Biomarkers: from Identification to Exploitation
A.Y. 2023/2024
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.
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Prerequisites for admission
Teaching Unit A: Bioanalytical methods in drug and biomarkers discovery
None
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
None
Teaching Unit: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry
None
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
None
Teaching Unit: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry
Assessment methods and Criteria
Teaching Unit A: 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.
Teaching Unit B: 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.
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.
Teaching Unit B: 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: Bioanalytical methods and pharmacological validation of biomarkers
Course syllabus
Teaching Unit A: 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
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
Frontal lessons:
Definition of Biomarkers
Biomarkers in pharmacology and drug discovery
Biomarkers validation
Biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases
Biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases
Biomarkers in neuropsychopharmacology
ESEPS: discussion of scientific papers and clinical trials. The students are divided in working groups for the first part and then all the groups will share their conclusion for a collegial discussion. The teacher will actively participate to the work of each single the groups and to the final debate.
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
Teaching Unit B: Pharmacological Validation of biomarkers
Frontal lessons:
Definition of Biomarkers
Biomarkers in pharmacology and drug discovery
Biomarkers validation
Biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases
Biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases
Biomarkers in neuropsychopharmacology
ESEPS: discussion of scientific papers and clinical trials. The students are divided in working groups for the first part and then all the groups will share their conclusion for a collegial discussion. The teacher will actively participate to the work of each single the groups and to the final debate.
Teaching methods
Active Lectures. Frontal lessons: frequency not mandatory but suggested. ESEPS: frequency is mandatory.
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: hormones, receptors, and endocrine axis.
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal gland axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Growth "axis": pathophysiology and biomarkers
Prolactin: pathophysiology
Posterior pituitary hormones: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Calcium metabolism: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Endocrine pancreas: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal gland axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal axis: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Growth "axis": pathophysiology and biomarkers
Prolactin: pathophysiology
Posterior pituitary hormones: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Calcium metabolism: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Endocrine pancreas: pathophysiology and biomarkers
Teaching methods
Active Lectures. Frequency is not mandatory even if it is strongly suggested.
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
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
CHIM/08 - PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Calabrese Francesca, D'Amato Alfonsina
Module: Molecular endocrinology and endocrine biomarkers
MED/13 - ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM - University credits: 4
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Giatti Silvia