Aim of the course is the description of the molecular mechanisms that regulate fundamental cellular functions such as senescence, quiescence, motility and intercellular communication based on microvesicles, how cells integrate those functions in response to exogenous cues aiming at preserving tissue homeostasis.
Moreover, the course will provide knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of the alterations of fundamental cellular functions that occur in different physio-pathological conditions.
Alberts, “Biologia molecolare della cellula”, Zanichelli
Material provided by the professor (ppt slides of the lectures, video files and updated scientific reviews).
Learning Objectives
Aim of the course, organized in lectures, is to provide to the student a detailed knowledge to the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that regulate fundamental cellular functions.
The student, once acquired the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the fundamental physio-and pathological cell functions, will be able to propose experimental approaches to analyze these functions both in vitro and in vivo.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic cellular and molecular biology is required.
Teaching Methods
Lectures (48 hours).
Two lessons will be monothematic from expert lectures.
Further information
Contact hours: every monday (1pm -3 pm) by e-mail appointment (chiara.donati@unifi.it)
Address:
Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M.Serio”
Viale Morgagni 50-50134 Firenze
Tel. 055 2751232
email: chiara.donati@unifi.it
Type of Assessment
The examination consists of a final oral exam and a power point presentation (20 minutes) given by the student at the end of the course. The presentation consists of an in-depth analysis of a scientific paper provided by the professor on a subject chosen by the student among those described during the course. Completeness, language and depth of analysis are of particular importance in the evaluation of the presentation. The final oral exam is divided into three main questions that the student must know how to deal with in an appropriate, exhaustive and correct manner. The presentation and the oral final exam weights 40 and 60% on the final score.
Course program
The course will focus on the molecular mechanisms that regulate fundamental cellular functions such as
• quiescence and senescence.
In particular, details will be given on telomere shortening-induced senescence, oxidative stress-induced senescence, oncogene activation-induced senescence, role of p16 and p53 on senescence, role of bioactive sphingolipids on senescence, senescence of adult stem cells.
• adhesion, motility and cytoskeletal reorganization.
Role of cell migration in stem cells. Micro-enviroment mechanical stimuli as crucial regulator of cellular behavior. Role of YAP/TAZ transcription factors.
• intracellular vesicular trafficking and intercellular communication via microvesicles and exosomes.
Biogenesis, characteristics, content and mechanism of action. The course will provide the methodological approaches to isolate and characterize extracellular vesicles.
• Autophagy
• Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)
• Physiological and pathological role of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta): mechanism of action.