Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The objective of this course is to provide knowledge on: i) the path leading to drug development (basic research, pre-clinical trials and clinical studies); ii) molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying drugs activity; iii) pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics; iv) gene therapy; v) new molecular medications (RNA drugs); vi) role of stem cells in drug discovery and therapy. The course will also provide in addition to theoretical content a practical approach to the topics, with a specific focus on the design of experimental protocols and the use of models.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of this course, the student will know how new molecules with therapeutic activity can be developed and will have knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying drug properties.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Drug development. R&D from the Nineties to present. Rational approach to drug design. Molecular modelling. Hit identification. Lead optimisation and development of medications. Preclinical development of medications and clinical studies. GMP production.
Receptors and signal transduction. Receptor classes: receptor-channel; G protein-coupled receptors; receptors for growth factors and cytokines; receptors that mediate cell adhesion; soluble receptors; intracellular and intranuclear receptors. Cell transport and receptors trafficking. Molecular mechanisms of signal transduction. Pharmacological modulation of receptor responses.
Intercellular communication. Pharmacological regulation of synaptic function.
New frontiers in pharmacology. Advanced therapy medicinal products: gene therapy medicinal products; somatic cell therapy medicinal products; tissue-engineered medicinal products; medicinal products for combined advanced therapies. RNA drugs: mechanisms of action, delivery, chemical structure and pharmacotoxicology. Epigenetic drugs. Engineering of monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic purposes.
Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics. The genome project and its relevance to drug development. Genomic medicine, precision medicine, personalized medicine.
Receptors and signal transduction. Receptor classes: receptor-channel; G protein-coupled receptors; receptors for growth factors and cytokines; receptors that mediate cell adhesion; soluble receptors; intracellular and intranuclear receptors. Cell transport and receptors trafficking. Molecular mechanisms of signal transduction. Pharmacological modulation of receptor responses.
Intercellular communication. Pharmacological regulation of synaptic function.
New frontiers in pharmacology. Advanced therapy medicinal products: gene therapy medicinal products; somatic cell therapy medicinal products; tissue-engineered medicinal products; medicinal products for combined advanced therapies. RNA drugs: mechanisms of action, delivery, chemical structure and pharmacotoxicology. Epigenetic drugs. Engineering of monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic purposes.
Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics. The genome project and its relevance to drug development. Genomic medicine, precision medicine, personalized medicine.
Prerequisites for admission
The student must possess basic concepts of general and advanced pharmacology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
Teaching methods
Traditional frontal lesson with ppt slides and movies.
Teaching Resources
Scientific articles and reviews.
Reference book: Francesco Clementi, Guido Fumagalli, General and Molecular Pharmacology Principles of Drug Action. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2015. ISBN 9781118768570
Reference book: Francesco Clementi, Guido Fumagalli, General and Molecular Pharmacology Principles of Drug Action. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2015. ISBN 9781118768570
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral test in which three topics are required to be covered. The duration of the oral test is 30 minutes.
The exam will be organised in order to:
- ascertain whether the course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding have been met;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge through the discussion of the topics covered during classes;
- verify the appropriate use of scientific language relating to the field of pharmacology and the ability to present the topics in a clear and logical way, with the necessary links to the content of other courses of the Degree Course.
The exam will be organised in order to:
- ascertain whether the course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding have been met;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge through the discussion of the topics covered during classes;
- verify the appropriate use of scientific language relating to the field of pharmacology and the ability to present the topics in a clear and logical way, with the necessary links to the content of other courses of the Degree Course.
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment previously agreed by e-mail
INGM, Padiglione Invernizzi, Via F. Sforza 35 4 piano Ala A