Functional Genomics and the Molecular Basis of Differentiation
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The objective of the course is to provide students with: 1) a general overview on the principal methods for the study of bacterial genomes (genome sequencing techniques, genome annotation, phylogenetic studies); 2) a general overview on metagenomics and meta-trancriptomics analyses; 3) a practical approach for gene analyses, sequences alignment and comparison, use of the principal data bases, phylogenetic reconstructions.
In addition, the course provides students with information and training in the advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of genomic and epigenetic mechanisms in gene expression in livestock species. In detail the objective of the course is to provide students with 1) a general overview of the OMIC technologies used to study the primary structure of DNA, 2) detailed knowledge of the use of OMIC technologies in epigenetics 3) a general overview of epigenetics and role of epigenetic changes in development and cell differentiation
In addition, the course provides students with information and training in the advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of genomic and epigenetic mechanisms in gene expression in livestock species. In detail the objective of the course is to provide students with 1) a general overview of the OMIC technologies used to study the primary structure of DNA, 2) detailed knowledge of the use of OMIC technologies in epigenetics 3) a general overview of epigenetics and role of epigenetic changes in development and cell differentiation
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will to be able to plan experiments for the study of microbial communities, genomes sequencing and annotation and phylogenetic relationship between organisms. The practical approach of the course will introduce the student to bioinformatics with the use of tools capable to study genomes and the interaction between organisms.
In addition, the students will acquire knowledge on epigenetics changes on DNA and their effect on gene regulation and cell differentiation. Furthermore, the students will have a detailed overview on the new techniques applied to epigenetic profiling and acquire expertise on ENCODE database.
In addition, the students will acquire knowledge on epigenetics changes on DNA and their effect on gene regulation and cell differentiation. Furthermore, the students will have a detailed overview on the new techniques applied to epigenetic profiling and acquire expertise on ENCODE database.
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
Genomics and molecular basis of differentiation in model invertebrate organisms and pathogens
Frontal lessons
- Metagenomics and metatrascrittomics: 4 hours
- Alpha and beta diversity applied to the study of a microbic population: 2 hours
- Phylogeny to study the molecular basis of differentiation: 4 hours
- Using phylogeny to reconstruct nosocomial outbreaks: 2 hours
Practical lessons:
- An overview on the principal molecular biology methods: 4 hours
- Genome sequencing: 2 hours
- The study of the molecular mechanisms of the interaction among symbiont-parasite-vertebrate host: 2 hours
- Study of the microbial community of the tick Ixodes ricinus: the case of - its endosybiont Midichloria mitochondrii: 4 hours
- Next Generation Sequencing approaches and bioinformatics for genomics: 4 hours
- Practical exercise: genes alignment, multi-locus sequence typing, tools for phylogenetic reconstruction, outbreak reconstruction: 8 ore
Genomics and epigenetics in vertebrates
Frontal lessons
- Introduction to OMIC technologies in Livestock (2h)
- Fundamentals of DNA, Chromosomes, Genes in Cell Division and Cell Cycle (2h)
- Fundamentals of Gene Structure, Gene Expression: RNA genes and Non coding RNA(2h)
- Next Generation sequencing applied DNA and RNA (4h)
- Principles of Genetic Variation: functional genetic variation and protein polymorphism(2h)
- Approaches to Mapping and Identifying Genetic Susceptibility to Complex traits (2h)
- Epigenetic Theory and Principles of Gene Regulation and Epigenetics (2h)
- Epigenetics of Mammalian gamete and embryo development (2h)
Practical lessons:
- Examples of Epigenetic modifications; Methylation, Acetylation and Chromatin remodelling (4h)
- Examples of Chromatin Modification and Epigenetic Factors in Gene Regulation (2h)
- State of the art and examples of Epigenetics and Animal Health (2h)
