Cellular Communication and Signal Transduction
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course provides fundamental informations on the principles and techniques used in protein engineering , knowledge about the cellular signaling and communication, with particular regard to the endocrine glands function and the main mechanism of hormones action they produc
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: the student must demonstrate that he possesses the knowledge about the principles and techniques inherent in protein engineering and signal biochemistry. In addition, knowledge concerning cellular communication, with particular regard to the main endocrine glands function and to the hormone control mechanism.
Knowledge and applied understanding: the student must demonstrate the ability to connect various topics regarding protein engineering, signal biochemistry and cellular communication, with particular attention to endocrinology, in order to be able to adequately address the training process.
Communication skills: the student must demonstrate to be able to use an appropriate terminology, which allows him to express adequately the acquired knowledge.
Ability to learn: the student will have to demonstrate to be able, in total autonomy, to increase the knowledge of the topics of the syllabus.
Knowledge and applied understanding: the student must demonstrate the ability to connect various topics regarding protein engineering, signal biochemistry and cellular communication, with particular attention to endocrinology, in order to be able to adequately address the training process.
Communication skills: the student must demonstrate to be able to use an appropriate terminology, which allows him to express adequately the acquired knowledge.
Ability to learn: the student will have to demonstrate to be able, in total autonomy, to increase the knowledge of the topics of the syllabus.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into two teaching units, and it aims to provide students with a broad and integrated understanding of various aspects of protein engineering, cell signalling and endocrinology.
TEACHING UNIT "PROTEIN ENGINEERING AND SIGNAL BIOCHEMISTRY":
Theoretical lectures (24 hours)
Study of expression and function of genes (4 hours)
Production of recombinant proteins from heterologous systems (9 hours)
Introduction of genetic material into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (2 hours)
Site-directed mutagenesis and its applications (2 hours)
Rnase protection assay (1 hour)
siRNA and miRNA silencing (2 hours)
Dna-protein interaction analysis (2 hours)
Protein-protein interaction analysis (1 hour)
Analysis of complex (1 hour)
Practical Sessions and Seminars (24 hours)
Growth of cells overexpressing mutant proteins (2.5 hours)
Seminar: Extracellular signals: hormones, cytokines, and growth factors (2 hours) (classroom)
Cell lysis and protein extraction (1.5 hours)
Seminar: Receptors (1 hour) (classroom)
Protein quantification: Bradford assay (1.5 hours)
Seminar: Protein phosphorylation: kinases and phosphatases (1 hour) (classroom)
Seminar: cAMP, adenylate cyclase, and the role of G proteins (2 hours) (classroom)
Seminar: Inositol phosphate metabolism and the role of other membrane lipids (2 hours) (classroom)
Protein purification under anaerobic conditions (1.5 hours)
Purification of NadA protein (1.5 hours)
Seminar: Intracellular calcium - regulation and role in signal transduction (2 hours) (classroom)
Seminar: Nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and carbon monoxide (2 hours) (classroom)
Protein quantification by absorbance at 260 and 280 nm (1.5 hours)
Iron quantification (2 hours)
TEACHING UNIT "CELLULAR COMMUNICATION AND ENDOCRINE FUNCTION":
Intercellular communication and membrane receptors: 1 hour
Characteristics of endocrine functions: 2 hours
Synthesis and mechanical action of peptide hormones: 1 hour
Synthesis and mechanical action of steroid hormones: 1 hour
Hypothalamic hormones: 2 hours
Pituitary hormones: 2 hours
Thyroid hormones: 1 hour
Adrenocortical hormones: 2 hours
Adrenal medullary hormones: 2 hours
Hormonal Control of Carbohydrate Metabolism: 2 hours
Hormonal Control of Calcium homeostasis: 1 hour
Hormonal Control of energy metabolism: 1 hour
Classroom practical sessions (12 hours)
First 2 hours (with all students present): an introduction on how to perform a bibliographic search using the main available databases, as well as on how to properly structure and write a scientific paper. At the same time, each group (composed of up to 3 students) will select a scientific paper for critical analysis.
Subsequent 10 hours (with all students present): presentations by the various student groups of the selected scientific papers, relating to the physiology of domestic or non-conventional animals, followed by critical analysis and open discussion involving the entire class.
