HEME-PROTEINS. HEME METABOLISM AND RELATED DISEASES. HEME BIOSYNTHESIS AND RELATED DISEASES. IRON METABOLISM AND RELATED DISEASES. INORGANIC BIOFACTORS: OXYGEN, CARBON MONOXIDE, NITROGEN MONOXIDE, HYDROGEN SULFIDE. BIOCHEMICAL AND CELLULAR ROLES OF THE INORGANIC BIOFACTORS. ROLE IOF THE INORGANIC BIOFACTORS IN HUMANN DISEASES ONSET. THE THERAPEUTIC USE OF THE INORGANIC BIOFACTORS. REACTIVE OXYGEN AND NITROGEN SPECIES. MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASES. THE ENERGETIC MATTER OF CANCER CELLS. THE METABOLIC REQUIREMENTS OF CANCER CELLS: THE WARBURG AND REVERSE WARBURG EFFECTS.

SCIENTIFIC PAPERS SUPPLIED BY THE TEACHER.
Support texts:
Siliprandi & Tettamanti "Biochimica Medica - strutturale, metabolica e funzionale" Ed. Piccin
- Chiurchiù & Maccarrone "I radicali liberi e la loro rilevanza in biomedicina: dai meccanismi molecolari alle prospettive terapeutiche" Ed Piccin

RECEPTION TIME: Mondays 10 am (please fix an appointment, alessandra.dimasi@uniroma3.it)

1. BASIC TECHNOLOGIES OF GENE ANALYSIS; RESTRICTION ENZYMES; ELECTROPHORETIC ANALYSIS. 2. VECTORS; CLONING. 3. PCR; REAL TIME PCR; PCR APPLICATIONS. 4. GENETIC VARIABILITY APPLIED TO FORENSIC SCIENCE 5. GENE IDENTIFICATION; GENOMIC LIBRERIES AND cDNA LIBRERIES; YEAST TWO HYBRID SYSTEM 6. MUTAGENESIS. 7. RECOMBINANT PROTEIN PRODUCTION AND PURIFICATION. 8. FROM SANGER SEQUENCING TO NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING. 9. POST-GENOMICS ANALYSIS; TRANSCRIPTOMIC ANALYSIS; REPORTER GENES. 10. PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS. 11. PRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS OF TRANSGENIC PLANTS. 12. GENETIC MODIFICATION OF ANIMAL CELLS; TRANSGENIC ANIMALS CONSTRUCTION. 13. GENE TRAPPING; GENE TARGETING. 14. ANIMAL CLONING; GENE THERAPY. 15. THE CRISPR-CAS SYSTEM: EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATION AND APPLICATIONS.

Recommended textbooks:
1. METODOLOGIE BIOCHIMICHE STRUMENTI E TECNICHE PER IL LABORATORIO DEL NUOVO MILLENNIO, MACCARRONE M., E BIOMOLECOLARI, CASA EDITRICE ZANICHELLI
2. DAI GENI AI GENOMI, JEREMY W. DALE, MALCOLM VON SCHANTZ, NICK PLANT, A CURA DI: E. GINELLI, CASA EDITRICE EDISES
3. ANALISI DEI GENI E GENOMI, REECE, EDISES.
4. TECNICHE E METODI PER LA BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE, AMALDI F., BENEDETTI P., PESOLE G., PLEVANI P., CASA EDITRICE AMBROSIANA.

Lecture notes and calculation exercises will be provided.
Non-attending students are invited to request information on the program, teaching materials and how to evaluate the profit.
The professor receives every day from 10.00 to 11.00 by appointment via e-mail: manuela.cervelli@uniroma3.it

Three are the main arguments of the course:
-Gene transfer techniques;
-Applications of Plant Biotechnology;
-Analysis of Risks and Benefits of plant genetic manipulation.

In detail, during the course the following arguments are discussed:
Techniques for gene transfer into the nuclear and palstidic genome; Techniques for in vitro culture of plant cells; Use of selectable gene markers and reporte genes; Strategies to remove selectable markers from transgenic plants; Inducible expressione of transgenes in plants; Transient expression of genes in plants; Gene silencing in plants and applications; 'Gene targeting' in plants; 'Genome editing' in plants; Plants with improved nutritional value; Production of various molecules, such as antibodies and vaccines, in transgenic plants; Biotechnological strategies to obtain plants resistant to herbicides, pathogens and environmental stresses; Plants with increased Photosynthetic rate; Biosafety and Bioethical issues related to plant Biotechnology; emerging technologies and Plant Biotechnology

-Recommended textbooks:

1. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS (2000) BUCHANAN B.B, GRUISSEM W., JONES R.L., AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGISTS, ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND.
2. HANDBOOK OF PLANT BIOYECHNOLOGY (2004) CHRISTOU P., KLEE H., HOBOKEN, (N.J.), WILEY.
3. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY AND TRANSGENIC PLANTS (2002) OKSMAN-CALDENTEY K.-M., BARZ W.H., NEW YORK, DEKER.

-Scientific articles published in international journals (pdf files will be provided).
-Lecture notes will be provided.

INTRODUCTION TO ENDOCRINOLOGY (1 CFU): HISTORY, CHEMICAL NATURE OF HORMONES, EVOLUTION OF CHEMICAL SIGNALS. ENDOCRINE GLANDS, HORMONE SYNTHESIS AND RELEASE (ENDOCRINE, AUTOCRINE, PARACRINE, AND INTRACRINE ACTIONS, HORMONAL RHYTMS). HORMONES FROM ENDOCRINE GLANDS (HYPOTALAMUS AND PITUITARY, PANCREAS, THYROID and PARATHYROID HORMONES, ADRENALS, GONADS). HORMONES PRODUCED BY SPECIALIZED CELLS (BONES, MUSCLE). MECHANISMS OF HORMONE ACTIONS (SIGNALLING FROM MEMBRANE AND INTRACELLULAR RECEPTORS).

