Molecular Microbiology

The course is organized into three modules. The number of laboratory animal models in comparative research has expanded due to new research techniques, the use of sophisticated genetic modification and breeding techniques. The objective of the course is to provide students of the master's degree in veterinary biotechnology with the insights for an appropriate approach to the study and characterization of infectious agents and their relevance to laboratory animals. The application of biotechnology has enabled the creation of transgenic animals (genetically modified GEM mice). New microbiological states have developed and their recognition and approach have changed in recent years by way of example as the microbiological state of laboratory animals can interfere with the results of experiments, some agents on the contrary cannot be eliminated and must be recognized as possible interferences. Scientific personnel from various disciplines are involved in the production and study of laboratory animals and their microbiological status, the significance of which is completely different from that of other animals. These different professions must integrate their specialties in a team collaboration. The course is organized into three teaching units:
A) Molecular aspects of microorganism-host interaction';
B) Molecular bases of microbial pathogenicity';
C) Experimental pathology (delivered in English)

Module: 'A' - 'Unit: Molecular aspects of microorganism-host interaction'. Program: Frontal didactics General aspects of microorganism-host interaction Molecular aspects of the host immune system Receptors: the molecules that recognize antigen and activate signal transduction Bacteria-host interactions Virus-host interactions Exercises Receptors for pathogens: isolation and molecular characterization Reference material: The material to be studied will be provided directly by the lecturer in class. Program for non-attending students: identical to the program for attending students
Module: B' - 'Unit: Molecular basis of microbial pathogenicity'. Program: Didactic unit: Molecular bases of microbial pathogenicity: Theoretical part: Introduction to the course Genetic mechanisms in pathogenicity Virulence factors: techniques for 'identification and their characteristics Virulence and its regulation: secretion systems and quorum sensing Molecular strategies for evasion from the host immune system Antibiotics and resistance Pathogenic microorganisms of veterinary interest New strategies in the control of pathogenicity: the microbiome and its modulation.
PRACTICALS: bioinformatic methods applied to the study of microbial pathogenicity SEMINARS: seminars will be conducted on some topics of the module under examination by researchers from within and/or outside the department engaged in research projects in microbiology. REFERENCE MATERIAL: Bibliography and other lecture materials / Readings Lecture Unit: Molecular basis of microbial pathogenicity: The lecture materials needed for the preparation of the exam both in electronic (pdf,ppt) and paper format will be provided to the students by the lecturer during the course.
Program for non-attending students: identical to the program for attending students.

Module: 'C' - 'Unit: Experimental Pathology'. Held in English Programme: The number of laboratory animal models in comparative research has expanded in quantity thanks to the application of biotechnologies to laboratory rodents that have permitted the creation of transgenic animals. Scientific personnel of various disciplines are involved in the production and study of laboratory animal models. These different professions need to integrate their specialties in team based collaboration. Objective of the course is to provide the students of biotechnological sciences with insights to the adequate approach to the comprehension of most utilized animal models. The course will illustrate and explain major comparative spontaneous and experimental models of disease from the perspective of pathology COURSE OBJECTIVES: Teaching objectives of the course are to provide the students with the technical and cultural knowledge to the understanding of anatomic pathology of laboratory animals. The course provides information on major spontaneous disease of laboratory rodents, of genetically modified mice and the use of laboratory rodents in research from the perspective of the anatomical pathologist. ORGANIZATION OF THE COURSE: The course will be held by the responsible aided by pathologists working in different fields with laboratory animals (academia, private research centers, pharmaceutical industry, contract laboratories). LECTURES: · Definition, types and most utilized animal models. · Transgenic mice: production and characterization. · Transgenic mouse models of infectious diseases. · Principles of phenotyping of transgenic mice · Principles of nomenclature of mouse strains and genetically modified mice. · Main spontaneous diseases (environmental, aging, infectious, neoplastic) in laboratory rodents · Main diseases of rodent laboratory strains · Immune deficient mice: infectious diseases.

PRACTICALS: practicals of the module will consist on rounds at the 15 headed microscope to examine pathological tissues relevant to the animal models.