- Examples of Epigenetics and MicroRNAs in livestock(4h)
Frontal lessons
- Metagenomics and metatrascrittomics: 4 hours
- Alpha and beta diversity applied to the study of a microbic population: 2 hours
- Phylogeny to study the molecular basis of differentiation: 4 hours
- Using phylogeny to reconstruct nosocomial outbreaks: 2 hours
Practical lessons:
- An overview on the principal molecular biology methods: 4 hours
- Genome sequencing: 2 hours
- The study of the molecular mechanisms of the interaction among symbiont-parasite-vertebrate host: 2 hours
- Study of the microbial community of the tick Ixodes ricinus: the case of - its endosybiont Midichloria mitochondrii: 4 hours
- Next Generation Sequencing approaches and bioinformatics for genomics: 4 hours
- Practical exercise: genes alignment, multi-locus sequence typing, tools for phylogenetic reconstruction, outbreak reconstruction: 8 ore
Genomics and epigenetics in vertebrates
Frontal lessons
- Introduction to OMIC technologies in Livestock (2h)
- Fundamentals of DNA, Chromosomes, Genes in Cell Division and Cell Cycle (2h)
- Fundamentals of Gene Structure, Gene Expression: RNA genes and Non coding RNA(2h)
- Next Generation sequencing applied DNA and RNA (4h)
- Principles of Genetic Variation: functional genetic variation and protein polymorphism(2h)
- Approaches to Mapping and Identifying Genetic Susceptibility to Complex traits (2h)
- Epigenetic Theory and Principles of Gene Regulation and Epigenetics (2h)
- Epigenetics of Mammalian gamete and embryo development (2h)
Practical lessons:
- Examples of Epigenetic modifications; Methylation, Acetylation and Chromatin remodelling (4h)
- Examples of Chromatin Modification and Epigenetic Factors in Gene Regulation (2h)
- State of the art and examples of Epigenetics and Animal Health (2h)
- Examples of Epigenetics and MicroRNAs in livestock(4h)
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge required for the access to the Degree Course.
Teaching methods
Genomics and molecular basis of differentiation in model invertebrate organisms and pathogens
Lectures, practical laboratory activities, group work.
Genomics and epigenetics in vertebrates
Lectures and exercises
Journal clubs are organized on scientific papers as individual or group work. Exercises on the topics covered in the theoretical part.
Lectures, practical laboratory activities, group work.
Genomics and epigenetics in vertebrates
Lectures and exercises
Journal clubs are organized on scientific papers as individual or group work. Exercises on the topics covered in the theoretical part.
Teaching Resources
Genomics and molecular basis of differentiation in model invertebrate organisms and pathogens
Material provided by the teacher and uploaded to the MyAriel platform.
Genomics and epigenetics in vertebrates
1) Genetics and Genomics in Medicine , Tom Strachan, Judith Goodship, and Patrick Chinnery. Garland Science.
2) Articles provided during the lectures.
Material provided by the teacher and uploaded to the MyAriel platform.
Genomics and epigenetics in vertebrates
1) Genetics and Genomics in Medicine , Tom Strachan, Judith Goodship, and Patrick Chinnery. Garland Science.
2) Articles provided during the lectures.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Genomics and molecular basis of differentiation in model invertebrate organisms and pathogens
The learning assessment will be carried out through a written test: 15 multiple choice questions. Time for the test: 1 hour
Genomics and epigenetics in vertebrates
Written test. Exercises and open questions. The test will be graded out of thirty and the final grade will take into account the accuracy and quality of the answers. Time for the test: 1 hour
The learning assessment will be carried out through a written test: 15 multiple choice questions. Time for the test: 1 hour
Genomics and epigenetics in vertebrates
Written test. Exercises and open questions. The test will be graded out of thirty and the final grade will take into account the accuracy and quality of the answers. Time for the test: 1 hour
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS - University credits: 4
VET/06 - PARASITOLOGY AND ANIMAL PARASITIC DISEASES - University credits: 4
VET/06 - PARASITOLOGY AND ANIMAL PARASITIC DISEASES - University credits: 4
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 30 hours
Lessons: 30 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Every day by appointment
Department of veterinary Medicine and Animal Science