Functional, Metabolic and Epigenetic Biochemistry
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
Cellular homeostasis is the resultant of a complex network of chemical reactions and metabolic pathways occurring within the different organelles present in the cell and in a continuous and dynamic cross-talk. The regulation of gene expression plays a significant role in all cell regulatory activities and epigenetic modification of the DNA have a unique role in the control of specific cell functions. Deviances from natural homeostasis generally result in pathology. The aim of the course will be to familiarize the students with major intracellular potential targets of selected classes of xenobiotics and environmental stressors of chemical and physical nature and with the methodologies to be applied for the study and identification of xenobiotics potentially harmful for human health.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will acquire the biochemical and molecular bases that regulate metabolism and other cellular functions in different cell types and organs. In particular, students will be able to understand molecular mechanisms of regulation of metabolism in response to hormones, nutritional and environmental cues. Students will also acquire knowledge on epigenome modifications and how they are implicated in the regulation of diverse cellular processes, including metabolism, gene transcription, differentiation, cell reprogramming in health and disease and in response to environmental stimuli (e.g., xenobiotics) that may impact other generations (transgenerational effects).
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
Teaching methods
The lessons will be held on the Microsoft Teams platform and part of them will take place in a classroom on a biweekly basis, following a calendar that will be communicated to students at the beginning of the course. The lessons can be followed both synchronously based on the timetable of the first semester and asynchronously because the recordings of the lessons will be made available to students on the same platform and possibly on Ariel platform.
Information about the organization of the lessons and how to access Microsoft Teams and any other information about teaching will be available on the ARIEL teaching site: it is therefore recommended to consult it regularly. According to the evolution of the epidemic and in compliance with the relevant regulations, it will be possible to modify the modalities of the activities planned in the classroom, informing students through ARIEL.
Program and reference material
The program and reference material will not be changed.
Methods of learning verification and evaluation criteria
The examination will be conducted orally using the Microsoft Teams platform or, where regulations permit, in attendance. The examination, in particular, will be aimed at:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and comprehension;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the discussion of topics typical of the subject (e.g. importance of metabolic pathways, methods of regulation, principles of structure of biologically active molecules, etc);
- ascertain the mastery of the specific language related to biochemistry;
- verify the student's ability to connect the various topics of the program and to have an holistic view of the subject.
There will be some formative evaluation activities through multiple-choice questions using digital platforms (e.g. Moodle). Participation in these activities is highly recommended as a self-evaluation to prepare the final oral exam.
The lessons will be held on the Microsoft Teams platform and part of them will take place in a classroom on a biweekly basis, following a calendar that will be communicated to students at the beginning of the course. The lessons can be followed both synchronously based on the timetable of the first semester and asynchronously because the recordings of the lessons will be made available to students on the same platform and possibly on Ariel platform.
Information about the organization of the lessons and how to access Microsoft Teams and any other information about teaching will be available on the ARIEL teaching site: it is therefore recommended to consult it regularly. According to the evolution of the epidemic and in compliance with the relevant regulations, it will be possible to modify the modalities of the activities planned in the classroom, informing students through ARIEL.
Program and reference material
The program and reference material will not be changed.
Methods of learning verification and evaluation criteria
The examination will be conducted orally using the Microsoft Teams platform or, where regulations permit, in attendance. The examination, in particular, will be aimed at:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and comprehension;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the discussion of topics typical of the subject (e.g. importance of metabolic pathways, methods of regulation, principles of structure of biologically active molecules, etc);
- ascertain the mastery of the specific language related to biochemistry;
- verify the student's ability to connect the various topics of the program and to have an holistic view of the subject.
There will be some formative evaluation activities through multiple-choice questions using digital platforms (e.g. Moodle). Participation in these activities is highly recommended as a self-evaluation to prepare the final oral exam.
Course syllabus
1. Liver and its structure in relation with its functions. Metabolism and molecular
mechanisms of regulation of metabolic pathways. Glucose, lipid and amino acid
metabolism. Mevalonate pathway, cholesterol and bile acid synthesis and metabolism. Lipoprotein metabolism. Metabolism of xenobiotics.
2. Adipose tissues: "the adipose organ". Molecular mechanisms of differentiation and of metabolic functions of adipose tissues. Molecular mechanisms of lipogenesis and lipolysis. Role of factors released by adipose tissues in metabolic homeostasis.
