Meccanismi molecolari di trasduzione del segnale in biologia cellulare e patologia
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the signal transduction
processes through which information reaches the intracellular targets which are the sites of
modulation. In particular, it will offer detailed knowledge of the biochemical and molecular
mechanisms of signal transduction and amplification, as well as of the pathophysiological
consequences associated with alterations of specific signal transduction pathways. Moreover, it will
also illustrate the most recent advances in understanding the role of signal transduction pathways in
human diseases.
processes through which information reaches the intracellular targets which are the sites of
modulation. In particular, it will offer detailed knowledge of the biochemical and molecular
mechanisms of signal transduction and amplification, as well as of the pathophysiological
consequences associated with alterations of specific signal transduction pathways. Moreover, it will
also illustrate the most recent advances in understanding the role of signal transduction pathways in
human diseases.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired a comprehensive knowledge of
the main mechanisms of signal transduction and of their most common alterations. They should also
be able to identify the role these mechanisms play in the development of human diseases.
the main mechanisms of signal transduction and of their most common alterations. They should also
be able to identify the role these mechanisms play in the development of human diseases.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Basic concepts of cellular signal transduction. Signal inputs and outputs.
Classes of signaling components: small G proteins, kinases, phosphatases, adaptor proteins, and cytoskeletal elements.
Organization of signaling pathways into networks. Classes of interconnections: junctions and nodes. Examples of junctions and nodes.
Mechanisms of signal consolidation.
Dynamics of signaling complexes in different cell types. T cells versus neurons: an example of an identical signaling network with a different logic of the circuitry.
The receptor tyrosine kinases as one of the best upstream examples of a node.
TOR: a molecule with dual identity. Regulation of mTORC1 activity by nutrients and/or alterations in cellular energetics. mTORC1 signaling to the translational apparatus. Recent advances in pharmacological tools and technologies (polysome and ribosome profiling) enabling genome-wide monitoring of changes in translatome. Examples of human disorders and diseases linked to defective translational control.
The unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling node. UPR signal transducers and downstream effectors. mTOR-ER stress intersections. Pathogenic features of prolonged ER stress.
Signal transduction pathways involved in maintaining cell integrity: DNA damage checkpoints and spindle assembly checkpoint.
Signal transduction pathways involved in maintaining cellular integrity: DNA damage checkpoint and spindle assembly checkpoint.
Signal transduction pathways involved in development (Wnt/beta-catenin, Hedgehog, and Hippo signaling) and in B-cell and T-cell differentiation (JAK/STAT and SMAD pathways).
Signal transduction and pathology: autophagy and apoptosis. Their roles and mechanisms controlling their activation and the impact of their deregulation in various diseases, cancer (PI3K-AKT and RAS-ERK); neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's involved pathways), metabolic disorders.
Classes of signaling components: small G proteins, kinases, phosphatases, adaptor proteins, and cytoskeletal elements.
Organization of signaling pathways into networks. Classes of interconnections: junctions and nodes. Examples of junctions and nodes.
Mechanisms of signal consolidation.
Dynamics of signaling complexes in different cell types. T cells versus neurons: an example of an identical signaling network with a different logic of the circuitry.
The receptor tyrosine kinases as one of the best upstream examples of a node.
TOR: a molecule with dual identity. Regulation of mTORC1 activity by nutrients and/or alterations in cellular energetics. mTORC1 signaling to the translational apparatus. Recent advances in pharmacological tools and technologies (polysome and ribosome profiling) enabling genome-wide monitoring of changes in translatome. Examples of human disorders and diseases linked to defective translational control.
The unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling node. UPR signal transducers and downstream effectors. mTOR-ER stress intersections. Pathogenic features of prolonged ER stress.
Signal transduction pathways involved in maintaining cell integrity: DNA damage checkpoints and spindle assembly checkpoint.
Signal transduction pathways involved in maintaining cellular integrity: DNA damage checkpoint and spindle assembly checkpoint.
Signal transduction pathways involved in development (Wnt/beta-catenin, Hedgehog, and Hippo signaling) and in B-cell and T-cell differentiation (JAK/STAT and SMAD pathways).
Signal transduction and pathology: autophagy and apoptosis. Their roles and mechanisms controlling their activation and the impact of their deregulation in various diseases, cancer (PI3K-AKT and RAS-ERK); neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's involved pathways), metabolic disorders.
Prerequisites for admission
It is recommended to have solid basis of General Physiology and Biochemistry.
Teaching methods
The course is divided into a series of interactive classroom lectures in which students are invited to actively participate through questions. The lessons are supported by the projection of didactic material.
Teaching Resources
PDF of the slides from each lecture and scientific articles discusses during lectures will be available as pdf files in the Ariel website of the course.
Textbooks:
Signal Transduction: Principles, Pathways, and Processes (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory press)
Textbooks:
Signal Transduction: Principles, Pathways, and Processes (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory press)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination divided in two parts: one of membrane biophysics and the other on signal transduction mechanisms. The questions are addresses to assess the ability of the student to connect the topics touched during the course. The final grade will be the average of the scores in each part.
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Manfrini Nicola, Ricciardi Sara
Professor(s)
Reception:
Every day (date and time to be arranged via email with the professor)