Molecular biology applied to biotechnology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course is aimed at giving the proper knowledge for the comprehension of biomolecular processes that are fundamental for cells and organisms function in both physiological and pathological conditions.
Expected learning outcomes
This course allows you to consolidate, deepen and broaden your knowledge of molecular biology with particular emphasis on RNA biology, genome organization and engineering.
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
-prove understanding and knowledge of the central aspects of molecular biology and their relevance and application to biomedical and biotechnology fields.
-engage in critical weighing of recent biomedical applications of molecular biology and critically assess different methods of research.
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
-prove understanding and knowledge of the central aspects of molecular biology and their relevance and application to biomedical and biotechnology fields.
-engage in critical weighing of recent biomedical applications of molecular biology and critically assess different methods of research.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
NON-CODING REGULATORY RNAs
- Small non coding RNAs (snRNA, snoRNA, siRNA, microRNA, piRNA): definition, classification, structure, mechanism of action and physio-pathological examples.
- Long non coding RNAs: definition, classification, structure, mechanism of action and physio-pathological examples.
DYNAMICS OF THE REPETITIVE ELEMENTS OF DNA IN CELL IDENTITY, DIFFERENTIATION, PATHOLOGIES AND THEIR EPIGENETIC ROLE.
- Tandem repeats, satellite DNA, VNTR, Retrotrasposons, SINEs, LINEs: definition, classification, structure, mechanism of action and physio-pathological examples.
3D GENOME ARCHITECTURE
- Genome hierarchy and organization.
- Models for the genome tridimensional organization.
- Functional role of nuclear domains and chromosome territories.
- Techniques for the study of 3D genome structure.
NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING: APPLICATIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS
- NGS: Principles and technologies.
- NGS applications: whole genome sequencing; transcriptomics; capture sequencing (exome sequencing and custom target); epigenetics.
- Single cell transcriptomics.
- Elements of bioinformatic for NGS data analysis.
GENOME ENGINEERING
- Gene trapping, gene targeting, conditional knockout.
- Homologous recombination, artificial restriction enzymes: Zinc Fingers Nucleases, TALEN, CRISPR/Cas9.
LABORATORY PRACTICE:
Methodologies for RNA analysis.
- Small non coding RNAs (snRNA, snoRNA, siRNA, microRNA, piRNA): definition, classification, structure, mechanism of action and physio-pathological examples.
- Long non coding RNAs: definition, classification, structure, mechanism of action and physio-pathological examples.
DYNAMICS OF THE REPETITIVE ELEMENTS OF DNA IN CELL IDENTITY, DIFFERENTIATION, PATHOLOGIES AND THEIR EPIGENETIC ROLE.
- Tandem repeats, satellite DNA, VNTR, Retrotrasposons, SINEs, LINEs: definition, classification, structure, mechanism of action and physio-pathological examples.
3D GENOME ARCHITECTURE
- Genome hierarchy and organization.
- Models for the genome tridimensional organization.
- Functional role of nuclear domains and chromosome territories.
- Techniques for the study of 3D genome structure.
NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING: APPLICATIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS
- NGS: Principles and technologies.
- NGS applications: whole genome sequencing; transcriptomics; capture sequencing (exome sequencing and custom target); epigenetics.
- Single cell transcriptomics.
- Elements of bioinformatic for NGS data analysis.
GENOME ENGINEERING
- Gene trapping, gene targeting, conditional knockout.
- Homologous recombination, artificial restriction enzymes: Zinc Fingers Nucleases, TALEN, CRISPR/Cas9.
LABORATORY PRACTICE:
Methodologies for RNA analysis.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Molecular Biology: main molecular biology techniques for DNA, RNA and protein analysis, gene expression (DNA replication, transcription and translation), basic concepts of epigenetics, non-coding RNAs.
Teaching methods
The teacher will use frontal lectures, analysis of scientific papers and a bioinformatics laboratory.
Attendance is compulsory.
During the course bibliographic references on the topics presented will be provided by the teacher.
Attendance is compulsory.
During the course bibliographic references on the topics presented will be provided by the teacher.
Teaching Resources
During the course we will be provided by the teachers bibliographic references on the topics presented.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination at the end of the course + journal club (group presentation of a paper) during the course.
Parameters measured: ability to organize the knowledge effectively and to think critically about what has been studied.
Assessment results in 30-point scale.
Parameters measured: ability to organize the knowledge effectively and to think critically about what has been studied.
Assessment results in 30-point scale.
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 7
Practicals: 32 hours
Lessons: 35 hours
Lessons: 35 hours
Professor:
Pagani Massimiliano
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Pagani MassimilianoProfessor(s)