Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/18
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide a general view of the experimental approaches and areas of investigation in nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics, with particular attention to the most recent findings on molecular mechanisms through which nutrients affect the epigenome and gene expression and modulate the health status of the individual (nutrigenomics) and viceversa how gene variants can influence the individual response to diet and specific nutrients (nutrigenetics).
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired
(i) a deep knowledge of the mechanism by which feeding habits affect gene expression and how this can be related to the onset of diseases;
(ii) the knowledge of the experimental approaches used in nutrigenomic to evaluate the effects of specific nutrients in the treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases;
(iii) the understanding of the mechanisms by which genetic variability affect the outcome of dietary regimes;
(iv) the knowledge of the most relevant polymorphisms associated to susceptibility to diet-related diseases.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
- Definition and research approaches of nutrigenomics.
- Introduction to "omic" technologies applied to nutrigenomics.
- Effect of diet on epigenetic modifications of the genome in animal models and humans (nutriepigenetics).
- Mechanisms of action of nutrient sensors: examples of direct and indirect regulation of gene expression.
- Effect of diet on genome stability: role of micronutrient deficiencies in DNA damage and cancer.
- Effect of diet on the incidence of chronic diseases. Functional foods and their use on animal models to study prevention of chronic and age-related diseases (obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases).
- Caloric restriction and longevity.
- Definition and research approaches of nutrigenetics
- Origin and type of individual genetic variability relevant in nutrigenetics
- Gene variants affecting taste perception, lactose intolerance and nutrient metabolism
- Polymorphisms associated with metabolic (e.g. dyslipidemia, obesity) and cardiovascular diseases
- Applications in nutrigenetics
Prerequisites for admission
Students need to know basic concepts of Genetics and Molecular Biology
Teaching methods
Lectures with slides. Regular attendance and active participation during classes are strongly recommended to improve the understanding of the topics.
Teaching Resources
Teaching materials (lecture slides, articles, reviews in PDF format) will be available on MyAriel.
The following textbooks may be used as reference:
- Carlberg, Ulven, Molnár - Nutrigenomics: How science works - ed. Springer 2020
- Kohlmeier - Nutrigenetics: applying the science of personal nutrition - ed. Elsevier 2012
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam of Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics is written and consists of multiple choice tests (75%) and open questions (25%).
Open questions will evaluate the acquisition of basic knowledge about scientific definitions and the ability to describe specific concepts/notions with a correct scientific language. The final grade is expressed as 30/30. Duration of exam: 2 hours. Exam grade will be communicated to the student through UNIMIA (ex SIFA).
BIO/18 - GENETICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor: Petroni Katia
Professor(s)
Reception:
upon request of an appointment