At the end of the lesson, the student will be able to:

1) Describe the main molecular mechanisms underlying calcium signaling in eukaryotic cells.

2) Analyze the role of intracellular calcium as a second messenger in different physiological and pathological contexts.

3) Identify the major sources and transport pathways of calcium, including release and reuptake dynamics from endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and plasma membrane.

4) Interpret experimental data related to calcium signaling obtained through imaging techniques, biosensors, or electrophysiology.

5) Critically discuss the implications of calcium signaling in key cellular processes such as muscle contraction, neurotransmission, apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation.

Calcium signaling in eukaryotic cells

Content description:

The lecture provides an in-depth overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying calcium signaling as a second messenger. Topics include major signaling pathways, the role of calcium in subcellular compartments (endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, cytosol), calcium channels and pumps and experimental approaches for intracellular and mitochondrial calcium analysis. The session also includes case studies highlighting physiological functions (e.g. muscle contraction, synaptic transduction) and pathological implications (e.g. neurodegeneration, cancer, mitochondrial dysfunction).

Main topics:

 - Calcium as a second messenger

- Calcium channels (VGCC, IP3R, RyR, SOC)

- Calcium homeostasis and subcellular compartmentalization

- Methods of analysis: fluorescent probes, Fura-2, GCaMP

- Examples of calcium signaling in various cell types

- Physiological and pathological relevance

None

- Knowledge and understanding

The student demonstrates advanced understanding of calcium signaling mechanisms at the molecular level, supported by analysis of primary sources and up-to-date scientific literature

- Applying knowledge and understanding

They can apply this knowledge to critically analyze experimental data, the design experiments, and interpret results in both physiological and pathological contexts. 

- Making judgments

They develop autonomous judgment skills in evaluating the relevance and validity of calcium signaling models across different cellular systems, even the presence of conflicting or partial data.

- Communication skills

They can effectively communicate complex concepts related to calcium signaling, both academic/scientific contexts (conferences, publications) and for broader audiences (scientific outreach).

- Learning skills

They demonstrate the ability to independently acquire new knowledge and techniques in the field of intracellular signaling, maintaining scientific rigor and continuous updating. 

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

The course will be structured using an active and participatory teaching approach, designed to promote critical learning and the connection between theory and research. The planned methods include:

- Interactive frontal lecture (with multimedia support):

Presentation of the fundamental concepts, calcium signaling pathways in physiological and pathological processes and the main pharmacological approaches. During the lectures, questions and brief discussion moments will be  encouraged to foster active reflection.