Molecular Genetics and Animal Models
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The Molecular Genetics and Applications in Animals Unit, part of the integrated course of Molecular Genetics and Animal Models, aims to provide or deepen theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge of the molecular genetic techniques which find concrete application in animal selection animals, in their biodiversity analysis, in mapping with molecular markers and identification of mutations causing diseases or traits of interest, in genetic diagnostics of domestic animals, as well as in authentication and traceability of products of animal origin.
The Unit also aims to introduce cultural and methodological bases for understanding the technological innovations in genomics. For this purpose, elements of genomics are provided, with particular attention to the structuring and how-to-use of genomic databases, genomic sequences, and their usefulness in genome editing and high-throughput genotyping of mammals.
The Unit also addresses the main specific aspects relating to the genetic standardization of animals for experimental use, mainly focusing on mice.
The Laboratory Animal Breeding Unit provides basic skills on the management and reproduction of mouse, rat, and guinea pig animal models to optimize their well-being and production, aiming to ensure both the quality of the experimental data with maximum levels of animal welfare and effectiveness in the management of the experimental animal facility.
The Unit also aims to introduce cultural and methodological bases for understanding the technological innovations in genomics. For this purpose, elements of genomics are provided, with particular attention to the structuring and how-to-use of genomic databases, genomic sequences, and their usefulness in genome editing and high-throughput genotyping of mammals.
The Unit also addresses the main specific aspects relating to the genetic standardization of animals for experimental use, mainly focusing on mice.
The Laboratory Animal Breeding Unit provides basic skills on the management and reproduction of mouse, rat, and guinea pig animal models to optimize their well-being and production, aiming to ensure both the quality of the experimental data with maximum levels of animal welfare and effectiveness in the management of the experimental animal facility.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will explore, using a molecular approach, the genetic principles and techniques that are applied in the breeding of both domestic and laboratory animals, in the evaluation of their biodiversity, in the mapping and identification of mutations, in genetic diagnostics, and in the authentication and traceability of products of animal origin. Students will also be introduced to the theoretical, methodological, and technical bases of genomic analysis.
To achieve these objectives, in addition to the frontal lessons, individual practical exercises are planned on a personal computer a) the use of online bioinformatic databases (NCBI, Ensembl) for the identification, starting from bibliographical indications, of genetic variations and sequences in diploid and haploid genomes, design of primers, RFLP, in silico PCR and control of conservation between species and between genera of the nucleotide regions, reading of electropherograms of nucleotide sequences Sanger (fluorescence method) for the identification of heterozygosity and the reconstruction of haplotypes. Individual exercises with Genome Data Viewer and analysis of reads for the identification of SNVs, delins, and CNVs in domestic animal genomes are also planned in the university computer room. In addition, practical seminars are planned at facilities of other centres of excellence in the territory.
Regarding the management of laboratory animals, students will acquire basic information in the technical-managerial, and environmental aspects and with references to biology aspects, respecting the welfare standards in force at the European level. To achieve this objective, in addition to lectures, exercises are planned at research facilities in the sector and centres specialized in laboratory animal breeding.
To achieve these objectives, in addition to the frontal lessons, individual practical exercises are planned on a personal computer a) the use of online bioinformatic databases (NCBI, Ensembl) for the identification, starting from bibliographical indications, of genetic variations and sequences in diploid and haploid genomes, design of primers, RFLP, in silico PCR and control of conservation between species and between genera of the nucleotide regions, reading of electropherograms of nucleotide sequences Sanger (fluorescence method) for the identification of heterozygosity and the reconstruction of haplotypes. Individual exercises with Genome Data Viewer and analysis of reads for the identification of SNVs, delins, and CNVs in domestic animal genomes are also planned in the university computer room. In addition, practical seminars are planned at facilities of other centres of excellence in the territory.
Regarding the management of laboratory animals, students will acquire basic information in the technical-managerial, and environmental aspects and with references to biology aspects, respecting the welfare standards in force at the European level. To achieve this objective, in addition to lectures, exercises are planned at research facilities in the sector and centres specialized in laboratory animal breeding.
