Catalogo dei Corsi di studio

To discuss the new frontiers of the research in genetics and neurosciences, focusing on the current biomedical approaches.

The course intends to focus on the up to date applications of molecular medicine, also promoting in the student a critical view on the results of current trials


Knowledge and understanding
Biomedicine and gene therapy vectors

Applying knowledge and understanding
Molecular medicine applied to neuroscience

Making judgements
Weaknesses and strengths of translational medicine

Communication skills
Team work for data discussion

Lifelong learning skills
Critical comprehension of scientific literature

Programme

Objectives
Discuss new frontiers of research in genetics and neurosciences, focusing on current gene and cell therapy approaches. The course intends to focus on the up to date applications of molecular medicine, also promoting in the student a critical view on the results and of bioethics issues of current trials.

Programme
1.Technology
Most up to date instruments for therapy of genetic diseases will be examined, including gene addition and cell therapy, gene transfer systems as recombinant viral vectors, tissue engineering with stem cells (embryonic, adult or induced pluripotent stem cells), genome editing (Crispr).
2. Disease
Emphasis will be given to the analysis of genetic and molecular bases of neurodegenerative diseases involving the central nervous system, of aging related diseases and of tumors.
3. Trials
Finally the course will include not only the analysis of preclinical studies in animal models, but also the discussion of clinical trials in human patients, to understand the concept of translational biomedicine in the neurosciences.

Adopted texts

Books on the list below are different alternatives, they are available at the Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin library. Students should take into consideration the subjects indicated in the program and teaching materials presented in class is available on the web site www.saggiolab.com, in the whoelse section.

Advanced Textbook on Gene Transfer, Gene Therapy and Genetic Pharmacology World Scientific Scherman 2014
Stem cell: biology and engineering / Puc Van Pham. Springer. 2018 ebook
Gene Therapy in Neurological Disorders 1st Edition, Kindle Edition
Cell and Gene Therapies (Advances and Controversies in Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy) 1st ed. 2019 Edition, Kindle Edition

Gene and cell therapy : therapeutic mechanisms and strategies / edited by Nancy Smyth Templeton
The development of human gene therapy / edited by Theodore Friedmann
Gene therapy: principles and applications / edited by Thomas Blankenstein
Cancer gene therapy / edited by David T. Curiel, Joanne T. Douglas
Concepts in genetic medicine / ed. by Boro Dropulic, Barrie Carter

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in genetics and molecular biology is needed for this course.

Study modes

In class teaching, in class discussion, lab work with tutoring.

Frequency modes

Compulsory for ongoing evaluation.

Exam modes

The exam will include the discussion of a research project created during in class lab work.

For those who can't be in class the exam will be in oral or written form with open questions.

Exam reservation date start	Exam reservation date end	Exam date
31/01/2022	02/02/2022	03/02/2022
19/02/2022	21/02/2022	22/02/2022
18/04/2022	19/04/2022	21/04/2022
05/06/2022	07/06/2022	08/06/2022
05/07/2022	07/07/2022	08/07/2022
07/07/2022	10/07/2022	08/07/2022
16/09/2022	17/09/2022	19/09/2022
11/12/2022	13/12/2022	14/12/2022
14/01/2023	15/01/2023	17/01/2023

Programme

Objectives
Discuss new frontiers of research in genetics and neurosciences, focusing on current gene and cell therapy approaches. The course intends to focus on the up to date applications of molecular medicine, also promoting in the student a critical view on the results and of bioethics issues of current trials.

Programme
1.Technology
Most up to date instruments for therapy of genetic diseases will be examined, including gene addition and cell therapy, gene transfer systems as recombinant viral vectors, tissue engineering with stem cells (embryonic, adult or induced pluripotent stem cells), genome editing (Crispr).
2. Disease
Emphasis will be given to the analysis of genetic and molecular bases of neurodegenerative diseases involving the central nervous system, of aging related diseases and of tumors.
3. Trials
Finally the course will include not only the analysis of preclinical studies in animal models, but also the discussion of clinical trials in human patients, to understand the concept of translational biomedicine in the neurosciences.

Adopted texts

Books on the list below are different alternatives, they are available at the Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin library. Students should take into consideration the subjects indicated in the program and teaching materials presented in class is available on elearning web site.

Advanced Textbook on Gene Transfer, Gene Therapy and Genetic Pharmacology World Scientific Scherman 2014
Stem cell: biology and engineering / Puc Van Pham. Springer. 2018 ebook
Gene Therapy in Neurological Disorders 1st Edition, Kindle Edition
Cell and Gene Therapies (Advances and Controversies in Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy) 1st ed. 2019 Edition, Kindle Edition

Gene and cell therapy : therapeutic mechanisms and strategies / edited by Nancy Smyth Templeton
The development of human gene therapy / edited by Theodore Friedmann
Gene therapy: principles and applications / edited by Thomas Blankenstein
Cancer gene therapy / edited by David T. Curiel, Joanne T. Douglas
Concepts in genetic medicine / ed. by Boro Dropulic, Barrie Carter

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in genetics and molecular biology is needed for this course.

Exam modes

The exam will include the discussion of a research project created during in class lab work.
For those who can't be in class the exam will be in oral form with open questions.