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY (3 CFU): REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY (FETAL GROWTH, PREGNANCY, MATERNAL ADAPTATION TO PREGNANCY). GROWTH (GROWTH FACTORS AND ONCOGENES IN FETAL GROWTH, POSTNATAL GROWTH, PUBERTY, HORMONES AND THE GENDER/SEX DIFFERENCES). AGEING (THEORIES, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPIES, GERIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY). METABOLIC ENDOCRINOLOGY (REGULATION OF FOOD UPTAKE, REGULATION OF DIGESTIVE PROCESSES, OBESITY)
HORMONES AND ENVIRONMENTAL INJURIES (1 CFU): STRESS ADAPTATION. ENVIRONMENTAL ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS. DISORDERS OF THE ENDOCRINOLOGY SYSTEM (CELL GROWTH AND CANCER).

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE (1 CFU)

The arguments of the introduction are available in every book of General Physiology. Moreover, review will be provided in the classroom.

The first part of the course will give an integrated view of gastro-intestinal anatomy, physiology and regulation as well as how the gut extracts and utilizes the nutrients in the diet. In addition to these classical aspects more contemporary topics are included such as the importance of the gut microbiota and its interaction with the gut immune system, appetite regulation and the problems with overeating and obesity.
The course will focus on the homeostatic maintenance of energetic balance, on the composition of human body, and on the evaluation of nutritional needs in physiological States (e.g., development, pregnancy, ageing). A particular attention will be addressed to the relationship between nutrition and maintenance of human health. Finally, you learn about the pathophysiological aspects of gut function (malnutrition, overnutrition, food intolerance) and the dietetic approaches to balance the deficiencies in homeostasis.
An application of these concepts will be supplied by study the nutritional needs during physical exercise.

D.U. Silverthorn Human Physiology 2020 PEARSON, MILANO –TORINO, ITALIA.

The course aims at providing to the student:
- adequate knowledge and understanding on advanced methodologies in bacterial genetics, appropriate methodologies and communication skills for the study of genotype-phenotype relationships in bacteria;
- adequate applied knowledge for the evaluation and drafting of experimental approaches, and for retrieving and critically reviewing relevant scientific literature from on-line databases (making judgements).

Programme
- structure, organization, functioning and evolution of the bacterial chromosome;
- methods for the sequencing and analysis of bacterial genomes;
- structure, organization, function and evolution of mobile genetic elements (plasmids and transposons);
- genetic and molecular bases of horizontal gene transfer;
- genetic and molecular bases of gene expression regulation in bacteria;
- genetic bases and experimental approaches for the study of antibiotic resistance and tolerance;
- methods for the identification and validation of essential genes.

Selected topics will be available on suggested Bacterial Genetics books, as indicated in the following reference list. Specific research papers and experimental protocols will be provided during theoretic lessons on advanced research topics and laboratory practices.
Innovative teaching will be promoted by sharing power-point presentations illustrating the main topics of the course via email. Moreover, students will be encouraged to make use of web-based resources and databases to autonomously increase their knowledge on specific advanced topics.

Biochemical Methods Module (Prof. Alessandra di Masi)

- Biochemical methodologies in scientific research. Basic equipment in the biochemistry laboratory (glassware, scales, stirrers, thermostated systems, pH meters, hoods, centrifuges).
- Volumetry and weighing. Preparations of solutions, dilutions, buffer systems.
- Production of recombinant proteins: cloning, mutagenesis, expression systems in bacteria, yeasts, mammalian cells, insect cells. Fusion proteins.
- Methods for protein purification: separation techniques. Extraction of proteins from the biological source. Methods of fractionation of protein mixtures. Homogenization of cells with potter, ultraturrax, sonication, continuous pressure homogenizers (1st Laboratory experience).
- Protein purification with chromatographic techniques: gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, reverse phase chromatography. HPLC applications (with laboratory experience) (2nd laboratory experience).
- Quantification of proteins. (3rd Laboratory experience)
- Electrophoresis. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in native or denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE) detection techniques, quantitative densitometric analysis of bands, determination of molecular weight, gradient electrophoresis, preparative electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, two-dimensional electrophoresis. (4th Laboratory experience)
- Immunochemical techniques: antibodies, western blotting, ELISA and RIA, immunoprecipitation. (5th Laboratory experience)
- Spectroscopic methods for the study of proteins. UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy. Polarized light spectroscopy. Advanced spectroscopies. (6th Laboratory experience)
- Study of enzymes and proteins. Enzymatic kinetics: calculation of Km, Ki, Ka. Study of the type of inhibition: competitive, non-competitive, uncompetitive and mixed. Use of substrate analogues, effect of pH and temperature (7 ° Laboratory experience).
- Dosage of metabolites. Acid or basic deproteinization. Metabolite assay by spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric methods, ATP assay, glucose. Use of HPLC in the dosage of metabolites.
- Biochemical methods for the analysis of molecular interactions. Ligand protein analysis. Protein interaction analysis.

- Keith Wilson and John Walker: Biochimica e biologia molecolare: principi e tecniche. EDs. 2019 Raffaello Cortina.
- M.Maccarrone. Metodologie Biochimiche e Biomolecolari, Ed. Zanichelli Ed.
- Bonaccorsi, Contestabile, Di Salvo. Metodologie biochimiche, Ed. Zanichelli
- Michael C. Whitlock, Dolph Schluter, ANALISI STATISTICA DEI DATI BIOLOGICI, Zanichelli Editore, Ed. 2022.

Slides of each lesson will be made available.

