Signal Transduction

PROGRAM
This course focuses on mechanisms of intracellular signal transduction in eukaryotes. We will analyze specific topics on several well-characterized signaling pathways, and important, useful experimental approaches to study signal transduction. We will compare conserved and not conserved aspects during evolution. The course will also have in-depth discussion of specific topics in the signaling field.

Unit 1 (Gnesutta) 3 cfu
General principles of signal transduction
Signaling by Tyrosine kinase receptors: the Insulin receptor
mTOR signaling and translational control
Cellular and molecular responses to cell stress signals
Critical analysis of research articles related to the course's topics

Unit 2 (Costa) 3 cfu
Ca2+ as a second messenger
How the Ca2+ concentration is fine regulated inside the cell. Examples of the roles played by Ca2+ transporters and channels in developmental processes and in response to environmental stimuli in plant cells
Role of Ca2+ in the response of environmental stimuli, both abiotic and biotic
Ca2+ decoding mechanisms and their role in developmental and environmental responses processes. Kinases and Ca2+ binding proteins
"Sensor relays" and "sensor responders"
Second messengers' crosstalk. Ca2+ and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and NOS) in the mechanisms of local and systemic signalisation
The different topics will be presented by a detailed analysis of fundamental research papers in the field of signal transduction


TEACHING MATERIALS
All the material used for the classes will be made available at the dedicated Ariel website.


SPECIFIC REQUESTS AND EXAMINATION MODALITIES
Good knowledge of molecular and cell biology is highly recommended. Knowledge of mammalian and plant biology is also recommended.


EXAM MODALITY
Oral. For each Unit of the course, students will have to critically analyse, in the form of an oral presentation, a scientific paper chosen among the ones made available by the teachers. The presentation, consisting in a short introduction of the biological problem, and the critical analysis of the experiments reported in the paper, will be followed by discussion with the teacher on the signaling mechanisms analysed in the research article and during the course. The students will be also evaluated based on the theoretical knowledge of the different topics presented during the course. Teachers will raise specific questions at a dedicated test session, or at the time of the article presentation.


RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES
None


TEACHING METHODS
The classes will have a classical format with lessons given by the teachers during which the students can actively participate with questions and comments related to the considered subject.
Course attendance is highly recommended.


LANGUAGE
English


PROGRAM INFORMATION
Powerpoint slides and original papers will be made available on the dedicated Ariel website.


WEB PAGE
ariel.unimi.it > Signal Transduction
http://signaltransduction.ariel.ctu.unimi.it