The objective of the Molecular Basis of Disease and Therapeutic Targets course is to consider the pathology from a molecular point of view, with the aim of understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms and identifying new potential molecular targets. Students will acquire informations concerning the altered molecular patterns in different models of disease, focusing in particular on neoplastic diseases. Attention will be pointed also to epigenetics mechanisms whose role has been demonstrated in different pathologic states. Additionally, several experimental approaches to study relevant biological processes such as apoptosis, gene expression and epigenetic profiles, will be considered, as well as relevant examples of how how molecular targets have become real therapeutic approaches. Laboratory exercises will be conducted on topics covered in the course.

- The biology of cancer

- The control of DNA stability: repair vs mutation

- Regulation of gene expression: from transcription factors to chromatin structure

-       Methods for the study of gene expression

-       Methods for the study of epigenetics

- Growth factors signaling and oncogenes

- Growth inhibition and tumor suppressor genes

- Cell cycle and cancer

-       Methods to study the cell cycle

- Cell death and senescence

-       Experimental procedures for the study of senescence/cell death

- Molecular targets and the devlopment of new therapeutic strategies

- Laboratory exercise: Study of DNA methylation using the methylation-sensitive high resolution melting (MS-HRM) technique

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Knowledge and understanding - Acquisition of the tools to understand the molecular mechanisms of diseases and therapeutic targets. Ability to use the language of their specific discipline.

Applying knowledge and understanding - Ability to recognize and apply the cognitive tools and the rigorous approach of the Molecular Pathology as rational of any activity related directly and indirectly to health protection.

Indipendence of judgment - Being able to learn and independently evaluate the results of investigations on the pathogenesis of diseases and related therapeutic targets.

Communicative skills- Ability to explain, in a simple, immediate and exhaustive manner the acquired knowledge and to interface with future professional roles (researchers, students, health workers).

Learning ability - Upgrade capabilities through consultation of the scientific literatue related to the discipline. Ability to participate, using the knowledge gained in the course, to the continuous updating initiatives of the professional field.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

To give non-attending students the opportunity to compensate for what is done during the lessons with independent study, the following materials referring to the same contents of the program are indicated in order to promote full understanding: slides that will be uploaded by the teacher during carrying out the course.

Attendance

There are no attendance obligations but attendance at the course is strongly recommended.

Course books

To give non-attending students the opportunity to compensate for what is done during the lessons with independent study, the following materials referring to the same contents of the program are indicated in order to promote full understanding: slides that will be uploaded by the teacher during carrying out the course.

Assessment

In order to verify the preparation at the end of the course, the student will have to take an oral test aimed at verifying the understanding of the main aspects concerning the molecular basis of disease and the related therapeutic approaches. The critical processing capacity of the topics covered during the course and the quality of the student's oral presentation will also be assessed. 

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Attendance

There are no attendance obligations but attendance at the course is strongly recommended.

Course books

The teaching material produced by the teacher will be made available to students during the course.

Assessment

In order to verify the preparation at the end of the course, the student will have to take an oral test aimed at verifying the understanding of the main aspects concerning the molecular basis of disease and the related therapeutic approaches. The critical processing capacity of the topics covered during the course and the quality of the student's oral presentation will also be assessed. 

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

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