THE COURSE (6 CFU) IS DIVIDED INTO TWO MAIN PARTS. THE FIRST ONE (5.5 CFU) IS AIMED AT DESCRIBING THE HISTORICAL AND NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK. THE SECOND ONE IS PLANNED TO FOCUS THE STUDY ON A VARIETY OF BOTH IN VITRO AND IN VIVO EXPERIMENTAL MODELS, WHOSE EMPLOYMENT IS USEFUL IN EITHER BIOLOGY APPLIED TO HUMAN HEALTH OR CELLULAR/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. STARTING POINTS FOR DISCUSSIONS WILL BE PROVIDED, IN ORDER TO ENGAGE THE LEARNERS FOR THE WRITING OF A REPORT THAT WILL BE GOAL OF EXAMINATION. LABORATORY PRACTICES (0.5 CFU) WILL BE FIXED TOGETHER WITH THE STUDENTS WITH THE AIM OF ACQUIRING NEW TECHNIQUES ON SOME EXPERIMENTAL MODELS WIDELY USED IN BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL FOR HOMEWORKS WILL BE SUGGESTED TO LEARNERS DURING THE COURSE.

Climate change and human pressure. Impact of climate change on stability of forest ecosystems and food security. Global warming and the increase in greenhouse gases. The intensification of extreme events and the combination of multiple stresses. Plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Phenotypic plasticity and integrated defense responses of plant organisms to multiple stresses. The role of cell wall.

THE BIO-SIGNALLING. Signal transduction. Cell wall receptors and intracellular receptors: the E3 ligase ubiquitin complex, hybrid kinases, RLK, and G proteins. Negative signaling pathways. The second messengers and signal amplification. Intracellular calcium variations: the signature of calcium. Modulation of membrane permeability, cytoskeleton, enzymatic activity and gene transcription. Coordination of responses between different organs. Systemic responses. Reporting modalities between perception sites and distal response sites. The propagation of electrical signals through the plant: the new frontiers of Plant Biology. The action potential in plant organisms and the fast transmission of the signal at long distance leaf-leaf, root-leaf and vice versa. Pressure waves, reactive oxygen species and calcium waves.

THE SECONDARY METABOLISM. Biosynthetic pathways of phenolic compounds, terpenes and nitrogen-containing compounds (alkaloids, cyanogenic glucosides and glucosinolates). Regulatory sites at the interface between primary and secondary metabolism. Metabolic plasticity: modulation of metabolic pathways in response to changes in environmental conditions. Effects of the environment on production and accumulation of secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds. The functional role of secondary metabolites in plant-environment communication. Bioactive compounds from plants and agri-food waste for the development of useful products in the agrochemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical fields. Supplements, dyes and food additives. Essential oils. Mother tinctures. Production of bioactive metabolites in vitro from cell and tissue cultures. Production of bioactive metabolites in vitro from cell and tissue cultures. Strategies to increase the production of secondary metabolites in in vitro systems. The production of metabolites in bioreactors.

1) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants. Buchanan et al.; John Wiley & Sons Inc.
2) Molecole Bioattive delle piante. Massimo Maffei; Published by the author.
3) Biologia delle Piante. Vol 2: Interazioni con l’ambiente e Domesticazione. Smith A. M. et al.; Zanichelli.
4) Articoli scientifici e lezioni in power point fornite dal docente.

The professor receives every day by appointment via e-mail: alessandra.cona@uniroma3.it

Introduction; Antigene definition; the cells of the immune system
The fisico-chemical barriers and the lymphatic system
The complement system and its role in the antimicrobial response
Innate immunity and recognition of PAMPs (Pathogen Associated Moecular Patterns)
The cytokines
The structure of the antibodies, T cell receptor (TCR) and B cell receptor (BCR), and the major histocompatibility complex
Signal transduction of the TCR and BCR
T cell activation
Humoral response to microbes
Evasion of the immune response by microrganisms
Coordination of innate and adaptive immune response to microbes
Mucosal immunity and the role of microbiota
Vaccines and infection
Immunodeficiency and HIV infection
Autophagy and immune response
Diagnosis of viral and bacterial infection based on the immune response
Flowcytometry and the analysis of the immune system

Janaway's Immunobiology (Piccin); Immunologia cellulare e molecolare (Feltrinelli)
the professor makes the slides available to the students.

INTRODUCTION: NATURE OF DRUGS, DRUG NOMENCLATURE, DRUG CLASSIFICATION. CLINICAL AND PRECLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY.
PRINCIPLES OF GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY- PHARMACOKINETICS: THE DYNAMICS OF DRUG ABSORPTION, DISTRIBUTION, BIOTRANSFORMATION AND ELIMINATION. MAIN PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS. PHARMACODYNAMICS: MECHANISMS OF DRUG ACTION; DRUG RECEPTORS; DRUG-RECEPTOR INTERACTIONS; SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION MECHANISMS; AGONISTS AND ANTAGONISTS. NEUROTRANSMITTERS.
SYSTEMATIC PHARMACOLOGY- MECHANISM OF ACTION, THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF THE MAIN CLASSES OF DRUGS: AUTONOMIC DRUGS; DRUGS THAT ACT IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM; CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS; ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS; BRONCHODILATORS AND OTHER DRUGS USED IN ASTHMA; DRUGS USED IN GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS; CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY; ANTIMICROBIC DRUGS.

Clark, Finkel, Rey, Whalen. “Pharmacology", Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews, 5th Edition

Power-point files of the lessons will be provided

To get an appointment with the Professor, email to: viviana.trezza@uniroma3.it

HEME-PROTEINS. HEME METABOLISM AND RELATED DISEASES. HEME BIOSYNTHESIS AND RELATED DISEASES. IRON METABOLISM AND RELATED DISEASES. INORGANIC BIOFACTORS: OXYGEN, CARBON MONOXIDE, NITROGEN MONOXIDE, HYDROGEN SULFIDE. BIOCHEMICAL AND CELLULAR ROLES OF THE INORGANIC BIOFACTORS. ROLE IOF THE INORGANIC BIOFACTORS IN HUMANN DISEASES ONSET. THE THERAPEUTIC USE OF THE INORGANIC BIOFACTORS. REACTIVE OXYGEN AND NITROGEN SPECIES. MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASES. THE ENERGETIC MATTER OF CANCER CELLS. THE METABOLIC REQUIREMENTS OF CANCER CELLS: THE WARBURG AND REVERSE WARBURG EFFECTS.

