Biotechnologies Applied to Reproduction, Development and Regenerative Medicine
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The objective of this course is to provide scientific knowledge on in vitro embryo production, micromanipulation of gametes and embryos, molecular and cellular mechanisms driving embryo development. This knowledge will be applied to stem cell biology, both adult and tissue-specific, as well as embryo-derived. Further knowhow will cover the cutting age technologies such as cell conversion and reprogramming. Information about clinical applications of these techniques for the treatment of infertility and for the improvement of reproductive performances of domestic animals as well as the therapeutic use of stem cells will be critically evaluated. At the end students will be informed about sustainability issues indicating what strategies can be applied in the laboratory to limit environmental impact.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will demonstrate their knowledge on the main requirements of an in vitro embryo production system as well as the meaning and the potential application of micromanipulation techniques applied to gametes and embryos. In addition, students will show a good understanding of the main molecular and cellular mechanisms driving embryo development, stem cell biology and cell reprogramming technologies. Student independent judgment will be demonstrated by the ability to critically read the specific literature. It is also expected that their communication skills using scientific terminology will be improved by this practice. In parallel, an environmentally aware laboratory attitude will be acquired.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Unit 1: Biotechnology of Reproduction
Lectures (18 hours):
- In vitro systems of embryo production (4)
- In vitro capacitation and selection of spermatozoa (2)
- Equipment for micromanipulation of gametes and embryos (1)
- Micromanipulation of gametes (2)
- Micromanipulation of embryos (2)
- Principles of cryoconservation of gametes and embryos (1)
- Superovulation, estrus synchronization and embryo transfer (1)
- Application of micromanipulation in infertility treatment and for the improvement of reproductive performances in domestic animals (3)
- Cloning (1)
- Strategies for environmental sustainability in the Biotecnology of Reproduction Lab. (1)
Practicals (36 hours):
- Micromanipulation of gametes (4)
- Gametogenesis (2)
- Collection, selection and in vitro maturation of oocytes (6)
- Examination and treatment of semen for in vitro fertilization (6)
- Zona binding assay (5)
- Management of an Assisted Reproduction Lab (5)
- Colture of stem cells of extra-fetal origin (8)
Unit 2: Molecular Embryology
Lectures (12 hours):
- Key molecules in early embryo development (2)
- Trofectoderm and inner cell mass. Transcription factors controlling cell plasticity (2)
- Imprinting and epigenetic regulation (1)
- Maternal and paternal contribution to the mitotic spindle, centromere, and centrioles (1)
- Cytoplasm compartimentalization (1)
- Telomerase and cell death (1)
- Epigenetics and cell fate definition (2)
- Developmental cues, gradients, morphogenesis (1)
- Strategies for environmental sustainability in the Molecular Embryology Lab (1)
Practicals (12 hours):
- Immuno-localization of transcription factors that regulate cellular plasticity (4)
- Use of the ELISA technique to study methylation and epigenetic regulation (2)
- Molecular techniques for the characterization of the trophectoderm and the internal cell mass (2)
- Methodologies for the evaluation of post-transcriptional activity (poly-A) (2)
- Study of telomerase (2)
Unit 3: Regenerative medicine, biological principles and laboratory procedures
Lectures (18 hours):
- Stem cells: biological principles (2)
- Embryonic stem cells (ESC): origins and biological characteristics (2)
- The molecular mechanisms that regulate pluripotency of ESCs (2)
- Cellular reprogramming and iPS cells (2)
- Cellular chemical reprogramming (4)
- Mesenchymal stem cells (2)
- Stem cells and global sustainability (development of meat and fish products, animal and species conservation (4)
Lectures (18 hours):
- In vitro systems of embryo production (4)
- In vitro capacitation and selection of spermatozoa (2)
- Equipment for micromanipulation of gametes and embryos (1)
- Micromanipulation of gametes (2)
- Micromanipulation of embryos (2)
- Principles of cryoconservation of gametes and embryos (1)
- Superovulation, estrus synchronization and embryo transfer (1)
- Application of micromanipulation in infertility treatment and for the improvement of reproductive performances in domestic animals (3)
- Cloning (1)
- Strategies for environmental sustainability in the Biotecnology of Reproduction Lab. (1)
Practicals (36 hours):
- Micromanipulation of gametes (4)
- Gametogenesis (2)
- Collection, selection and in vitro maturation of oocytes (6)
