Experimental Medicine

Dottorati
Doctoral programme (PhD)
A.Y. 2023/2024
Study area
Medicine and Healthcare
Doctoral programme (PhD)
3
Years
Dipartimento di Biotecnologie mediche e medicina traslazionale - Via L. Vanvitelli, 32 - 20129 Milano
English
PhD Coordinator
Experimental medicine develops and applies technology and biological models for studying pathogenic mechanisms in human disease. It involves various disciplines (biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, immunology, genetics and microbiology/virology) that are providing a rapidly growing understanding of the mechanisms that enable the development of pathological processes. The course aims to acquaint students with the technologies and research methodologies in the area of biomedicine and biotechnology based on in vitro and in vivo experimental models and '-omic' approaches, and on their application to the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of human disease. The final objective is the formation of high-level scientists able to combine an understanding of biological processes and pathogenic mechanisms through the application of advanced experimental techniques. The programme's specific objectives are:
1) develop the ability to define problems and devise experiments to solve them in accordance with scientific standards;
2) study biochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms in physiopathology using advanced technologies;
3) develop the ability to critically assess scientific literature;
4) provide solid, up-to-date knowledge in the specific field;
5) teach how to conduct independent research, and inform on related ethical implications.
Tutte le classi di laurea magistrale - All classes of master's degree
Dipartimento di Biotecnologie mediche e medicina traslazionale - Via L. Vanvitelli, 32 - 20129 Milano
  • Degree course coordinator: Nicoletta Landsberger
    [email protected]
  • Main offices
    Dipartimento di Biotecnologie mediche e medicina traslazionale - Via L. Vanvitelli, 32 - 20129 Milano
  • Degree course website
    http://d-memphd.unimi.it/
Title Professor(s)
Maladaptive expression of memory as important determinant of Post-Traumatic Disorders
Requirements: The ideal candidate is already expert in most molecular biology techniques. Preferential skills include experience with in vivo experiments, behavioral analyses and pharmacological approaches.
Combined pharmacological approaches for neural tissue regeneration
Requirements: Any experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, cell metabolism is an advantage. Motivated students with a strong commitment to basic and translational research are invited to apply. The candidate should have well-developed social skills, a hands-on attitude and be able to work in a team.
G. Martano (CNR)
Whole Exome Sequencing and functional validation in zebrafish model to uncover new targets genes responsible for GnRH neuron development defects
Requirements: Eventual experience on endocrine regulatory mechanisms of reproduction, whole exome sequencing technique and analysis, molecular biology techniques for gene expression studies, zebrafish model and pluripotent stem cells
V. Vezzoli (IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano)
Identification of novel strategies targeting macrophages in immune response to tumors
Requirements: Basic cellular and molecular biology; biochemical competences. Possible (not mandatory) in vivo experience
R. Bonecchi (Humanitas University)
Organoids as a tool for personalized medicine
Requirements: Cell culture, Western Blotting, Nucleic acids extraction, Real-Time PCR, gene silencing.
Role and potential of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles
Requirements: Basic molecular and cellular biology techniques. Expertise in extracellular vesicle analysis and flow cytometry technique represent an added value.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Obesity associated to Cardiac Remodeling
Requirements: Basic practice in molecular biology: RT-PCR; RNA/DNA extraction; Tissue Protein extraction; 2D Cell culture management
Impact of endothelial dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome-associated thrombosis
Requirements: Basic experience in cell culture techniques, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, molecular biology and related computational analytical approaches. Willingness to spend periods abroad for training and collaborations.
C. Lodigiani (HUMANITAS RESEARCH HOSPITAL)
New combination of micro-dystrophin and mitochondrial-based therapy to promote muscle regeneration in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibition: role in obesity-induced inflammation and tissue injury
Requirements: Knowledge of the main techniques of cellular and molecular biology [cell cultures, gene silencing, gene and protein expression analysis), biochemical assays for the evaluation of biomarkers in fluids and histochemistry.
The role of PHOX2B in the differentiation and function of sympathetic neurons, in health and disease, by using human-derived iPSCs: the case of Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome
