Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide a general view of the experimental approaches and areas of investigation in nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics, with particular attention to the most recent findings on molecular mechanisms through which nutrients affect the epigenome and gene expression and modulate the health status of the individual (nutrigenomics) and viceversa how gene variants can influence the individual response to diet and specific nutrients (nutrigenetics).
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired
(i) a deep knowledge of the mechanism by which feeding habits affect gene expression and how this can be related to the onset of diseases;
(ii) the knowledge of the experimental approaches used in nutrigenomic to evaluate the effects of specific nutrients in the treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases;
(iii) the understanding of the mechanisms by which genetic variability affect the outcome of dietary regimes;
(iv) the knowledge of the most relevant polymorphisms associated to susceptibility to diet-related diseases.
(i) a deep knowledge of the mechanism by which feeding habits affect gene expression and how this can be related to the onset of diseases;
(ii) the knowledge of the experimental approaches used in nutrigenomic to evaluate the effects of specific nutrients in the treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases;
(iii) the understanding of the mechanisms by which genetic variability affect the outcome of dietary regimes;
(iv) the knowledge of the most relevant polymorphisms associated to susceptibility to diet-related diseases.
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
- Definition and research approaches of nutrigenomics.
- Introduction to "omic" technologies applied to nutrigenomics.
- Effect of diet on epigenetic modifications of the genome in animal models and humans (nutriepigenetics).
- Mechanisms of action of nutrient sensors: examples of direct and indirect regulation of gene expression.
- Effect of diet on genome stability: role of micronutrient deficiencies in DNA damage and cancer.
- Effect of diet on the incidence of chronic diseases. Functional foods and their use on animal models to study prevention of chronic and age-related diseases (obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases).
- Caloric restriction and longevity.
- Definition and research approaches of nutrigenetics
- Origin and type of individual genetic variability relevant in nutrigenetics
- Gene variants affecting taste perception, lactose intolerance and nutrient metabolism
- Polymorphisms associated with metabolic (e.g. dyslipidemia, obesity) and cardiovascular diseases
- Applications in nutrigenetics
- Introduction to "omic" technologies applied to nutrigenomics.
- Effect of diet on epigenetic modifications of the genome in animal models and humans (nutriepigenetics).
- Mechanisms of action of nutrient sensors: examples of direct and indirect regulation of gene expression.
- Effect of diet on genome stability: role of micronutrient deficiencies in DNA damage and cancer.
- Effect of diet on the incidence of chronic diseases. Functional foods and their use on animal models to study prevention of chronic and age-related diseases (obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases).
- Caloric restriction and longevity.
- Definition and research approaches of nutrigenetics
- Origin and type of individual genetic variability relevant in nutrigenetics
- Gene variants affecting taste perception, lactose intolerance and nutrient metabolism
- Polymorphisms associated with metabolic (e.g. dyslipidemia, obesity) and cardiovascular diseases
- Applications in nutrigenetics
Prerequisites for admission
Students need to know basic concepts of Genetics and Molecular Biology
Teaching methods
Lectures with slides. Regular attendance and active participation during classes are strongly recommended to improve the understanding of the topics.
Teaching Resources
eaching materials (lecture slides, articles, reviews in PDF format) will be available on Ariel.
The following textbooks may be used as reference:
- Carlberg, Ulven, Molnár - Nutrigenomics - ed. Springer 2016
- Kohlmeier - Nutrigenetics - ed. Elsevier 2012
The following textbooks may be used as reference:
- Carlberg, Ulven, Molnár - Nutrigenomics - ed. Springer 2016
- Kohlmeier - Nutrigenetics - ed. Elsevier 2012
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam of Nutrigenomics is written and consists of multiple choice tests (75%) and open questions (25%).
Open questions will evaluate the acquisition of basic knowledge about scientific definitions and the ability to describe specific concepts/notions with a correct scientific language. The final grade is expressed as 30/30. Duration of exam: 2 hours. Exam grade will be communicated to the student through UNIMIA (ex SIFA).
Open questions will evaluate the acquisition of basic knowledge about scientific definitions and the ability to describe specific concepts/notions with a correct scientific language. The final grade is expressed as 30/30. Duration of exam: 2 hours. Exam grade will be communicated to the student through UNIMIA (ex SIFA).
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
upon request of an appointment