- Examination and treatment of semen for in vitro fertilization (6)
- Zona binding assay (5)
- Management of an Assisted Reproduction Lab (5)
- Colture of stem cells of extra-fetal origin (8)
Unit 2: Molecular Embryology
Lectures (12 hours):
- Key molecules in early embryo development (2)
- Trofectoderm and inner cell mass. Transcription factors controlling cell plasticity (2)
- Imprinting and epigenetic regulation (1)
- Maternal and paternal contribution to the mitotic spindle, centromere, and centrioles (1)
- Cytoplasm compartimentalization (1)
- Telomerase and cell death (1)
- Epigenetics and cell fate definition (2)
- Developmental cues, gradients, morphogenesis (1)
- Strategies for environmental sustainability in the Molecular Embryology Lab (1)
Practicals (12 hours):
- Immuno-localization of transcription factors that regulate cellular plasticity (4)
- Use of the ELISA technique to study methylation and epigenetic regulation (2)
- Molecular techniques for the characterization of the trophectoderm and the internal cell mass (2)
- Methodologies for the evaluation of post-transcriptional activity (poly-A) (2)
- Study of telomerase (2)
Unit 3: Regenerative medicine, biological principles and laboratory procedures
Lectures (18 hours):
- Stem cells: biological principles (2)
- Embryonic stem cells (ESC): origins and biological characteristics (2)
- The molecular mechanisms that regulate pluripotency of ESCs (2)
- Cellular reprogramming and iPS cells (2)
- Cellular chemical reprogramming (4)
- Mesenchymal stem cells (2)
- Stem cells and global sustainability (development of meat and fish products, animal and species conservation (4)
Prerequisites for admission
It is advisable to know Histology, Anatomy, Physiology and Embryology.
Teaching methods
Attendance is strongly recommended for lectures and exercises.
Frontal lessons and laboratory exercises in small groups are given.
In the lectures, students are involved by stimulating their interest and encouraging them to participate by asking questions and asking to summarize parts already covered in the previous lessons.
In small group practical exercises, the student is guided to achieve autonomy in the manual skills necessary for the evaluation and treatment of gametes and cells in vitro.
Frontal lessons and laboratory exercises in small groups are given.
In the lectures, students are involved by stimulating their interest and encouraging them to participate by asking questions and asking to summarize parts already covered in the previous lessons.
In small group practical exercises, the student is guided to achieve autonomy in the manual skills necessary for the evaluation and treatment of gametes and cells in vitro.
Teaching Resources
- Gordon I., Laboratory production of cattle embryos, CAB International, 1994, University Press, Cambridge. ISBN 0 85198 928 4.
- Palermo, G. D., & Sills, E. S. (Eds.). (2018). Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Indications, Techniques and Applications. Springer. ISBN 978-3-319-70496-8
- Fleming, S. D., & King, R. S. (Eds.) (2003). Micromanipulation in Assisted Conception: A Users' Manual and Troubleshooting Guide. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13 978-0-521-64847-9
- Biologia e tecniche della riproduzione / a cura di Lucia Rocco (2021). Edi.Ermes. ISBN : 9788870517477
- Scientific Papers
- Slides of the Lectures in Ariel
- Palermo, G. D., & Sills, E. S. (Eds.). (2018). Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Indications, Techniques and Applications. Springer. ISBN 978-3-319-70496-8
- Fleming, S. D., & King, R. S. (Eds.) (2003). Micromanipulation in Assisted Conception: A Users' Manual and Troubleshooting Guide. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13 978-0-521-64847-9
- Biologia e tecniche della riproduzione / a cura di Lucia Rocco (2021). Edi.Ermes. ISBN : 9788870517477
- Scientific Papers
- Slides of the Lectures in Ariel
Assessment methods and Criteria
The written exam consists of 2 open and 1 multiple choice questions for Reproductive Biotechnology (1 hour) and 30 multiple choice questions for Molecular Embryology and Regenerative Medicine (1 hour). Both parts are aimed at ascertaining the acquisition of knowledge during the course both during the theoretical lessons and during the practical exercises. A minimum of 18/30 must be achieved in each of the two parts of the exam.
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 6
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 6
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 48 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Brevini Tiziana, Colombo Martina, Lange Consiglio Anna, Luvoni Gaia Cecilia Rita, Pennarossa Georgia
Shifts:
1 Esercitazioni per un gruppo di studenti
Professor:
Lange Consiglio Anna2 Esercitazioni per un gruppo di studenti
Professor:
Lange Consiglio Anna3 - Esercitazioni per tutti glii studenti
Professor:
Colombo Martina5 - Esercitazioni per tuti gli studenti
Professor:
Pennarossa Georgia