to mechanical stimuli and understand the principles underlying the application of mechanobiology to tissue healing and regeneration. They will be able to identify the potential applications of stem cells and biomaterials in regenerative medicine and assess their characteristics in relation to specific biological and therapeutic contexts.

Students will also be able to apply their knowledge of functional anatomy, biomechanics, and immunology to understand tissue regeneration processes and the contribution of cellular and immune components. These competencies will provide a foundation for further academic studies, diagnostic laboratory activities, and biomedical research, as well as for understanding innovative technologies in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

D3 – Making Judgements

Students will develop the ability to critically analyse the biological, cellular, and immunological mechanisms involved in tissue regeneration and evaluate the role of mechanical stimuli, stem cells, and biomaterials in potential therapeutic applications. They will be able to compare different approaches to regenerative medicine, considering the potential benefits, limitations, and risks of proposed strategies on the basis of current scientific knowledge and evidence reported in the literature.

D4 – Communication Skills

Students will develop the ability to present and communicate knowledge related to mechanobiology, tissue regeneration, stem cells, functional anatomy, and immune mechanisms using appropriate and specific scientific terminology. They will be able to discuss these topics clearly, rigorously, and coherently in academic and professional contexts, adapting their communication to non-specialist audiences when necessary.

D5 – Learning Skills

Students will develop the ability to independently use the teaching materials provided and scientific literature to critically and systematically explore the topics covered in the course. They will be able to consult textbooks and scientific articles, update their knowledge, and progressively develop independent learning skills concerning the principles and applications of mechanobiology, regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, functional anatomy, and immunology applied to tissue regeneration.