500805 - ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

The objective of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive and updated overview of advanced molecular biology concepts and methods through the study of the molecular mechanisms of cellular innate immunity in the context gene therapies, viral infections, tissue homeostasis and pathological conditions including cancer and inflammatory diseases. Aspects related to epigenetics and its applications in advanced gene therapies and human disease will also be included.
Innate immune sensors that detect nucleic acids are emerging as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention because of their diverse roles in many disease processes. In detecting RNA and DNA from either self or non-self, nucleic acid sensors are involved in an increasing number of biological processes from antiviral defenses to tissue homeostasis and can mediate the pathogenesis of many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
This course will provide a comprehensive and state-of-the-art overview of the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of innate nucleic acid sensing and their role in the context of gene therapies, viral infections, tissue homeostasis and pathological conditions including cancer and inflammatory diseases. The molecular organization of chromatin and the epigenetic modifications involved in the regulation of genome function will also be discussed.
This knowledge will then allow the participants to interactively explore strategies to harness nucleic acid sensing for therapeutic purposes in different disease settings through interactive lessons, working in small groups on problem solving, critical analysis of the most recent advances in the field and the preparation of a small research proposal.
In addition, students will learn the use and comprehension of scientific English, critically evaluate the scientific literature and how to apply the knowledge acquired in the most advanced molecular biology methods to their laboratory practice and research activity.