Experimental Medicine

Dottorati
Doctoral programme (PhD)
A.Y. 2020/2021
Study area
Medicine and Healthcare
Doctoral programme (PhD)
3
Years
Dipartimento di Biotecnologie mediche e medicina traslazionale - Via L. Vanvitelli, 32 - 20129 Milano
English
PhD Coordinator
Experimental medicine develops and applies technology and biological models for studying pathogenic mechanisms in human disease. It involves various disciplines (biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, immunology, genetics and microbiology/virology) that are providing a rapidly growing understanding of the mechanisms that enable the development of pathological processes. The course aims to acquaint students with the technologies and research methodologies in the area of biomedicine and biotechnology based on in vitro and in vivo experimental models and '-omic' approaches, and on their application to the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of human disease. The final objective is the formation of high-level scientists able to combine an understanding of biological processes and pathogenic mechanisms through the application of advanced experimental techniques. The programme's specific objectives are:
1) develop the ability to define problems and devise experiments to solve them in accordance with scientific standards;
2) study biochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms in physiopathology using advanced technologies;
3) develop the ability to critically assess scientific literature;
4) provide solid, up-to-date knowledge in the specific field;
5) teach how to conduct independent research, and inform on related ethical implications.
Tutte le classi di laurea magistrale - All classes of master's degree
Dipartimento di Biotecnologie mediche e medicina traslazionale - Via L. Vanvitelli, 32 - 20129 Milano
Title Professor(s)
Study of the molecular-level association between epigenetic marks, environmental factors and cognitive aging
Requirements: Biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, data handling
Combined pharmacological approaches for spinal cord injury regeneration
Requirements: Strong commitment to basic and translational research. Well-developed social skills, hands-on attitude and ability to work in a team
Identification of novel genetic determinants in the aethiopathogenesis of the congenital GnRH deficiency
Requirements: Eventual experience on endocrine regulatory mechanisms of reproduction, next generation sequencing technique and analysis, molecular biology techniques for gene expression studies, and zebrafish model
Dissecting G proteins and beta-arrestins signaling pathways downstream conventional and atypical chemokine receptors in health and disease
Requirements: Basic cellular and molecular biology; biochemical competences
Priming strategies to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell therapies as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP)
Requirements: Strong scientific motivation, competence in developing Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP). Any experience in cell culture and molecular biology is appreciated. Strong commitment to basic and translational research are welcome.
Impact of Notch signaling on extracellular vesicles-mediated tumor progression in multiple myeloma
Requirements: Basic molecular and cellular biology technical skills
Strategies to increase activation, expansion, survival, tissue penetration, cytotoxicity and to monitor CD19 chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR T) cells used for refractory/relapsed aggressive Lymphomas.
Role of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis
Requirements: Basic experience in cell culture techniques and iPS technology, basic experience in flow cytometry, molecular biology and related computational analytical approaches, willingness to spend periods abroad for training and collaborations
Involvement of mitochondrial fission and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) in the pathogenesis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and therapeutic role of their manipulation.
Requirements: Strong interest in investigation of molecular mechanisms associated with mitochondria and responsible for the progression of DMD and in the setting of preclinical studies with the DMD mouse model to improve the dystrophic phenotype.
Use of induced pluripotent stem cells iPS for the study of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) disease: focus on Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome.
Requirements: Strong background in molecular biology, with emphasis on nucleic acid manipulation and mRNA quantitation and in the study of protein expression by Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.
Stimulating neuronal activity in Mecp2 deficient brain to improve typical symptoms of Rett syndrome
Transcriptional and epigenetic traits associated with macrophage plasticity.
Requirements: Basic skills of cellular and molecular biology
3D Coculture Model: a Tool to Analyze the Cross Talk Between Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells
Understanding the complex relationship between genetic, environment, epigenetics and microbiota composition in the development and prognosis of autoimmune diseases.
Innate immunity and tumour escape mechanisms in the prognosis and therapy of ovarian and uterine cancers
Requirements: Basic experience/knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques, flow cytometry and iPSC technology. Basic knowledge/experience on analytical approaches with computational methods. Availability of spending periods abroad for training and collaborations.
Cross-talk between oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the vulnerability for psychiatric diseases and in the mechanism of action of psychotropic drugs
Requirements: Gene and protein expression analysis, cell colture
Single-cell CRISPR pooled screening to dissect gene–function relations in colo-rectal cancer derived organoids.
Development of novel therapeutic approaches to aggressive thyroid cancers, in vivo and in vitro studies
Requirements: Previous experience with cell culture and oncological studies
Zebrafish (danio rerio) as a model system for the functional validation of candidate genes in human diseases.
Requirements: Expertise in cellular and molecular biology
Aggregation mechanisms of TDP-43 protein in response to stress in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and therapeutic approaches
Requirements: Expertise in molecular biology and cell biology
Role of macrophage iron in tumor pathogenesis
Requirements: Good knowledge of the major tecnique and experimental approches of cell and molecolar biology
Targeting local microbiota as a novel strategy to prevent cancer/metastases and improve immunotherapy efficacy
Requirements: Experience in a research lab in a field related to cell biology/ molecular biology and immunology.
New zebrafish models for preclinical research of pituitary tumors.
Requirements: Basic molecular and cellular biology technical skills

Courses list

December 2020
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Compulsory
Biomedical Statistics 2
5 25 English
February 2021
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Optional
Animal Models of Human Disease: Zebrafish as an Animal Model to Study Human Diseases 2 10 English
March 2021
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Optional
Bioinformatics Tools to Carry Out Functional Genomics Analysis of Omics Data 2 12 English
April 2021
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Optional
How to Prepare a Graphical Abtract in Experimental Medicine Field
2 12 English
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) and Organoids in Neurobiology and in Neurodegenerative Diseases 2 10 English
May 2021
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Optional
Flow Cytometry in Biomedical Research 4 21 English
June 2021
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Optional
Improving Your Statistical Skills in Biomedical Sciences
3 15 English
Translational Potential of Cell Metabolism as New Pharmacological Target 3 15 English