Requirements: Basic cellular and molecular biology techniques (PCR, RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, western blot), mammalian cell culture and immunofluorescence.
R. Benfante (Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNR)
Analysis of GABAergic circuitry in Pcdh19 mouse model of Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 9 (DEE9)
Requirements: Students should be interested in the investigation of new therapeutic strategies to target DMD, focusing on the setting of preclinical studies in DMD models to test the impact of the new interventions proposed.
M. Passafaro (IN_CNR)
Study of cell-to-cell crosstalk in Rett syndrome: focus on the interactions between astrocytes and synapses
Requirements: Basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, neurobiology
Molecular, cellular and functional characterization of Haus7 a new potential molecular determinant in neuronal maturation and neurodevelopmental disorders
Requirements: Previous experience in molecular biology and/or cellular biology and/or imaging will represent a useful support for the candidate.
Role of IL7-R+ monocytes in infective and tumoral settings
Requirements: Basic cellular and molecular biology
Molecular and spatial analysis of granulomatous reaction in human diseases.
Requirements: Previous experience in tissue staining and analysis of immune cells.
Exploring Immuno-Regulatory Mechanisms in the Tumor Microenvironment to Treat Ovarian Cancer.
Requirements: Basic experience/knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques. Knowledge of flow cytometry will be an advantage. Availability of spending periods abroad for training and collaborations. Experience in immunology or medicine biology will be preferred.
J. Milulak (HUMANITAS RESEARCH HOSPITAL)
Involvement of microglial cells in the etiology, neurobiology and treatment of stress-related psychiatric disorders
Requirements: Expertize in gene and protein expression analyses, cell culture.
Advanced understanding of Thyroid Hormone action in brain and heart using zebrafish model and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
Requirements: Experience in molecular biology and cellular cultures
F. Marelli (IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano)
G. Rurale (IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano)
ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO) AS A MODEL TO STUDY THE MECHANISMS UNDELRYING HUMAN DISEASE AND TOOL FOR THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES
Requirements: Expertise in cellular and molecular biology.
Patient-derived iPSC to dissect pathomechanisms with 2D and 3D models of ALS motoneuron disease
Requirements: Expertise in cell culture (iPSC) and/or in molecular biology techniques is preferential together with high motivation.
P. Bossolasco (IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano)
Unraveling mechanism(s) of interaction between tumor cells and microenvironment components relevant for triple negative breast cancer progression
T. Triulzi (Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano)
Adipo-NETwork: inside the crosstalk between adipose cells and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs)
Requirements: Strong interest for basic and translational research.
G. Gaudenzi (Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS)
Development of AI-based digital tools for the analysis of human tumor sections
Requirements: The candidate should have knowledge and skills related to the use of one or more of the following softwares: Qupath, Cytomap, R, Matlab.
Premature senescence in RTT mice: a novel role for MeCP2 in the regulation of brain aging? (ex DM 118/2023)
Dissecting RNA metabolism defects in ALS patient-derived iPSCs’
Requirements: Expertise in cell culture (iPSC) and/or in molecular biology techniques is preferential together with high personal motivation
P. Bossolasco (IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano)
Investigation of the biological, molecular, and clinical relevance of NONO in multiple myeloma
Requirements: Work experience in a hemato-oncology laboratory, proficient in laboratory techniques required by the project

Courses list

December 2023
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Compulsory
Research Ethics, Governance and Society 2 12 Italian
January 2024
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Compulsory
Improving Your Statistical Skills in Biomedical Sciences 2 10 English
Optional
Quantification and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles in Biomedical Research 2 10 English
February 2024
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Compulsory
Advanced Biomedical Statistics 2 10 English
June 2024
Courses or activities Professor(s) ECTS Total hours Language
Compulsory
Single Cell Sequencing: a Deep Dive Into Dissecting Cell Populations At Single Cell Level
2 10 English

Enrolment

Places available: 13

Call for applications

Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.

Application for admission: from 27/06/2023 to 26/07/2023

Application for matriculation: from 25/09/2023 to 09/10/2023

Read the Call


Attachments and documents

Attachments to the call

Extension

Qualifications assessment criteria

Scores and exam schedule

Extension 2