This course covers the mechanisms involved in the temporal and spatial development of brain structures across different invertebrate and vertebrate species. This course also explores the concept of stem cell, the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating "stemness" and differentiation into different neuronal types. Particular attention will be focussed don induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organdies. By the end of the course, students will have learned the differences and similarities in nervous system development among various invertebrate and vertebrate species. In addition, the students will have learned the mechanisms underlying the maintainance of neural stem cells and their differentiation, as well as the potential pre-clinical and clinical application of stem cells, iPSCs and organoids.
Course Prerequisites
Basci knowledge of cell biology ( cell cycle, organelles' types and functions) and molecular biology (gene expression regulation and basic epigenetic mechanisms). Some familiarity with comparative anatomy would also be advantageous to better understand the course's contents.
Teaching Methods
Lectures delivered through PowerPoint slide presentations. Practicals.
Assessment Methods
The exam will consist of an in-person written test, including both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
Texts
The instructor will provide the slides and will present various scientific articles throughout the course.
Contents
The following topics will be covered: - Ontogeny of the central nervous system (CNS) in vertebrates: morphological and molecular aspects. - Induction and formation of the neural tube, brain vesicles, and neuromeres. - Comparative neurogenesis: proliferation, migration, and differentiation. - Development of cortical areas. - Adult neurogenesis: constitutive neurogenic regions and molecular markers. - Overview of recent literature on the topic. The course will also describe (i) the organizational levels and cytoarchitecture of the nervous system in invertebrates, and (ii) the evolution of the CNS in vertebrates. In particular, the anatomy, cytoarchitecture, and functional aspects will be examined in depth, with special attention to the structural modifications of the archicortex, paleocortex, and neocortex of the cerebrum, as well as the cerebellum. The following topics will also be covered: i) types and properties of stem cells and mechanisms regulating pluripotency; ii) differentiation of cortical glutamatergic neurons and GABAergic interneurons. iii) differentiation of GABAergic striatal interneurons and medium spiny neurons; iv) reprogramming mechanisms and induced pluripotent stem cells; v) brain organoids; vi) cell therapies.
