Advanced techniques in medical biotechnology

Molecular biology:
In general, this part of the course will discuss how molecular biology can help in the identification of useful therapeutic approaches tailored for a single patient or a cohort of patients. Further, we will briefly recap therapeutic approaches that exploit novel technologies of molecular biology. Eventually, we will analyze main molecular therapies affecting RNA.
Obstetrics and gynecology:
The application of human reproductive technology and biotechnologies for the study of placental functions and fetal growth.
Biology:
The concept of "personalized medicine" and the impact that our enhanced understanding of genetics has on modern medicine.
The use of model organisms to functionally validate gene mutations; particular attention will be given to zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Biochemistry:
The rapidly emerging field of metabolomics: its importance and applications with particular attention to lipidomics.
The use of web tools for protein-protein interaction and pathways analysis (bioinformatics laboratory).