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
Molecular Genetics and Applications in Domestic Animals Unit (Prof.Longeri):
Lectures
- Qualitative and quantitative characters (1h)
- Genes of veterinary interest. Concepts of mutation and genetic polymorphism (new guidelines and nomenclature). Principles and methods of PCR, allele-specific PCR, PCR / RFLP, and electrophoresis techniques. (4h)
- Principles and methods of I generation fluorescent automated nucleotide sequencing (Sanger) of different templates: cloned or amplified gDNA, and mtDNA (4h)
- Principles and methods of fragment and SNP analysis. DNA molecular markers and their applications: genetic profile, parentage analysis, molecular authentication of animal genus and species, molecular traceability of individuals and animal origin products, genetic diversity analysis. (6h)
- Association and linkage. Genetic map, Hints on gDNA SNP microarray, gene mapping using different types of DNA markers, concept of haplotype. Domestic animal genomic databases and genome sequences with notes focused on genome editing and high-throughput genotyping. (6h),
- Basis of genetics Laboratory animals (rodents, Xenopus, zebrafish). Concepts of kinship and consanguinity. Outbred, inbred strains, hybrid lines (2h)
- Italian national organization of both breeding registries (studbooks, registers, pedigree) and healthcare - National registries (1h)
Practicals
- Individual practice of in silico analysis on the following topics: design of primers for PCR, in silico PCR, identification of enzymes to set up a restriction, reading, and alignment test of nucleotide sequences, and haplotype identification. Navigation in NCBI and Ensemble genomics databases (10h)
- Individual practice on Genome Data Viewer and reads analysis for SNVs, delins, and CNVs identification on domestic animal genomes (6h)
- Interactive seminars (6h)
- Educational visits to service and research laboratories specialized in animal molecular genetics (10h)
Laboratory Animal Breeding Unit (Prof. Marelli)
Frontal lessons (16 h)
Breeding and management of rodents
Breeding and management of lagomorphs
Environment and welfare in laboratory animals
Practice (16 h)
Visits to industries that operate in the field of laboratory animal facilities
Visits to research centers that use laboratory animals
Lectures
- Qualitative and quantitative characters (1h)
- Genes of veterinary interest. Concepts of mutation and genetic polymorphism (new guidelines and nomenclature). Principles and methods of PCR, allele-specific PCR, PCR / RFLP, and electrophoresis techniques. (4h)
- Principles and methods of I generation fluorescent automated nucleotide sequencing (Sanger) of different templates: cloned or amplified gDNA, and mtDNA (4h)
- Principles and methods of fragment and SNP analysis. DNA molecular markers and their applications: genetic profile, parentage analysis, molecular authentication of animal genus and species, molecular traceability of individuals and animal origin products, genetic diversity analysis. (6h)
- Association and linkage. Genetic map, Hints on gDNA SNP microarray, gene mapping using different types of DNA markers, concept of haplotype. Domestic animal genomic databases and genome sequences with notes focused on genome editing and high-throughput genotyping. (6h),
- Basis of genetics Laboratory animals (rodents, Xenopus, zebrafish). Concepts of kinship and consanguinity. Outbred, inbred strains, hybrid lines (2h)
- Italian national organization of both breeding registries (studbooks, registers, pedigree) and healthcare - National registries (1h)
Practicals
- Individual practice of in silico analysis on the following topics: design of primers for PCR, in silico PCR, identification of enzymes to set up a restriction, reading, and alignment test of nucleotide sequences, and haplotype identification. Navigation in NCBI and Ensemble genomics databases (10h)
- Individual practice on Genome Data Viewer and reads analysis for SNVs, delins, and CNVs identification on domestic animal genomes (6h)
- Interactive seminars (6h)
- Educational visits to service and research laboratories specialized in animal molecular genetics (10h)
Laboratory Animal Breeding Unit (Prof. Marelli)
Frontal lessons (16 h)
Breeding and management of rodents
Breeding and management of lagomorphs
Environment and welfare in laboratory animals
Practice (16 h)
Visits to industries that operate in the field of laboratory animal facilities
Visits to research centers that use laboratory animals
Prerequisites for admission
To take the Molecular Genetics and Applications in Domestic Animals unit exam having passed the Genetics exam of the first year is required.
Teaching methods
Both units:
All lectures will be held with the support of screening slides in Italian. Sometimes links to free websites will be used.
All lectures will be held with the support of screening slides in Italian. Sometimes links to free websites will be used.
Teaching Resources
Molecular Genetics and Applications in Domestic Animals Unit (Prof.Longeri):
Slides projected and explained during classes are uploaded before each lesson as PDF files on the UNIMI- MyAriel platform, as well as any additional material shown during classes or any supplementary material that the teacher mentioned and deems useful for the exam. Slides are very useful for passing the exam.
Laboratory Animal Breeding Unit (Prof.Marelli):
Coleman K., Schapiro S.J. (2021) Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Garattini, S., Grignaschi, G., Luzi, F., & Riva, F. (2015). Benessere ed animal care dell'animale da laboratorio. Point Veterinaire Italie
Suckow M.A. editor Laboratory Animal Pocket Reference (mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Weichbrod R.H., Thompson G.A., Norton J.N., editors. (2018) Management of Animal Care and Use Programs in Research, Education, and Testing. 2nd ed. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.· M.A. Suckow et al. (2001) "Management of Laboratory Animal Care and Use Programs", CRC Press, USA
Slides projected and explained during classes are uploaded before each lesson as PDF files on the UNIMI- MyAriel platform, as well as any additional material shown during classes or any supplementary material that the teacher mentioned and deems useful for the exam. Slides are very useful for passing the exam.
Laboratory Animal Breeding Unit (Prof.Marelli):
Coleman K., Schapiro S.J. (2021) Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Garattini, S., Grignaschi, G., Luzi, F., & Riva, F. (2015). Benessere ed animal care dell'animale da laboratorio. Point Veterinaire Italie
Suckow M.A. editor Laboratory Animal Pocket Reference (mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Weichbrod R.H., Thompson G.A., Norton J.N., editors. (2018) Management of Animal Care and Use Programs in Research, Education, and Testing. 2nd ed. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.· M.A. Suckow et al. (2001) "Management of Laboratory Animal Care and Use Programs", CRC Press, USA
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral (open questions) and will aim to:
- ensure that the objectives are achieved;
- assess the ability to apply knowledge and understanding;
- verify the autonomy of judgment of the student;
- ensure mastery of the specific language.
- ensure that the objectives are achieved;
- assess the ability to apply knowledge and understanding;
- verify the autonomy of judgment of the student;
- ensure mastery of the specific language.
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS - University credits: 5
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE - University credits: 3
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Practicals: 40 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 8 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 8 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Longeri Maria Lina Emilia, Marelli Stefano Paolo
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment to be requested via e-mail
Lodi Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali - floor III, room 3090