Biomarkers: from Identification to Exploitation

A.Y. 2020/2021
10
Max ECTS
88
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/14 CHIM/08 MED/13
Language
English
Learning objectives
The objective of the course is to provide the students with the skills to understand how to identify a new biomarker taking advantage of omics strategy and population studies. Processes to validate the detection strategy for a biomarker, the statistical analysis to correlate the biomarker with a clinical outcome, and market exploitation will be discussed.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have the knowledge to design strategies to discover and validate novel biomarkers.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Unit: Bioanalytical methods in drug and biomarkers discovery
Lessons will be delivered synchronously through the Microsoft Teams platform (24 hours)

Unit: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
The frontal lessons will be delivered in synchronous mode partly through the Microsoft Teams platform (8 hours) and partly (8 hours) in presence. Similarly, the 16 hours of ESEPS will be delivered via Teams (12 hours) or in person (4 hours).

Module: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
Lessons will be delivered synchronously through Zoom platform (32 hours)
Prerequisites for admission
Unit: Bioanalytical methods in drug and biomarkers discovery
None

Unit: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
None

Module: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry
Assessment methods and Criteria
Unit: Bioanalytical methods in drug and biomarkers discovery
The exam consists of an open-ended written question on all the topics of the program. The exam aims to assess the achievement of the following learning outcomes: knowledge of the procedures for processing and evaluating experimental data; knowledge of the basic principles and procedures of the most important bio analytical techniques; the ability to establish the most suitable technique to solve a specific bio analytical problem.

Unit: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
The exam consists in an oral exam during which the level of knowledge of the concepts described during the course will be assessed and the critical capacity of the candidate will be assessed regarding the consistency, validity and any needs still to be satisfied in the context of biomarkers in pharmacology. The mark will be expressed in thirtieths.

Module: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
The exam consists in an oral exam during which the level of knowledge of the concepts described during the course will be assessed.
Module: Bioanalytical methods and pharmacological validation of biomarkers
Course syllabus
Unit: Bioanalytical methods in drug and biomarkers discovery
Statistical methods of data processing
Analytical instrumental techniques in the determination of biomarkers
Bioanalytical approaches in the study of biomarkers
Applications in vascular pathologies and cancer

Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
Definition of Biomarkers
Biomarkers in pharmacology and drug discovery
Biomarkers validation
Biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases
Biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases
Biomarkers in neuropsychopharmacology
Teaching methods
Active Lectures
Teaching Resources
All the slides presented by the teacher and the scientific article will be available on Ariel website
Module: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
Course syllabus
General concepts of endocrinology
Biosynthesis, secretion and transport of peptide hormones
Biosynthesis, secretion and transport of steroid hormones
Mechanism of action of peptide hormones
Mechanism of action of steroid hormones
Hypothalamus, pituitary and neuroendocrine physiopathology
Physiopathology of parathyroid glands
Physiopathology of thyroid gland
Endocrine pancreas and diabetes mellitus
Physiopathology of the reproduction
Physiopathology of adrenal glands
Teaching methods
Active Lectures
Teaching Resources
Williams Textbook of Endocrinology, Shlomo Melmed et al, Elsevier

Greenspan's Basic and Clinical Endocrinology, David Gardner, McGraw-Hill

Principles of Endocrinology and hormone action, Antonino Belfiore & Derek, Springer

All slides presented by the teacher will be available on Ariel website


LeRoith, Springer
Module: Bioanalytical methods and pharmacological validation of biomarkers
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY
CHIM/08 - PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Shifts:
Pharmacological validation of biomarkers
Professor: Calabrese Francesca
Module: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
MED/13 - ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM - University credits: 4
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor: Melcangi Cosimo