Molecular biochemistry and functional biology

The course is organized in two sections, Molecular Biochemistry and Functional Biology, and is consistent with the objectives of the course of study by providing knowledge and skills on the molecular mechanisms that regulate fundamental biological processes involved in cell and organ functions. Emphasis will be on mechanisms of metabolic regulation, developmental biology and organogenesis and the possible pathogenic implications. Along with other courses, it contributes to the acquisition of the proper background required for additional studies in applicative fields.

At the end of the course the student will acquire the biochemical, molecular, cellular and genetic bases that regulate metabolism, development and differentiation in multicellular organisms. In particular, the student will know how signals affect cellular functions, including epigenome modifications and transcriptional mechanisms and will be able to apply the knowledge of these mechanisms to the regulation of metabolism, proliferation, cell death and cell-cell communication and how they are integrated during the development of multicellular organisms. The student will also be able to understand the scientific and methodological approaches used for the functional study of genes/proteins involved in metabolism, development and differentiation and the impact of mutations in genetic diseases.