TEACHING UNIT "PROTEIN ENGINEERING AND SIGNAL BIOCHEMISTRY":
Theoretical lectures (24 hours)
Study of expression and function of genes (4 hours)
Production of recombinant proteins from heterologous systems (9 hours)
Introduction of genetic material into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (2 hours)
Site-directed mutagenesis and its applications (2 hours)
Rnase protection assay (1 hour)
siRNA and miRNA silencing (2 hours)
Dna-protein interaction analysis (2 hours)
Protein-protein interaction analysis (1 hour)
Analysis of complex (1 hour)
Practical Sessions and Seminars (24 hours)
Growth of cells overexpressing mutant proteins (2.5 hours)
Seminar: Extracellular signals: hormones, cytokines, and growth factors (2 hours) (classroom)
Cell lysis and protein extraction (1.5 hours)
Seminar: Receptors (1 hour) (classroom)
Protein quantification: Bradford assay (1.5 hours)
Seminar: Protein phosphorylation: kinases and phosphatases (1 hour) (classroom)
Seminar: cAMP, adenylate cyclase, and the role of G proteins (2 hours) (classroom)
Seminar: Inositol phosphate metabolism and the role of other membrane lipids (2 hours) (classroom)
Protein purification under anaerobic conditions (1.5 hours)
Purification of NadA protein (1.5 hours)
Seminar: Intracellular calcium - regulation and role in signal transduction (2 hours) (classroom)
Seminar: Nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and carbon monoxide (2 hours) (classroom)
Protein quantification by absorbance at 260 and 280 nm (1.5 hours)
Iron quantification (2 hours)
TEACHING UNIT "CELLULAR COMMUNICATION AND ENDOCRINE FUNCTION":
Intercellular communication and membrane receptors: 1 hour
Characteristics of endocrine functions: 2 hours
Synthesis and mechanical action of peptide hormones: 1 hour
Synthesis and mechanical action of steroid hormones: 1 hour
Hypothalamic hormones: 2 hours
Pituitary hormones: 2 hours
Thyroid hormones: 1 hour
Adrenocortical hormones: 2 hours
Adrenal medullary hormones: 2 hours
Hormonal Control of Carbohydrate Metabolism: 2 hours
Hormonal Control of Calcium homeostasis: 1 hour
Hormonal Control of energy metabolism: 1 hour
Classroom practical sessions (12 hours)
First 2 hours (with all students present): an introduction on how to perform a bibliographic search using the main available databases, as well as on how to properly structure and write a scientific paper. At the same time, each group (composed of up to 3 students) will select a scientific paper for critical analysis.
Subsequent 10 hours (with all students present): presentations by the various student groups of the selected scientific papers, relating to the physiology of domestic or non-conventional animals, followed by critical analysis and open discussion involving the entire class.
Prerequisites for admission
The prerequisites required to pass the exam are the knowledge of anatomy and general physiology and the most common laboratory techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Teaching methods
Signal protein and biochemistry engineering: frontal lectures and practical exercises focused on topics dealt with theoretically.
Cellular communication and endocrine function: Lectures (18 hours) and classroom exercises (12 hours).
The classroom exercises will be conducted as follows: during the first two hours, students, working in groups of two or three, will carry out a literature search using the principal available databases, followed by a discussion on the proper structure and composition of a scientific paper. Subsequently, each student group will proceed to present and analyze a scientific paper of their choice pertaining to the field of endocrinology in either domestic or non-conventional animals.
Cellular communication and endocrine function: Lectures (18 hours) and classroom exercises (12 hours).
The classroom exercises will be conducted as follows: during the first two hours, students, working in groups of two or three, will carry out a literature search using the principal available databases, followed by a discussion on the proper structure and composition of a scientific paper. Subsequently, each student group will proceed to present and analyze a scientific paper of their choice pertaining to the field of endocrinology in either domestic or non-conventional animals.
Teaching Resources
Didactic material provided in class and available on the MyAriel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The course is divided into two teaching units:
1) Signal protein and biochemistry engineering: written test, with 3 open questions and 5 multiple choise-questions (4 options and only one correct answer). Time available to complete the exam: 1,5 hours. Vote expressed out of thirty.
2) Cellular communication and endocrine function: written test composed of 15 questions with 4 answers, and only one correct. Time available to complete the exam: 1 hour. Vote expressed out of thirty unit, also taking into account the opinion obtained in the discussion of the reports presented during the exercises.
For both teaching units, the examination will cover all topics addressed during the course. The final grade will be determined by the weighted average of the grades obtained in each teaching unit.
1) Signal protein and biochemistry engineering: written test, with 3 open questions and 5 multiple choise-questions (4 options and only one correct answer). Time available to complete the exam: 1,5 hours. Vote expressed out of thirty.
2) Cellular communication and endocrine function: written test composed of 15 questions with 4 answers, and only one correct. Time available to complete the exam: 1 hour. Vote expressed out of thirty unit, also taking into account the opinion obtained in the discussion of the reports presented during the exercises.
For both teaching units, the examination will cover all topics addressed during the course. The final grade will be determined by the weighted average of the grades obtained in each teaching unit.
BIO/09 - PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 4
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 42 hours
Lessons: 42 hours
Professors:
Albertini Mariangela, Maffioli Elisa Margherita
Professor(s)