Students will be able to: 1. Understand the organization of the human genome and become familiar with modern, genome-wide methods used in genomics research. 2. Study the structure and function of centromeres and telomeres, the two main structures required for the correct function and integrity of the chromosomes. 3. Gain insight into the impact of the genome sequencing revolution and its major applications across medical disciplines, with particular emphasis on oncology. 4. Examine how genetic variation affects drug response, using examples to illustrate the principles of pharmacogenomics. 5. Learn the concept of the epigenome, including chromatin architecture and its chemical modifications, and how these contribute to the regulation of genome function. 6. Explore the role of epigenetic modifications in human development and disease, supported by some case studies. 7. Understand the principles behind epigenetic therapies, with specific examples demonstrating their mechanisms and potential clinical applications. 8. Read scientific articles understanding their organization and relevance. This activity is designed to enhance their comprehension of current research topics and to support the development of skills necessary for their exam presentations.
Prerequisiti
A basic understanding of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics is recommended for this course. At the beginning of the course, key concepts and essential background knowledge will be reviewed in collaboration with the teacher. This preliminary group work is intended to ensure that all students, regardless of their academic background, are equipped to engage with the course content. Active participation and questions from students will be strongly encouraged to promote a shared understanding and collaborative learning environment.
Metodi didattici
The beginning of the course will be dedicated to reviewing the key concepts and essential background knowledge. Active participation of the students will be encouraged in order to ensure that all students, regardless of their academic background, will be able to understand the course content. Lectures on the course program will then follow. Students participation will be encouraged through voluntary responses to specific questions during class discussion. The final part of the course will involve guided reading of relevant scientific articles.
Verifica Apprendimento
Students will identify a research article or review paper among those suggested by the teacher on a relevant subject studied during the class work. The exam will consist in a power-point presentation and discussion of the main results and conclusions of the article. A few questions relative to the presentation will be addressed by the teacher and possibly by other students.
Testi
Genomes 5, Terry A. Brown. Genetics and Genomics in Medicine, ninth edition, Thompson and Thompson. Genetics and Genomics in Medicine, second edition, Tom Strachan and Anneke Lucassen.
Contenuti
The program of the course will include the following subjects: - The human genome, the status and significance of the ongoing genome projects. - Organization and function of the different classes of DNA sequences. - Next generation DNA sequencing methods and complete human genome sequence assembly. - The structure of telomeres and their role in aging, cancer and disease. - Telomere biology and anticancer drugs. - The structure of centromeres and their role in cancer and disease. - Hints on pharmacogenomics. - DNA packaging into chromosomes: chromatin structure and DNA/protein interactions. - The epigenetic regulation of genome function: DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs. - Epigenetic modifications in human development and cancer with some case studies. - Examples of epigenetic drugs. - How to read a scientific article. Classification and evaluation of the scientific merit. - How to present a scientific article for the exam.
Lingua Insegnamento
INGLESE
Altre informazioni
For any question or clarification enquire students will contact the teacher by e-mail to set an online or in presence appointment.