Epigenetics and Epigenomics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The Course will provide knowledge to understand the main molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. It will explore aspects of epigenomics, with specific reference to the molecular bases of regulation of gene expression and association with the development of tissues in mammals and plants. The course will highlight diverse aspects of epigenetics, including transcriptional regulation, chromatin biology, chromosome topology and current research in cell reprogramming, genome function and organization.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Comprehend the definition of epigenetics and recognize and analyze various epigenetic phenomena.
2. Outline the major epigenetic mechanisms with respect to their link to RNA transcription and DNA replication and organization.
3. Know and apply current techniques developed to study epigenetics and epigenomes.
4. Appreciate the role of epigenetic regulation in normal development and in stress/disease conditions.
1. Comprehend the definition of epigenetics and recognize and analyze various epigenetic phenomena.
2. Outline the major epigenetic mechanisms with respect to their link to RNA transcription and DNA replication and organization.
3. Know and apply current techniques developed to study epigenetics and epigenomes.
4. Appreciate the role of epigenetic regulation in normal development and in stress/disease conditions.
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
- The genome organization in eukaryotic cells
- Basic concepts in gene expression.
- The principle of epigenetics.
- Techniques to study epigenetic phenomena I (NGS, RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, ChIP-seq).
- Techniques to study epigenetic phenomena II (MeDIP, RIP, Cut-Run, Cut-Tag, 3C, ATAC-seq).
- The mechanisms: non-coding RNAs.
- The mechanisms: DNA methylation.
- The mechanisms: Histone variants and modifications.
- The writers.
- The readers.
-The mechanisms: Chromatin remodellers
- The Yamanaka experiments.
- The mechanisms: Transcription Factors.
- Remodeling machines.
- Compartmentalization and phase separation (nucleolus, transcription factories and repression bodies, TADs, nuclear pore, RNAs).
- Nuclear architecture and environmental changes
- Transgenerational epigenetics
- Epialleles and genome editing
- Basic concepts in gene expression.
- The principle of epigenetics.
- Techniques to study epigenetic phenomena I (NGS, RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, ChIP-seq).
- Techniques to study epigenetic phenomena II (MeDIP, RIP, Cut-Run, Cut-Tag, 3C, ATAC-seq).
- The mechanisms: non-coding RNAs.
- The mechanisms: DNA methylation.
- The mechanisms: Histone variants and modifications.
- The writers.
- The readers.
-The mechanisms: Chromatin remodellers
- The Yamanaka experiments.
- The mechanisms: Transcription Factors.
- Remodeling machines.
- Compartmentalization and phase separation (nucleolus, transcription factories and repression bodies, TADs, nuclear pore, RNAs).
- Nuclear architecture and environmental changes
- Transgenerational epigenetics
- Epialleles and genome editing
Prerequisites for admission
The course will require basic knowledge of cell biology and a good knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics. Students must be aware of concepts related to structure of the DNA, multi-subunit protein complexes, principles of enzymatic activities. They must have knowledge of concepts related to cell growth, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation.
Teaching methods
Traditional lectures supported by slides integrated by on-site interactive discussions, promoted through assignment of scientific papers in advance, with the purpose of stimulating group discussions and to develop students' critical and communication skills.
Regular attendance is strongly suggested.
Regular attendance is strongly suggested.
Teaching Resources
There is no comprehensive text. Web sites, databases and review papers will be indicated to the students. All slides will be available through a Teams platform, together with all the materials instrumental to allow the students to participate to the on-site discussion lessons, such as original articles and reviews.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning assessment will be through a written exam at the end of the course, consisting of open question on selected topics. Examples of exams will be presented during the course. During the course students will be invited to present a research paper selected upon discussion in the class.
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/18 - GENETICS - University credits: 5
BIO/18 - GENETICS - University credits: 5
Lectures: 48 hours
Professors:
Mantovani Roberto, Perrella Giorgio
Professor(s)
Reception:
upon appointment requested via email
upon appointment requested via email