SCIENTIFIC PAPERS SUPPLIED BY THE TEACHER.
Support texts:
Siliprandi & Tettamanti "Biochimica Medica - strutturale, metabolica e funzionale" Ed. Piccin
- Chiurchiù & Maccarrone "I radicali liberi e la loro rilevanza in biomedicina: dai meccanismi molecolari alle prospettive terapeutiche" Ed Piccin

RECEPTION TIME: Mondays 10 am (please fix an appointment, alessandra.dimasi@uniroma3.it)

INTRODUCTION: NATURE OF DRUGS, DRUG NOMENCLATURE, DRUG CLASSIFICATION. CLINICAL AND PRECLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY.
PRINCIPLES OF GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY- PHARMACOKINETICS: THE DYNAMICS OF DRUG ABSORPTION, DISTRIBUTION, BIOTRANSFORMATION AND ELIMINATION. MAIN PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS. PHARMACODYNAMICS: MECHANISMS OF DRUG ACTION; DRUG RECEPTORS; DRUG-RECEPTOR INTERACTIONS; SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION MECHANISMS; AGONISTS AND ANTAGONISTS. NEUROTRANSMITTERS.
SYSTEMATIC PHARMACOLOGY- MECHANISM OF ACTION, THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF THE MAIN CLASSES OF DRUGS: AUTONOMIC DRUGS; DRUGS THAT ACT IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM; CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS; ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS; BRONCHODILATORS AND OTHER DRUGS USED IN ASTHMA; DRUGS USED IN GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS; CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY; ANTIMICROBIC DRUGS.

Clark, Finkel, Rey, Whalen. “Pharmacology", Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews, 5th Edition

Power-point files of the lessons will be provided

To get an appointment with the Professor, email to: viviana.trezza@uniroma3.it

The course aims at providing to the student:
- adequate knowledge and understanding on advanced methodologies in bacterial genetics, appropriate methodologies and communication skills for the study of genotype-phenotype relationships in bacteria;
- adequate applied knowledge for the evaluation and drafting of experimental approaches, and for retrieving and critically reviewing relevant scientific literature from on-line databases (making judgements).

Programme
- structure, organization, functioning and evolution of the bacterial chromosome;
- methods for the sequencing and analysis of bacterial genomes;
- structure, organization, function and evolution of mobile genetic elements (plasmids and transposons);
- genetic and molecular bases of horizontal gene transfer;
- genetic and molecular bases of gene expression regulation in bacteria;
- genetic bases and experimental approaches for the study of antibiotic resistance and tolerance;
- methods for the identification and validation of essential genes.

Selected topics will be available on suggested Bacterial Genetics books, as indicated in the following reference list. Specific research papers and experimental protocols will be provided during theoretic lessons on advanced research topics and laboratory practices.
Innovative teaching will be promoted by sharing power-point presentations illustrating the main topics of the course via email. Moreover, students will be encouraged to make use of web-based resources and databases to autonomously increase their knowledge on specific advanced topics.

Biochemical Methods Module (Prof. Alessandra di Masi)

- Biochemical methodologies in scientific research. Basic equipment in the biochemistry laboratory (glassware, scales, stirrers, thermostated systems, pH meters, hoods, centrifuges).
- Volumetry and weighing. Preparations of solutions, dilutions, buffer systems.
- Production of recombinant proteins: cloning, mutagenesis, expression systems in bacteria, yeasts, mammalian cells, insect cells. Fusion proteins.
- Methods for protein purification: separation techniques. Extraction of proteins from the biological source. Methods of fractionation of protein mixtures. Homogenization of cells with potter, ultraturrax, sonication, continuous pressure homogenizers (1st Laboratory experience).
- Protein purification with chromatographic techniques: gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, reverse phase chromatography. HPLC applications (with laboratory experience) (2nd laboratory experience).
- Quantification of proteins. (3rd Laboratory experience)
- Electrophoresis. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in native or denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE) detection techniques, quantitative densitometric analysis of bands, determination of molecular weight, gradient electrophoresis, preparative electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, two-dimensional electrophoresis. (4th Laboratory experience)
- Immunochemical techniques: antibodies, western blotting, ELISA and RIA, immunoprecipitation. (5th Laboratory experience)
- Spectroscopic methods for the study of proteins. UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy. Polarized light spectroscopy. Advanced spectroscopies. (6th Laboratory experience)
- Study of enzymes and proteins. Enzymatic kinetics: calculation of Km, Ki, Ka. Study of the type of inhibition: competitive, non-competitive, uncompetitive and mixed. Use of substrate analogues, effect of pH and temperature (7 ° Laboratory experience).
- Dosage of metabolites. Acid or basic deproteinization. Metabolite assay by spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric methods, ATP assay, glucose. Use of HPLC in the dosage of metabolites.
- Biochemical methods for the analysis of molecular interactions. Ligand protein analysis. Protein interaction analysis.

- Keith Wilson and John Walker: Biochimica e biologia molecolare: principi e tecniche. EDs. 2019 Raffaello Cortina.
- M.Maccarrone. Metodologie Biochimiche e Biomolecolari, Ed. Zanichelli Ed.
- Bonaccorsi, Contestabile, Di Salvo. Metodologie biochimiche, Ed. Zanichelli
- Michael C. Whitlock, Dolph Schluter, ANALISI STATISTICA DEI DATI BIOLOGICI, Zanichelli Editore, Ed. 2022.

