Molecular Genetics and Animal Models
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
Molecular genetics and Animal models integrated course with Molecular Genetics and applications in domestic animals Unit aims to provide students with the theoretical foundations, scope and molecular genetic techniques applied to domestic animal breeding and selection . It also addresses some specific aspects relating to the genetic standardization of animals for experimental use. The Laboratory Animal Breeding unit provides the basis supplying the basic knowledge of the management procedures in laboratory animals. The course will provide basic knowledge on animal welfare in the studied species too.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire basic information regarding the management of laboratory animals in the technical-managerial, environmental and with aspects of biology respecting the welfare standards in force at European level. To achieve this goal, in addition to lectures, it is planned to carry out exercises at research facilities in the sector and at specialized centers for the breeding of laboratory animals. Students will consolidate their knowledge of genetics and will acquire specific information about the genetic principles and techniques underlying breeding, selection, and diagnostic in domestic and laboratory animals with a molecular genetic approach. To achieve these objectives, in addition to lectures, molecular genetics exercises and practical seminars are planned at facilities of the University of Milan, as well as in other centers of excellence of the territory.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Molecular Genetics and Applications in Domestic Animals unit (Prof.Longeri):
Lectures
- The selection of farm, pet and laboratory animals (mainly rodents). Concepts of kinship and consanguinity. Breeder associations, studbooks, registers, the concept of genetic evaluation of breeding stock (2hs)
- Qualitative and quantitative characters (2hs)
- Genes of veterinary interest. Concepts of mutation and genetic polymorphism. Principles and methods of PCR, allele-specific PCR, PCR / RFLP and electrophoresis techniques. (6hs)
- Principles and methods of automated nucleotide sequencing on clones, gDNA and mtDNA (4 hs)
- Molecular markers and their applications: genetic profile, paternity test, traceability of animals and products, genetic diversity. Principles and methods of fragment and SNV analysis. (6hs)
- Association and linkage. Molecular markers for genetic maps, gene mapping, haplotype concept. Hints on gene mapping with SNP microarray (4hs)
Practicals
- Educational visits to service and research laboratories specialized in animal molecular genetics (12hs)
- Individual practice of in silico analysis on the following topics: design of primers for PCR, identification of enzymes to set up a restriction, reading and alignment test of nucleotide sequences. Navigation in NCBI and Ensemble genomics databases (12 hs)
- Seminars (8Hs)
Laboratory Animal Breeding unit (Prof.Marelli)
Frontal lessons (16 hours)
Breeding and management of rodents
Breeding and management of lagomorphs
Environment and welfare in laboratory animals
Practice (16 hours)
Visits to industries that operate in the field of laboratory animal facilities
Visits to research centers that use laboratory animals
Lectures
- The selection of farm, pet and laboratory animals (mainly rodents). Concepts of kinship and consanguinity. Breeder associations, studbooks, registers, the concept of genetic evaluation of breeding stock (2hs)
- Qualitative and quantitative characters (2hs)
- Genes of veterinary interest. Concepts of mutation and genetic polymorphism. Principles and methods of PCR, allele-specific PCR, PCR / RFLP and electrophoresis techniques. (6hs)
- Principles and methods of automated nucleotide sequencing on clones, gDNA and mtDNA (4 hs)
- Molecular markers and their applications: genetic profile, paternity test, traceability of animals and products, genetic diversity. Principles and methods of fragment and SNV analysis. (6hs)
- Association and linkage. Molecular markers for genetic maps, gene mapping, haplotype concept. Hints on gene mapping with SNP microarray (4hs)
Practicals
- Educational visits to service and research laboratories specialized in animal molecular genetics (12hs)
- Individual practice of in silico analysis on the following topics: design of primers for PCR, identification of enzymes to set up a restriction, reading and alignment test of nucleotide sequences. Navigation in NCBI and Ensemble genomics databases (12 hs)
- Seminars (8Hs)
Laboratory Animal Breeding unit (Prof.Marelli)
Frontal lessons (16 hours)
Breeding and management of rodents
Breeding and management of lagomorphs
Environment and welfare in laboratory animals
Practice (16 hours)
Visits to industries that operate in the field of laboratory animal facilities
Visits to research centers that use laboratory animals
Prerequisites for admission
To take the Molecular Genetics and Applications in Domestic Animals unit exam having passed the Genetics exam of the first year is required.
Teaching methods
Both units:
All lectures will be held with the support of screening slides in Italian. Sometimes links to free websites will be used.
All lectures will be held with the support of screening slides in Italian. Sometimes links to free websites will be used.
Teaching Resources
Molecular Genetics and Applications in Domestic Animals unit (Prof.Longeri):
Slides projected and explained during classes are uploaded before each lesson as pdf files on UNIMI- MyAriel platform, as well as any additional material shown during classes or any supplementary material that teacher mentioned and deems useful for preparing the exam. Slides are very useful for passing the exam.
Laboratory Animal Breeding unit (Prof.Marelli):
Coleman K., Schapiro S.J. (2021) Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals. Routledge, Taylor & Francis group.
Garattini, S., Grignaschi, G., Luzi, F., & Riva, F. (2015). Benessere ed animal care dell'animale da laboratorio. Point Veterinaire Italie
Suckow M.A. editor Laboratory Animal Pocket Reference (mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit). Routledge, Taylor & Francis group.
Weichbrod R.H., Thompson G.A., Norton J.N., editors. (2018) Management of Animal Care and Use Programs in Research, Education, and Testing. 2nd ed. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.· M.A. Suckow et al. (2001) "Management of Laboratory Animal Care and Use Programs", CRC Press, USA.
Slides projected and explained during classes are uploaded before each lesson as pdf files on UNIMI- MyAriel platform, as well as any additional material shown during classes or any supplementary material that teacher mentioned and deems useful for preparing the exam. Slides are very useful for passing the exam.
Laboratory Animal Breeding unit (Prof.Marelli):
Coleman K., Schapiro S.J. (2021) Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals. Routledge, Taylor & Francis group.
Garattini, S., Grignaschi, G., Luzi, F., & Riva, F. (2015). Benessere ed animal care dell'animale da laboratorio. Point Veterinaire Italie
Suckow M.A. editor Laboratory Animal Pocket Reference (mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit). Routledge, Taylor & Francis group.
Weichbrod R.H., Thompson G.A., Norton J.N., editors. (2018) Management of Animal Care and Use Programs in Research, Education, and Testing. 2nd ed. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.· M.A. Suckow et al. (2001) "Management of Laboratory Animal Care and Use Programs", CRC Press, USA.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral (open questions) and will aim to:
- ensure that the objectives are achieved;
- assess the ability to apply knowledge and understanding;
- verify the autonomy of judgment of the student;
- ensure mastery of the specific language.
- ensure that the objectives are achieved;
- assess the ability to apply knowledge and understanding;
- verify the autonomy of judgment of the student;
- ensure mastery of the specific language.
Management of laboratory animals
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Marelli Stefano Paolo
Molecular genetics in domestic animals
AGR/17 - LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS, ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE
AGR/20 - AQUACULTURE, POULTRY AND RABBIT SCIENCE
Practicals: 24 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Longeri Maria Lina Emilia
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment to be requested via e-mail
Lodi Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali - floor III, room 3090