Advanced molecular and cellular biotechnology

The main objective of the course is to gain a deep cellular and molecular knowledge of structures and functions of cells and genomes. Innovative approaches and methodologies will be described, with direct implication for biotechnology. While we strive to keep overlaps with other courses to a minimum, our course touches several aspects of genome and cell biology, with specific reference to biotechnology applications, that are also discussed in structural biology, bioinformatics, and genome engineering courses.

After attending the course, the students will be able to discuss a critical points, experimental designs and interpretation of the results about the topics presented., specifically:
- principles, origin and uses of tissue cultures;
- the use of engineered mice to study gene function in physiology and pathology;
- Drosophila melanogaster as a genetic model for disease;
- rudiment of cell cell signaling and its alterations in tumorigenesis;
- introductions to other experimental model systems (Zebrafish, organoids, biofabrications);
- data protection, ethics of science and research integrity;
- basic and advanced concepts of DNA damage response (DDR);
- basic and advanced concepts of recombination DNA repair;
- basic concepts of cancer therapy approaches, with specific reference to DDR.