DEVELOPMENTAL AND STEM CELL BIOLOGY The course aims at enabling students to obtain an integrated view of cell function depending on their degree of differentiation and to investigate the processes by which genes regulate cellular activities during gamete formation, fertilization and the subsequent embryonic development up to gastrulation. The expected learning outcomes are the following: 1. knowledge of the development and differentiation methods of male and female gonads and gametes; 2. knowledge of the mechanisms of fertilization and peri-implantation embryonic development; 3. knowledge of the derivation of stem cells from mammalian embryos; 4. knowledge of the cellular and molecular characteristics that characterize the different types of stem cells and the niches in which they reside; 6. knowledge of the scientific language for the description of the cellular and molecular events underlying the biological events addressed during the course 7. ability to communicate the scientific information acquired during the course and to elaborate them also through classroom discussions and through a written exam
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of cell biology and tissue organization. The contents of the Animal Cell Biology module (of the Animal and Plant Cell Biology course) are preparatory to the topics covered in this course.
Teaching Methods
Lectures and seminars. No educational or tutored seminars are planned.
Assessment Methods
Written exam answering two questions in full on the topics covered during the course. The time available is 75 minutes. Exams will be held in person, unless otherwise specified due to health emergencies. Students are encouraged to use the Kirotesting platform.
Texts
Scott Gilbert, Biologia dello Sviluppo, Zanichelli or other books of Developmental Biology. Slides of the lessons will be given.
Contents
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY Sex Determination. Spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Fertilization and pre-implantation embryonic development. Manipulation techniques of gonads, gametes and embryos, in vitro fertilization, and medically assisted reproduction. Embryonic Genome Activation. Genomic imprinting. Cloning. Gastrulation (principles). BIOLOGY OF STEM CELLS Definition. Sources. Properties. Niches (principles). Embryonic stem cells. Stem cells from somatic tissues. Plasticity of stem cells. Cellular reprogramming. Embryonic stem cells as model for the study of developmental biology with an environmental perspective.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The teacher is available for clarification on the contents of the lessons following appointment writing to danilo.cimadomo@unipv.it For students who certify that they are in one of the conditions indicated in the '2023-2024 teaching methods' document (Annex A) and who cannot follow the teaching activities in person, the teacher will guarantee up to 2 hours of office hours per week, including online, with flexibility according to the needs.