Slides of each lesson will be made available.

- Bibliographic and biological databases
- Sequence alignment and sequence homology search programs
- Molecular modelling
- Molecular docking

Tramontano, Bioinformatica, Zanichelli

Biochemical Methods Module (Dott.ssa Giovanna De Simone)

- Biochemical methodologies in scientific research. Basic equipment in the biochemistry laboratory (glassware, scales, stirrers, thermostated systems, pH meters, hoods, centrifuges).
- Volumetry and weighing. Preparations of solutions, dilutions, buffer systems.
- Production of recombinant proteins: cloning, mutagenesis, expression systems in bacteria, yeasts, mammalian cells, insect cells. Fusion proteins.
- Methods for protein purification: separation techniques. Extraction of proteins from the biological source. Methods of fractionation of protein mixtures. Homogenization of cells with potter, ultraturrax, sonication, continuous pressure homogenizers (1st Laboratory experience).
- Protein purification with chromatographic techniques: gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, reverse phase chromatography. HPLC applications (with laboratory experience) (2nd laboratory experience).
- Quantification of proteins. (3rd Laboratory experience)
- Electrophoresis. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in native or denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE) detection techniques, quantitative densitometric analysis of bands, determination of molecular weight, gradient electrophoresis, preparative electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, two-dimensional electrophoresis. (4th Laboratory experience)
- Immunochemical techniques: antibodies, western blotting, ELISA and RIA, immunoprecipitation. (5th Laboratory experience)
- Spectroscopic methods for the study of proteins. UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy. Polarized light spectroscopy. Advanced spectroscopies. (6th Laboratory experience)
- Study of enzymes and proteins. Enzymatic kinetics: calculation of Km, Ki, Ka. Study of the type of inhibition: competitive, non-competitive, uncompetitive and mixed. Use of substrate analogues, effect of pH and temperature (7 ° Laboratory experience).
- Dosage of metabolites. Acid or basic deproteinization. Metabolite assay by spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric methods, ATP assay, glucose. Use of HPLC in the dosage of metabolites.
- Biochemical methods for the analysis of molecular interactions. Ligand protein analysis. Protein interaction analysis.

- Keith Wilson and John Walker: Biochimica e biologia molecolare: principi e tecniche. EDs. 2019 Raffaello Cortina.
- M.Maccarrone. Metodologie Biochimiche e Biomolecolari, Ed. Zanichelli Ed.
- Bonaccorsi, Contestabile, Di Salvo. Metodologie biochimiche, Ed. Zanichelli

THE COURSE (6 CFU) IS DIVIDED INTO TWO MAIN PARTS. THE FIRST ONE (5.5 CFU) IS AIMED AT DESCRIBING THE HISTORICAL AND NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK. THE SECOND ONE IS PLANNED TO FOCUS THE STUDY ON A VARIETY OF BOTH IN VITRO AND IN VIVO EXPERIMENTAL MODELS, WHOSE EMPLOYMENT IS USEFUL IN EITHER BIOLOGY APPLIED TO HUMAN HEALTH OR CELLULAR/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. STARTING POINTS FOR DISCUSSIONS WILL BE PROVIDED, IN ORDER TO ENGAGE THE LEARNERS FOR THE WRITING OF A REPORT THAT WILL BE GOAL OF EXAMINATION. LABORATORY PRACTICES (0.5 CFU) WILL BE FIXED TOGETHER WITH THE STUDENTS WITH THE AIM OF ACQUIRING NEW TECHNIQUES ON SOME EXPERIMENTAL MODELS WIDELY USED IN BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL FOR HOMEWORKS WILL BE SUGGESTED TO LEARNERS DURING THE COURSE.

1. BASIC TECHNOLOGIES OF GENE ANALYSIS; RESTRICTION ENZYMES; ELECTROPHORETIC ANALYSIS. 2. VECTORS; CLONING. 3. PCR; REAL TIME PCR; PCR APPLICATIONS. 4. GENETIC VARIABILITY APPLIED TO FORENSIC SCIENCE 5. GENE IDENTIFICATION; GENOMIC LIBRERIES AND cDNA LIBRERIES; YEAST TWO HYBRID SYSTEM 6. MUTAGENESIS. 7. RECOMBINANT PROTEIN PRODUCTION AND PURIFICATION. 8. FROM SANGER SEQUENCING TO NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING. 9. POST-GENOMICS ANALYSIS; TRANSCRIPTOMIC ANALYSIS; REPORTER GENES. 10. PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS. 11. PRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS OF TRANSGENIC PLANTS. 12. GENETIC MODIFICATION OF ANIMAL CELLS; TRANSGENIC ANIMALS CONSTRUCTION. 13. GENE TRAPPING; GENE TARGETING. 14. ANIMAL CLONING; GENE THERAPY. 15. THE CRISPR-CAS SYSTEM: EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATION AND APPLICATIONS.

Recommended textbooks:
1. METODOLOGIE BIOCHIMICHE STRUMENTI E TECNICHE PER IL LABORATORIO DEL NUOVO MILLENNIO, MACCARRONE M., E BIOMOLECOLARI, CASA EDITRICE ZANICHELLI
2. DAI GENI AI GENOMI, JEREMY W. DALE, MALCOLM VON SCHANTZ, NICK PLANT, A CURA DI: E. GINELLI, CASA EDITRICE EDISES
3. ANALISI DEI GENI E GENOMI, REECE, EDISES.
4. TECNICHE E METODI PER LA BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE, AMALDI F., BENEDETTI P., PESOLE G., PLEVANI P., CASA EDITRICE AMBROSIANA.

