Cellular Communication and Signal Transduction
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course provides fundamental informations on the principles and techniques used in protein engineering , knowledge about the cellular signaling and communication, with particular regard to the endocrine glands function and the main mechanism of hormones action they produc
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: the student must demonstrate that he possesses the knowledge about the principles and techniques inherent in protein engineering and signal biochemistry. In addition, knowledge concerning cellular communication, with particular regard to the main endocrine glands function and to the hormone control mechanism.
Knowledge and applied understanding: the student must demonstrate the ability to connect various topics regarding protein engineering, signal biochemistry and cellular communication, with particular attention to endocrinology, in order to be able to adequately address the training process.
Communication skills: the student must demonstrate to be able to use an appropriate terminology, which allows him to express adequately the acquired knowledge.
Ability to learn: the student will have to demonstrate to be able, in total autonomy, to increase the knowledge of the topics of the syllabus.
Knowledge and applied understanding: the student must demonstrate the ability to connect various topics regarding protein engineering, signal biochemistry and cellular communication, with particular attention to endocrinology, in order to be able to adequately address the training process.
Communication skills: the student must demonstrate to be able to use an appropriate terminology, which allows him to express adequately the acquired knowledge.
Ability to learn: the student will have to demonstrate to be able, in total autonomy, to increase the knowledge of the topics of the syllabus.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into two teaching units, and it aims to provide students with a broad and integrated understanding of various aspects of protein engineering, cell signalling and endocrinology.
TEACHING UNIT "PROTEIN ENGINEERING AND SIGNAL BIOCHEMISTRY":
Study of expression and function of genes
Production of recombinant proteins from heterologous systems
Site-directed mutagenesis
Rnase protection assay
siRNA and miRNA silencing
Dna-protein interaction analysis
Protein-protein interaction analysis
Analysis of complex
Extracellular signals: hormones, cytokines and growth factors
receptors
Protein phosphorylation: kinases and phosphatases
Camp, adenylate cyclase and the role of g protein
Inositol phosphate metabolism and the role of other membrane lipids
Intracellular calcium: it's control and role as an intracellular signal
Nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and carbon monoxide
TEACHING UNIT "CELLULAR COMMUNICATION AND ENDOCRINE FUNCTION":
Intercellular communication and membrane receptors
Characteristics of endocrine functions
Synthesis and mechanical action of peptide hormones
Synthesis and mechanical action of steroid hormones
Hypothalamic hormones
Pituitary hormones
Thyroid hormones
Adrenocortical hormones
Adrenal medullary hormones
Hormonal Control of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Hormonal Control of Calcium homeostasis
Hormonal Control of energy metabolism
TEACHING UNIT "PROTEIN ENGINEERING AND SIGNAL BIOCHEMISTRY":
Study of expression and function of genes
Production of recombinant proteins from heterologous systems
Site-directed mutagenesis
Rnase protection assay
siRNA and miRNA silencing
Dna-protein interaction analysis
Protein-protein interaction analysis
Analysis of complex
Extracellular signals: hormones, cytokines and growth factors
receptors
Protein phosphorylation: kinases and phosphatases
Camp, adenylate cyclase and the role of g protein
Inositol phosphate metabolism and the role of other membrane lipids
Intracellular calcium: it's control and role as an intracellular signal
Nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and carbon monoxide
TEACHING UNIT "CELLULAR COMMUNICATION AND ENDOCRINE FUNCTION":
Intercellular communication and membrane receptors
Characteristics of endocrine functions
Synthesis and mechanical action of peptide hormones
Synthesis and mechanical action of steroid hormones
Hypothalamic hormones
Pituitary hormones
Thyroid hormones
Adrenocortical hormones
Adrenal medullary hormones
Hormonal Control of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Hormonal Control of Calcium homeostasis
Hormonal Control of energy metabolism
Prerequisites for admission
The prerequisites required to pass the exam are the knowledge of anatomy and general physiology and the most common laboratory techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Teaching methods
Signal protein and biochemistry engineering: frontal lectures and practical exercises focused on topics dealt with theoretically.
Cellular communication and endocrine function: lectures and classroom exercises. The classroom exercises will take place as follows: in the first 2 a bibliographic search will be performed using the main databases available and the correct construction of a scientific work will be discussed. Subsequently, the students themselves, divided into groups of 2 or 3 persons, will proceed to the exposure and analysis of a scientific work of their choice, concerning the endocrinology of domestic or unconventional animals.
Cellular communication and endocrine function: lectures and classroom exercises. The classroom exercises will take place as follows: in the first 2 a bibliographic search will be performed using the main databases available and the correct construction of a scientific work will be discussed. Subsequently, the students themselves, divided into groups of 2 or 3 persons, will proceed to the exposure and analysis of a scientific work of their choice, concerning the endocrinology of domestic or unconventional animals.
Teaching Resources
Didactic material provided in class and available on the Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The course is divided into two teaching units:
1) Signal protein and biochemistry engineering: written test with open questions. The final grade will take into account the accuracy and quality of the answers, as well as the communication skills. Time available to complete the exam: 2 hours. Vote expressed out of thirty.
2) Cellular communication and endocrine function: written test composed of 15 questions with 4 answers, and only one correct. Time available to complete the exam: 1 hour. Vote expressed out of thirty unit, also taking into account the opinion obtained in the discussion of the reports presented during the exercises.
The final vote results from the weighted average of the vote reported in each teaching.
1) Signal protein and biochemistry engineering: written test with open questions. The final grade will take into account the accuracy and quality of the answers, as well as the communication skills. Time available to complete the exam: 2 hours. Vote expressed out of thirty.
2) Cellular communication and endocrine function: written test composed of 15 questions with 4 answers, and only one correct. Time available to complete the exam: 1 hour. Vote expressed out of thirty unit, also taking into account the opinion obtained in the discussion of the reports presented during the exercises.
The final vote results from the weighted average of the vote reported in each teaching.
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 4
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 42 hours
Lessons: 42 hours
Professors:
Albertini Mariangela, Maffioli Elisa Margherita
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)