Biotechnological and Molecular Strategies in the Control of Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This course aims mainly to provide theoretical bases for improvement and management of biotechnological processes and the use of enzymes technology for production of compounds by industrial bioprocesses. The course is ideally linked to those dealing with protein engineering, structural biology, enzymology, bioinformatics.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of this class, the students are expected to:
1) have acquired understanding of importance of metabolic pathways on process development;
2) have understood the rational of metabolic engineering strategies (approaches and methods) utilized to improve cellular performance;
3) have acquired understanding of theoretical aspects and experimental approaches to engineer microorganisms in the context of biotechnological applications;
4) be able to recognize some relevant applications of free or immobilized enzymes for the biotransformations of both natural and non-natural substrates in terms of enzymes involved, products obtained and operational details.
5) have acquired the ability to correlate the disciplines involved and their relevance to biotechnological developments.
1) have acquired understanding of importance of metabolic pathways on process development;
2) have understood the rational of metabolic engineering strategies (approaches and methods) utilized to improve cellular performance;
3) have acquired understanding of theoretical aspects and experimental approaches to engineer microorganisms in the context of biotechnological applications;
4) be able to recognize some relevant applications of free or immobilized enzymes for the biotransformations of both natural and non-natural substrates in terms of enzymes involved, products obtained and operational details.
5) have acquired the ability to correlate the disciplines involved and their relevance to biotechnological developments.
Lesson period: First semester
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
First semester
Course syllabus
The student will be introduced to: i) the study of biological strategies and biotechnologies to suppress parasite and disease vector populations (3 CFU); ii) to the theory of the evolution and its application, through bioinformatic analyses, to study the relationship between host and parasite (3CFU).
The lectures will be focused on (i) insect and parasite genomics: biology and applications; (ii) the application of genomic epidemiology methods to study parasite dynamics; (iv) the role of Biotechnology in improving human health; (v) outbreak reconstruction through WGS data and High-Resolution Melting Analysis.
The lectures will be focused on (i) insect and parasite genomics: biology and applications; (ii) the application of genomic epidemiology methods to study parasite dynamics; (iv) the role of Biotechnology in improving human health; (v) outbreak reconstruction through WGS data and High-Resolution Melting Analysis.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic concepts of biology, ecology, molecular biology and immunology are recommended.
Teaching methods
Teaching Mode: Classroom lectures supported by projected material with common discussions on the topic. Bioinformatic practical lectures in the PC room. Expert researchers will be invited to give seminars. Attendance is highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Major reference books about parasitology and bioinformatics are the following:
Vector control - Methods for use by individuals and communities. Prepared by Jan A. Rozendaal - ISBN 92 4 154494 5 (NLM Classification: QX 600). WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data (free PDF)
Vector-Borne Diseases: Understanding the Environmental, Human Health, and Ecological Connections, Workshop Summary (Forum on Rapporteurs: Stanley M. Lemon, P. Frederick Sparling, Microbial Threats). Margaret A. Hamburg, David A. Relman, Eileen R. Choffnes, and Alison Mack, Forum on Microbial Threats ISBN: 0-309-10898-5, 350 pages, 6 x 9, (2008) (free PDF)
The Biology of Parasites Richard Lucius, Brigitte Loos-Frank, Richard P. Lane, Robert Poulin, Craig Roberts, Richard K. Grencis, Ron Shankland (Translator), Renate FitzRoy (Translator) ISBN: 978-3-527-32848-2 February 2017 Wiley-Blackwell Chapter 1.
Introduction to bioinformatics. Arthur M. Lesk. Oxford University Press.
Copies of the slides as well as other materials will be made available through the course website on the ARIEL platform of the University of Milan (https://sepisbmscpvd.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx). The material is made available only to registered students of the Degree Course in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics and should not be distributed to others.
Vector control - Methods for use by individuals and communities. Prepared by Jan A. Rozendaal - ISBN 92 4 154494 5 (NLM Classification: QX 600). WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data (free PDF)
Vector-Borne Diseases: Understanding the Environmental, Human Health, and Ecological Connections, Workshop Summary (Forum on Rapporteurs: Stanley M. Lemon, P. Frederick Sparling, Microbial Threats). Margaret A. Hamburg, David A. Relman, Eileen R. Choffnes, and Alison Mack, Forum on Microbial Threats ISBN: 0-309-10898-5, 350 pages, 6 x 9, (2008) (free PDF)
The Biology of Parasites Richard Lucius, Brigitte Loos-Frank, Richard P. Lane, Robert Poulin, Craig Roberts, Richard K. Grencis, Ron Shankland (Translator), Renate FitzRoy (Translator) ISBN: 978-3-527-32848-2 February 2017 Wiley-Blackwell Chapter 1.
Introduction to bioinformatics. Arthur M. Lesk. Oxford University Press.
Copies of the slides as well as other materials will be made available through the course website on the ARIEL platform of the University of Milan (https://sepisbmscpvd.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx). The material is made available only to registered students of the Degree Course in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics and should not be distributed to others.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The evaluation of the student's performance will be based on an oral examination which includes a powerpoint presentation of a selected topic, covered during the class. For admission to the oral exam, students must pass a pre-test (multiple choice test; 10 questions, 10 minutes).
VET/06 - PARASITOLOGY AND ANIMAL PARASITIC DISEASES - University credits: 6
Lectures: 48 hours
Professors:
Comandatore Francesco, Epis Sara
Professor(s)