Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The objective of this course is to provide knowledge on: i) the path leading to drug development (basic research, pre-clinical trials and clinical studies); ii) molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying drugs activity; iii) pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics; iv) gene therapy; v) new molecular medications (RNA drugs); vi) role of stem cells in drug discovery and therapy. The course will also provide in addition to theoretical content a practical approach to the topics, with a specific focus on the design of experimental protocols and the use of models.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of this course, the student will know how new molecules with therapeutic activity can be developed and will have knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying drug properties.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Classes will be held during the second semester. More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for academic year 2021/22 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
Drug development. R&D from the Nineties to present. Rational approach to drug design. Molecular modelling. Hit identification. Lead optimisation and development of medications. Preclinical development of medications and clinical studies. GMP production.
Receptors, signal transduction and receptor classes. Modulation of receptor responses. Channel receptors, G-protein coupled receptors, growth factor receptors and cytokines. Intracellular calcium homeostasis. Pharmacological modulation of post-translational modifications.
Proteolysis. Mechanisms and pharmacology of intra-and extra-cellular proteolysis.
Intercellular communication. Pharmacological regulation of synaptic function. Pharmacology of neurosecretion. Pharmacological modulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission.
Pharmacology of gene transcription. Epigenetic drugs. RNA Drugs: Mechanisms of action, administration, chemical structure and toxicology.
Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics. The genome project and its relevance to drug development. Genomic medicine, precision Medicine, personalized medicine.
Gene therapy. Vectors and strategies of gene transfer. Gene therapy for monogenic diseases, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular system.
Stem cells in drug development and discovery. Stem cells therapies.
Receptors, signal transduction and receptor classes. Modulation of receptor responses. Channel receptors, G-protein coupled receptors, growth factor receptors and cytokines. Intracellular calcium homeostasis. Pharmacological modulation of post-translational modifications.
Proteolysis. Mechanisms and pharmacology of intra-and extra-cellular proteolysis.
Intercellular communication. Pharmacological regulation of synaptic function. Pharmacology of neurosecretion. Pharmacological modulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission.
Pharmacology of gene transcription. Epigenetic drugs. RNA Drugs: Mechanisms of action, administration, chemical structure and toxicology.
Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics. The genome project and its relevance to drug development. Genomic medicine, precision Medicine, personalized medicine.
Gene therapy. Vectors and strategies of gene transfer. Gene therapy for monogenic diseases, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular system.
Stem cells in drug development and discovery. Stem cells therapies.
Prerequisites for admission
The student must possess basic concepts of general and advanced pharmacology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
Teaching methods
Traditional frontal lesson with ppt slides and movies.
Teaching Resources
Scientific articles and reviews
Reference book: Francesco Clementi, Guido Fumagalli, General and Molecular Pharmacology Principles of Drug Action. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2015. ISBN 9781118768570
Reference book: Francesco Clementi, Guido Fumagalli, General and Molecular Pharmacology Principles of Drug Action. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2015. ISBN 9781118768570
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral test in which three topics are required to be covered. The duration of the oral test is 30 minutes.
The exam will be organised in order to:
- ascertain whether the course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding have been met;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge through the discussion of the topics covered during classes;
- verify the appropriate use of scientific language relating to the field of pharmacology and the ability to present the topics in a clear and logical way, with the necessary links to the content of other courses of the Degree Course.
The exam will be organised in order to:
- ascertain whether the course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding have been met;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge through the discussion of the topics covered during classes;
- verify the appropriate use of scientific language relating to the field of pharmacology and the ability to present the topics in a clear and logical way, with the necessary links to the content of other courses of the Degree Course.
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment previously agreed by e-mail
INGM, Padiglione Invernizzi, Via F. Sforza 35 4 piano Ala A