Lecture notes and calculation exercises will be provided.
Non-attending students are invited to request information on the program, teaching materials and how to evaluate the profit.
The professor receives every day from 10.00 to 11.00 by appointment via e-mail: manuela.cervelli@uniroma3.it

Elements of parasite taxonomy. Symbiosis, commensalism and parasitism. Adaptations to parasitism. Parasite Ecology.
Zoonosis. Pathogenesis. The most important parasitic diseases. Epidemiology, prevention and treatment.
Flagellates of reticuloendothelial system. Leishmaniasis: Leishmania infantum and L. donovani. Trypanosomiasis: Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease); Trypanosoma brucei (sleeping sickness).
Intestinal and urogenital flagellates (Giardia duodenalis, Trichomonas vaginalis).
Blastocystis hominis, Dientamoeba fragilis. Intestinal amoebae: Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli. Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba castellanii.
Overwiev on Apicomplexa: cycles and cellular organelles. Cryptosporidium spp. Toxoplasma gondii.
Plasmodium and malaria: Plasmodium falciparum, Pl.vivax, Pl.ovale, Pl.malariae. Plasmodium knowlesi.
Trematodes: Fasciola epatica, Schistosoma spp.and schistosomiasis. Opistorchis felineus and Clonorchis sinensis.
Diphyllobothrium latum, Taenia solium and Taenia saginata. Echinococcosis: Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis.
Geohelmints: Trichuris trichura, Asca-
ris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale. Pinworms. Anisakis spp.
Wuchereria bancrofti, Onchocerca Volvulus. Dracunculus medinensis. Trichinella spp.
Sandflies (Flebotumus) and Mosquitos (Anopheles, Aedes). Arachnida: Ticks: Ixodidae and Argasidae; Scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei). Insects: Anoplura (lices), Aphanittera (fleas).
Antiprotozoal drugs and antihelmintic drugs. Antimalarial drugs and drug-resistance phenomenon.
Conventional Diagnostics and Microscopy. Antigenic and serological tests. Molecular Diagnostics.
Tolerance and inflammation. Immunological escape mechanisms.
Databases and applications for studying the parasites: VEuPathDB and WormBase.

Medical Parasitology: A Self-Instructional Text. Ruth Leventhal (2012).

Three are the main arguments of the course:
-Gene transfer techniques;
-Applications of Plant Biotechnology;
-Analysis of Risks and Benefits of plant genetic manipulation.

In detail, during the course the following arguments are discussed:
Techniques for gene transfer into the nuclear and palstidic genome; Techniques for in vitro culture of plant cells; Use of selectable gene markers and reporte genes; Strategies to remove selectable markers from transgenic plants; Inducible expressione of transgenes in plants; Transient expression of genes in plants; Gene silencing in plants and applications; 'Gene targeting' in plants; 'Genome editing' in plants; Plants with improved nutritional value; Production of various molecules, such as antibodies and vaccines, in transgenic plants; Biotechnological strategies to obtain plants resistant to herbicides, pathogens and environmental stresses; Plants with increased Photosynthetic rate; Biosafety and Bioethical issues related to plant Biotechnology; emerging technologies and Plant Biotechnology

-Recommended textbooks:

1. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS (2000) BUCHANAN B.B, GRUISSEM W., JONES R.L., AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGISTS, ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND.
2. HANDBOOK OF PLANT BIOYECHNOLOGY (2004) CHRISTOU P., KLEE H., HOBOKEN, (N.J.), WILEY.
3. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY AND TRANSGENIC PLANTS (2002) OKSMAN-CALDENTEY K.-M., BARZ W.H., NEW YORK, DEKER.

-Scientific articles published in international journals (pdf files will be provided).
-Lecture notes will be provided.

INTRODUCTION TO ENDOCRINOLOGY (1 CFU): HISTORY, CHEMICAL NATURE OF HORMONES, EVOLUTION OF CHEMICAL SIGNALS. ENDOCRINE GLANDS, HORMONE SYNTHESIS AND RELEASE (ENDOCRINE, AUTOCRINE, PARACRINE, AND INTRACRINE ACTIONS, HORMONAL RHYTMS). HORMONES FROM ENDOCRINE GLANDS (HYPOTALAMUS AND PITUITARY, PANCREAS, THYROID and PARATHYROID HORMONES, ADRENALS, GONADS). HORMONES PRODUCED BY SPECIALIZED CELLS (BONES, MUSCLE). MECHANISMS OF HORMONE ACTIONS (SIGNALLING FROM MEMBRANE AND INTRACELLULAR RECEPTORS).

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY (3 CFU): REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY (FETAL GROWTH, PREGNANCY, MATERNAL ADAPTATION TO PREGNANCY). GROWTH (GROWTH FACTORS AND ONCOGENES IN FETAL GROWTH, POSTNATAL GROWTH, PUBERTY, HORMONES AND THE GENDER/SEX DIFFERENCES). AGEING (THEORIES, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPIES, GERIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY). METABOLIC ENDOCRINOLOGY (REGULATION OF FOOD UPTAKE, REGULATION OF DIGESTIVE PROCESSES, OBESITY)
HORMONES AND ENVIRONMENTAL INJURIES (1 CFU): STRESS ADAPTATION. ENVIRONMENTAL ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS. DISORDERS OF THE ENDOCRINOLOGY SYSTEM (CELL GROWTH AND CANCER).

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE (1 CFU)

The arguments of the introduction are available in every book of General Physiology. Moreover, review will be provided in the classroom.

The first part of the course will give an integrated view of gastro-intestinal anatomy, physiology and regulation as well as how the gut extracts and utilizes the nutrients in the diet. In addition to these classical aspects more contemporary topics are included such as the importance of the gut microbiota and its interaction with the gut immune system, appetite regulation and the problems with overeating and obesity.
The course will focus on the homeostatic maintenance of energetic balance, on the composition of human body, and on the evaluation of nutritional needs in physiological States (e.g., development, pregnancy, ageing). A particular attention will be addressed to the relationship between nutrition and maintenance of human health. Finally, you learn about the pathophysiological aspects of gut function (malnutrition, overnutrition, food intolerance) and the dietetic approaches to balance the deficiencies in homeostasis.
An application of these concepts will be supplied by study the nutritional needs during physical exercise.

