Advanced Molecular Biology
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The Advanced Molecular Biology course aims to provide detailed insight into the mechanisms that control cell division and proliferation, and how the cell cycle mechanisms are integrated with processes required to maintain genome integrity. These topics will be discussed in model organisms and in mammalian cells, with a particular focus on human pathologies linked to alterations in the molecular mechanisms of these processes.
Expected learning outcomes
After this course, the student will have built a solid theoretical background in the mechanisms underlying cell proliferation and its regulatory circuits and the molecular mechanisms responsible for preserving genome integrity and their role in counteracting tumorigenesis. Moreover, the student will have learned to critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of model systems applied to molecular processes and will have gained competences in applying the best experimental strategy to answer a specific scientific question.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Lectures will be in presence with streaming via Zoom. The written exams will be either in presence or in remote, depending on the university rules at the moment of the exam.
Course syllabus
- The Cell Cycle
- Model organisms in cell cycle analysis
- Cell cycle control systems
- The control of S phase
- Molecular mechanisms and control of mitosis
- Completion of mitosis and cell division
- Control of cell proliferation and growth
- Processes that compromise genome integrity
- DNA repair and DNA damage tolerance mechanisms
- Pathologies related to increased genome instability
- Cell cycle checkpoints in physiological and pathological conditions
- The cell cycle in cancer and other human diseases.
- Mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of genome integrity as targets for anticancer therapy.
- Model organisms in cell cycle analysis
- Cell cycle control systems
- The control of S phase
- Molecular mechanisms and control of mitosis
- Completion of mitosis and cell division
- Control of cell proliferation and growth
- Processes that compromise genome integrity
- DNA repair and DNA damage tolerance mechanisms
- Pathologies related to increased genome instability
- Cell cycle checkpoints in physiological and pathological conditions
- The cell cycle in cancer and other human diseases.
- Mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of genome integrity as targets for anticancer therapy.
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry is required.
Teaching methods
PowerPoint-assisted frontal lectures. Regular attendance and active participation during classes are strongly encouraged to improve the understanding of the topics and improve communication skills. In order to facilitate active discussions, handouts will be made available before class through the Ariel platform.
It is strongly recommended that students attend lectures.
It is strongly recommended that students attend lectures.
Teaching Resources
-D.O. Morgan. The Cell Cycle: principles of control. New Science Press.
-Friedberg, E. C., Walker, G. C., Siede, W., Wood, R. D., Schultz, R. A. & Ellenberger, T. DNA repair and mutagenesis (ASM Press).
-Friedberg E.C., Elledge S.J, Lehmann A.R., Lindahl T., Muzi Falconi M. DNA Repair, Mutagenesis, and Other Responses to DNA Damage: A Subject Collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
Scientific papers and reviews will be indicated during the course.
-Friedberg, E. C., Walker, G. C., Siede, W., Wood, R. D., Schultz, R. A. & Ellenberger, T. DNA repair and mutagenesis (ASM Press).
-Friedberg E.C., Elledge S.J, Lehmann A.R., Lindahl T., Muzi Falconi M. DNA Repair, Mutagenesis, and Other Responses to DNA Damage: A Subject Collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
Scientific papers and reviews will be indicated during the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning assessments will be carried out by a written exam.
The exam is divided into two partial exams, each of which consists of 3 open questions that are designed to evaluate the ability of the student to concisely and critically describe the major cellular processes and models discussed in class. Those who don't take or don't pass the first partial, will have to take the full exam on the complete program after the end of the course. Students will also have the opportunity to prepare a bibliographic work, in the form of a written minireview, which will add further 5 points maximum to the final score.
The exam is divided into two partial exams, each of which consists of 3 open questions that are designed to evaluate the ability of the student to concisely and critically describe the major cellular processes and models discussed in class. Those who don't take or don't pass the first partial, will have to take the full exam on the complete program after the end of the course. Students will also have the opportunity to prepare a bibliographic work, in the form of a written minireview, which will add further 5 points maximum to the final score.
Professor(s)
Reception:
to be organized upon request