Training objectives
The aims of the course are to provide students with: - basic knowledge of the properties and functional plasticity of stem cells - understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical applications of stem cells - critical discussion of the elements of methodological approaches of cell therapy - capabilities to evaluate the applications of these methods in experimental models in vitro and in vivo - ability to understand the various technological approaches applied to regenerative medicine - ability to understand and draw tissue engineering solutions.
Prerequisites
The student should have knowledge about: - cell biology - Molecular biology - biochemistry - histology fundamentals - fundamentals of pathology acquired in attending the courses of General Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physiology and Pathology, Morphology and Embryology. There are no preparatory aspects.
Course programme
The course includes 48 hours of lessons distributed in the following program. Stem cells: definition, properties and biological functions (4h). Plasticity of embryonic and adult stem cells (2h). Notes on molecular mechanisms underlying the biological characteristics of stem cells (16h). Reprogramming of adult somatic cells into embryonic-like stem cells (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, iPSCs) (1h). Stem cells and cancer (1h). Isolation and characterization of stem cells in the laboratory (8h). The "cell therapy" based on the transplantation of stem cells (2h). Principles of tissue engineering (8h). Examples of applications of stem cells in regenerative medicine (4h). The stem cells as a drug: the "Good Manufacturing Practice regulations (GMP)" (2h).
Didactic methods
The course includes: - lectures, - group work on the analysis of international methods and results of scientific publications on the most important magazines of the sector, - exercises on stem cell manipulation.
Learning assessment procedures
TThe exam consists of an oral examination lasting about 45 minutes in which the student will be questioned on the teaching program. If the Covid emergency persists, the examination will be carried out electronically via the Google Meet platform. To pass the exam you need to acquire a minimum of 18 points out of 30.
Reference texts
Power point presentations used during the lectures. Specific topics will be analyzed on a regular downloadable material, made available by international experts or meeting planners.
Further information are available at the following web page.