D.U. Silverthorn Human Physiology 2020 PEARSON, MILANO –TORINO, ITALIA.

Lessons
• Generalities about microbial metabolism and physiology
• Industrial and traditional fermentations, starter coltures;
• Conservation and safety of fermented foods;
• Microbial technologies for drugs development and production (antibiotics);
• Microbial technologies for food industry (fermented dairy products and alcoholic beverages; vinegar);
• Microbial production of enzymes and recombinant proteins for drug and food industry (caomparative examples);
• Genetic improvement of industrial microrganism.

Laboratory practices and other activities
-cloning, overexpression and purification of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli;
-development and microbiological analysis of sourdough;
-guided tours to a beer farm

Specific learning material will be provided by the teacher (lectures slides, scientific articles). Below some suggested books.

Climate change and human pressure. Impact of climate change on stability of forest ecosystems and food security. Global warming and the increase in greenhouse gases. The intensification of extreme events and the combination of multiple stresses. Plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Phenotypic plasticity and integrated defense responses of plant organisms to multiple stresses. The role of cell wall.

THE BIO-SIGNALLING. Signal transduction. Cell wall receptors and intracellular receptors: the E3 ligase ubiquitin complex, hybrid kinases, RLK, and G proteins. Negative signaling pathways. The second messengers and signal amplification. Intracellular calcium variations: the signature of calcium. Modulation of membrane permeability, cytoskeleton, enzymatic activity and gene transcription. Coordination of responses between different organs. Systemic responses. Reporting modalities between perception sites and distal response sites. The propagation of electrical signals through the plant: the new frontiers of Plant Biology. The action potential in plant organisms and the fast transmission of the signal at long distance leaf-leaf, root-leaf and vice versa. Pressure waves, reactive oxygen species and calcium waves.

THE SECONDARY METABOLISM. Biosynthetic pathways of phenolic compounds, terpenes and nitrogen-containing compounds (alkaloids, cyanogenic glucosides and glucosinolates). Regulatory sites at the interface between primary and secondary metabolism. Metabolic plasticity: modulation of metabolic pathways in response to changes in environmental conditions. Effects of the environment on production and accumulation of secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds. The functional role of secondary metabolites in plant-environment communication. Bioactive compounds from plants and agri-food waste for the development of useful products in the agrochemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical fields. Supplements, dyes and food additives. Essential oils. Mother tinctures. Production of bioactive metabolites in vitro from cell and tissue cultures. Production of bioactive metabolites in vitro from cell and tissue cultures. Strategies to increase the production of secondary metabolites in in vitro systems. The production of metabolites in bioreactors.

1) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants. Buchanan et al.; John Wiley & Sons Inc.
2) Molecole Bioattive delle piante. Massimo Maffei; Published by the author.
3) Biologia delle Piante. Vol 2: Interazioni con l’ambiente e Domesticazione. Smith A. M. et al.; Zanichelli.
4) Articoli scientifici e lezioni in power point fornite dal docente.

The professor receives every day by appointment via e-mail: alessandra.cona@uniroma3.it

ATOMIC STRUCTURE: ATOMIC MODELS, ATOMIC ORBITALS. CHEMICAL BOND: MOLECULAR ORBITALS. LAWS OF THERMODYNAMICS: ENERGY, WORK AND HEAT. STATE FUNCTIONS (RECALL): INTERNAL ENERGY, ENTHALPY, ENTROPY, FREE ENERGY. INTRODUCTION TO THE RADIATION-MATTER INTERACTION (CLASSICAL MODEL). SPECTROSCOPIES: VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY (FT-IR), ELECTRONIC SPECTROSCOPIES. UV-VIS ABSORPTION AND EMISSION. X-RAYS PHOTOEMISSION SPECTROSCOPY (XPS). INSTRUMENTATION. EXAMPLES OF APPLICATIONS OF FT-IR, UV-VIS and XPS SPECTROSCOPIES TO THE INVESTIGATION OF THE ELECTRONIC AND CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF BIOMOLECULES.

PETER ATKINS, JULIO DE PAULA: Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences. ISBN: 9780199564286; slides can be downloaded from the Moodle page.

Theory (3 CFU = 24h)

Nanomaterials: definition and peculiarities. Types of nanomaterials (organic, inorganic, organic-inorganic hybrids). Importance of the surface in nanomaterials. Phenomena influenced by the surface. Thermodynamic aspects of nanometric phases. Hierarchical nanostructures. 1D and 2D nanomaterials. Introduction to band theory. Semiconductor nanomaterials and Quantum Dots. Electronic and spectroscopic properties. Luminescent Carbon Dots. Nanoparticles of noble metals and their plasmonic properties. Organic-inorganic nanocomposites. Multifunctional nanostructures that can be activated by external stimuli for diagnostics, drug-delivery and for curative treatments in nanomedicine. Synthesis of nanoparticles in solution with "green chemistry" methods. Strategies to obtain different porosities, dimensions and morphologies (nanospheres, nanocubes, nanorods, core@shell) of nanoparticles. Surface functionalization of inorganic nanoparticles. Chemical-physical analysis of nanostructures. Spectroscopic investigations : fluorescence, UV-vis-visible, NIR and infrared). Dynamic light scattering.

Laboratory (32-36 h)

1) Bottom up approach: synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (Au, Ag) in aqueous solution.
2) Top down approach: preparation of polymer nanoparticles
3) Functionalization
4) Spectroscopic characterization of the nanoparticles prepared in the optical field: UV-vis and and FTIR.
5) Investigation of colloidal properties.