3. Skeletal muscle and bone: metabolic features of skeletal muscle fibers. Biochemical determinants of skeletal muscle remodeling. Structure and components of the bone. Calcium metabolism. Biochemistry and metabolism of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and of bone remodeling. Role of factors released by skeletal muscles and bones on metabolic homeostasis.
4. Brain: metabolic functions of main brain cell populations. Regulation of glucose metabolism in neurons and astrocytes. Cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in the brain and their functional role.
5. Regulation of metabolism. Interorgan correlations. Regulation of metabolism in response to hormones and nutritional status. Molecular mechanisms of regulation of metabolism.
6. Epigenetics and regulation. Modifications of DNA bases. Histone modifications. Epigenetic marks of transcriptional activation and repression.
7. Stem cells, differentiation and epigenetics. Epigenetics and cell reprogramming. Environment and epigenetics. Transgenerational effects of epigenome modifications.
mechanisms of regulation of metabolic pathways. Glucose, lipid and amino acid
metabolism. Mevalonate pathway, cholesterol and bile acid synthesis and metabolism. Lipoprotein metabolism. Metabolism of xenobiotics.
2. Adipose tissues: "the adipose organ". Molecular mechanisms of differentiation and of metabolic functions of adipose tissues. Molecular mechanisms of lipogenesis and lipolysis. Role of factors released by adipose tissues in metabolic homeostasis.
3. Skeletal muscle and bone: metabolic features of skeletal muscle fibers. Biochemical determinants of skeletal muscle remodeling. Structure and components of the bone. Calcium metabolism. Biochemistry and metabolism of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and of bone remodeling. Role of factors released by skeletal muscles and bones on metabolic homeostasis.
4. Brain: metabolic functions of main brain cell populations. Regulation of glucose metabolism in neurons and astrocytes. Cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in the brain and their functional role.
5. Regulation of metabolism. Interorgan correlations. Regulation of metabolism in response to hormones and nutritional status. Molecular mechanisms of regulation of metabolism.
6. Epigenetics and regulation. Modifications of DNA bases. Histone modifications. Epigenetic marks of transcriptional activation and repression.
7. Stem cells, differentiation and epigenetics. Epigenetics and cell reprogramming. Environment and epigenetics. Transgenerational effects of epigenome modifications.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge in Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Physiology, General and Organic Chemistry and Physics from BS degree.
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures. During classes the teacher often interacts with students by asking them questions aimed at stimulating discussion and deeper understanding of concepts and topics.
Teaching Resources
pdf files of the slides are available for students and are continuously updated when necessary through the teacher's web portal. References to specific articles illustrated and discussed during the lectures are indicated in the pdf of the slides.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Mode:
Individual oral test
Type:
Due to the COVID-19 emergency the exam will be oral through the MS Teams platform. If social distancing regulations allow it, the exam will be written with two open questions (one hour or 1.5 hour maximum) followed by discussion on the written test on the topics illustrated to students during the classes, with the aim of assessing how the concepts have been acquired.
Evaluation parameters:
Critical discussion of topics covered during frontal lessons, through which understanding, correctness, appropriateness of language, ability to connect different topics of the program and apply them to relevant biological questions will be evaluated
Type of evaluation:
Rated in thirtieths
Notification of results:
The results of the exams will be notified at the end of the test and will be recorded through the appropriate portal of reporting predisposed for each course
Individual oral test
Type:
Due to the COVID-19 emergency the exam will be oral through the MS Teams platform. If social distancing regulations allow it, the exam will be written with two open questions (one hour or 1.5 hour maximum) followed by discussion on the written test on the topics illustrated to students during the classes, with the aim of assessing how the concepts have been acquired.
Evaluation parameters:
Critical discussion of topics covered during frontal lessons, through which understanding, correctness, appropriateness of language, ability to connect different topics of the program and apply them to relevant biological questions will be evaluated
Type of evaluation:
Rated in thirtieths
Notification of results:
The results of the exams will be notified at the end of the test and will be recorded through the appropriate portal of reporting predisposed for each course
Professor(s)
Reception:
Ask for appointment
Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, via Balzaretti 9