Biotechnologies to Understand and Fight Aging
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
In this course, a general overview of the molecular pathways involved in senescence will be provided. Students will be presented with the main biotech approaches presently proposed to slow and revert the aging process in veterinary and human species. An overview of animal models used in aging research will be presented as well. Theoretical lessons will be supported by practical laboratory sessions to encourage student competence and hands-on skills.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student acquires the fundamental knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in aging related processes and their pathologies. She/he is able to use the latest biotech approaches to prevent/revert senescence and can identify the best animal models to be used.
Lesson period: Second 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
Course syllabus
Unit 1. Signaling pathways and epigenetic regulations of cell senescence (BIO10/VET01) 2CFU
A detail description of the molecular pathways acting during the aging process is presented to the students that will learn the main biotechnology-related strategies that are presently proposed to slow and revert senescence.
· the main signaling pathways of cell aging
· the biological clock
· aging and telomeres
· epigenetic drift and rescue
· surfing methylation to counteract senescence
· cell reprogramming and erasing
Unit 2. Female Reproductive Aging in Mammals (VET01) 4CFU
Due to the rise in life expectancy and women empowerment, maternal age has significantly and steadily increased, with a decline in reproductive performance. Many women are forced to delay their first pregnancy, which deeply affects the likelihood of carrying to term a healthy pregnancy. The consequent decreased fertility of the female population impacts the whole society, because it is one of the recognized demographic determinants of population and is estimated to affect as many as 186 million people worldwide. This global demographic shift is posing social and economic challenges, and therefore considerable resources have been recently made available to investigate the molecular basis of aging and to discover treatments that might overcome it.
- the aging ovary
· meiosis markers and imaging techniques of prenatal ovaries
· signaling pathways involved in the survival and activation of the primordial follicles (PI3K-AKT-mTOR, Hippo pathway, kit ligand)
· experimental approaches to manipulate the ovarian reserve (pharmacological, mechanical, genetic tools)
· the controversial hypothesis of 'oocyte progenitors' in the adult ovary (case study)
· histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical approaches to study the follicle population and the composition of the ovarian stroma (practical classes)
- the aging oocyte
· incidence and consequences of oocyte aneuploidy
· cell cycle progression, spindle organization, chromosome segregation in normal and 'aged' oocytes
· assessment of meiosis stages and spindle organization by fluorescence microscopy (practical class)
· DNA damage, oxidative stress and defective mitochondria in normal and 'aged' oocytes
· alternative mechanisms that have been proposed to be responsible for the age-related quality decrease of the oocyte (case study)
Unit 3. Age-related pathology (VET03) 2CFU
Aging is accompanied by remodeling of the immune system. With time, this leads to a decline in immune efficacy, resulting in increased vulnerability to infectious diseases and cancer, decreased responses to vaccination, and a susceptibility to age-related inflammatory diseases. In this teaching unit, the student will receive lectures in
the animal models currently used in aging research, their pitfalls and their strength points.
· inflammaging
inflammation related to aging and cellular senescence
immunosuppressive network related to aging and cellular senescence
· case study of age-related disease
rheumatoid arthritis
cardiovascular diseases
metabolic diseases
cancer and ageing
A detail description of the molecular pathways acting during the aging process is presented to the students that will learn the main biotechnology-related strategies that are presently proposed to slow and revert senescence.
· the main signaling pathways of cell aging
· the biological clock
· aging and telomeres
· epigenetic drift and rescue
· surfing methylation to counteract senescence
· cell reprogramming and erasing
Unit 2. Female Reproductive Aging in Mammals (VET01) 4CFU
Due to the rise in life expectancy and women empowerment, maternal age has significantly and steadily increased, with a decline in reproductive performance. Many women are forced to delay their first pregnancy, which deeply affects the likelihood of carrying to term a healthy pregnancy. The consequent decreased fertility of the female population impacts the whole society, because it is one of the recognized demographic determinants of population and is estimated to affect as many as 186 million people worldwide. This global demographic shift is posing social and economic challenges, and therefore considerable resources have been recently made available to investigate the molecular basis of aging and to discover treatments that might overcome it.
- the aging ovary
· meiosis markers and imaging techniques of prenatal ovaries
· signaling pathways involved in the survival and activation of the primordial follicles (PI3K-AKT-mTOR, Hippo pathway, kit ligand)
· experimental approaches to manipulate the ovarian reserve (pharmacological, mechanical, genetic tools)
· the controversial hypothesis of 'oocyte progenitors' in the adult ovary (case study)
· histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical approaches to study the follicle population and the composition of the ovarian stroma (practical classes)
- the aging oocyte
· incidence and consequences of oocyte aneuploidy
· cell cycle progression, spindle organization, chromosome segregation in normal and 'aged' oocytes
· assessment of meiosis stages and spindle organization by fluorescence microscopy (practical class)
· DNA damage, oxidative stress and defective mitochondria in normal and 'aged' oocytes
· alternative mechanisms that have been proposed to be responsible for the age-related quality decrease of the oocyte (case study)
Unit 3. Age-related pathology (VET03) 2CFU
Aging is accompanied by remodeling of the immune system. With time, this leads to a decline in immune efficacy, resulting in increased vulnerability to infectious diseases and cancer, decreased responses to vaccination, and a susceptibility to age-related inflammatory diseases. In this teaching unit, the student will receive lectures in
the animal models currently used in aging research, their pitfalls and their strength points.
· inflammaging
inflammation related to aging and cellular senescence
immunosuppressive network related to aging and cellular senescence
· case study of age-related disease
rheumatoid arthritis
cardiovascular diseases
metabolic diseases
cancer and ageing
Prerequisites for admission
General pathology
Teaching methods
Practical laboratory sessions will support theoretical lessons to encourage student competence and hands-on skills.
Teaching Resources
The teaching does not have a dedicated book and all the material will be provided by teachers. All the PowerPoint material used for the lectures will be made available to the students at the dedicated Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam
Age-related pathology
VET/03 - VETERINARY PATHOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 12 hours
Female Reproductive Aging in Mammals
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 4
Lessons: 24 hours
Signaling pathways and epigenetic regulations of cell senescence
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 1
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 1
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 1
Lessons: 12 hours