S. M. Lindsay; Introduction to Nanoscience; Oxford
D. Vollath; Nanoparticles-nanocomposites-nanomaterials. An Introduction fo Beginners
Material will also be provided by the teacher

Introduction; Antigene definition; the cells of the immune system
The fisico-chemical barriers and the lymphatic system
The complement system and its role in the antimicrobial response
Innate immunity and recognition of PAMPs (Pathogen Associated Moecular Patterns)
The cytokines
The structure of the antibodies, T cell receptor (TCR) and B cell receptor (BCR), and the major histocompatibility complex
Signal transduction of the TCR and BCR
T cell activation
Humoral response to microbes
Evasion of the immune response by microrganisms
Coordination of innate and adaptive immune response to microbes
Mucosal immunity and the role of microbiota
Vaccines and infection
Immunodeficiency and HIV infection
Autophagy and immune response
Diagnosis of viral and bacterial infection based on the immune response
Flowcytometry and the analysis of the immune system

Janaway's Immunobiology (Piccin); Immunologia cellulare e molecolare (Feltrinelli)
the professor makes the slides available to the students.

- General overview of the plastic and energetic function of nutrients
- Uptake and usage of
- Vitamins
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Amino acids and proteins
- Metabolism of the main alcoholic and psychoactive drinks of nutritional value
- Signal transduction and regulation of metabolic pathways
- Metabolic regulation of the nutrition-fasting cycle
- Reactive oxygen species
- Endogenous and exogenous antioxidants
- Xenobiotics

- Leuzzi, Bellocco, Barreca “Biochimica della Nutrizione” Ed. Zanichelli
- Arienti "Le basi molecolari della nutrizione"
- Cozzani, Dainese "Biochimica degli alimenti e della nutrizione" Ed. Piccin.

- General Biochemistry textbooks adopted for the Biochemistry Course of the bachelor degree in Biological Sciences.

- GENOME (ORGANIZATION, STRUCTURAL GENOMICS, COMPARATIVE GENOMICS AND FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS). EPIGENOME (METHYLATION, HISTONE CODE, CHROMATIN 3D ARCHITECTURE, NON-CODING RNA). EXAMPLES OF EPIGENETIC REGULATION: CELL DIFFERENTIATION AND GENETIC MECHANISMS OF SEX DETERMINATION (HOW DOES SEX IS GENETICALLY DETERMINED, INACTIVATION OF X CHROMOSOME, SEX-DEPENDENT PHENOTYPIC EFFECTS).

- CELL CYCLE REGULATION, SENESCENCE AND APOPTOSIS. GENETIC OF AGING (GENETIC THEORIES OF AGING, GERONTOGENES AND GENES INVOLVED IN LONGEVITY, AGING IN ANIMAL MODELS, MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR AGING). CANCER GENETICS (ONCOGENES, ONCO-SUPPRESSOR GENES, CHROMOSOMAL REARRANGEMENTS INVOLVED IN CANCER, THE CANCER STEM CELLS THEORY).

- HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS, Tom Strachan, Andrew Read, Zanichelli
- Scientific articles and teaching material provided by the teacher

Climate change and food security. Plant varieties and phenotypic plasticity. Effect of environmental conditions on primary and secondary metabolism: food quality and production of aromas, flavours and toxins. Origin of agriculture and plant domestication and genetic improvement of the main family including crop species: Poaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Brassicaceae. Plant genetic improvement and “the green revolution”. Plant biotechnology for the development of crop plants resistant to environmental stress and/or herbicides and with high nutritional value. Primary metabolism: nutritional values of the different plant organs and nutrients bioavailability. Nutrients from plants: carbohydrates (sucrose and starch from different sources), soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, lipids and oils (olive oil and seed oil), proteins, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Effects of storage conditions and pre- and post-harvest diseases on nutritional quality of plant foods. Allergy and intolerances caused by plant substances present in crop species. Gluten. Primary and secondary metabolism. Secondary metabolism: terpenes, phenols, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, glucosinolates, non-protein amino acids. Nutritional properties of secondary metabolites: metabolites with toxic effects and metabolites with positive effects on human health. Aromatic plants, spice plants and nervine plants (tea, coffee, cocoa). Natural dyes in food. Bioactive metabolites as food supplements.

1) Piante alimentari. Biologia, composizione chimica, utilizzazione. Rinallo C.; Piccin.
2) Biologia delle Piante. Vol 2: Interazioni con l’ambiente e Domesticazione. Smith A. M. et al.; Zanichelli.
3) La chimica e gli alimenti. Nutrienti e aspetti nutraceutici. Luisa Mannina, Maria Daglia, Alberto Ritieni; CEA.
4) Alimentazione, Nutrizione e Salute. Lucantonio Debellis, Alessandro Poli; Edises.
5) Articoli scientifici e lezioni in power point fornite dal docente


The professor receives every day by appointment via e-mail: alessandra.cona@uniroma3.it

Laboratory practice exercise:
Practice 1: Osmosis
Practice 2: Globular Resistance
Practice 3: Arterial Pressure
Practice 4: Spirometry

D.U. Silverthorn Human Physiology 2020 PEARSON, MILANO –TORINO, ITALIA.

The course describes and compares the replication cycles of different animal viruses that infect vertebrate hosts to gain insight into: origin of viruses, structure, evolution, strategies of replication, virus-cell interactions, host defense mechanisms and strategies of viral immunoevasion, methods of detection, identification and titration, antiviral drugs and profilaxis of viral infections. In particular, it will be described viruses of the following viral families: Parvoviridae, Poliomaviridae, Papillomaviridae, Adenoviridae, Herpesviridae, Poxviridae, Picornaviridae, Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Ortomixoviridae, Rabdoviridae, Retroviridae, Hepadnaviridae. In addition, introduction to applied virology will be provided (i.e., vaccine development, viral vectors and oncolytic viruses). Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to understand in-depth texts and experimental data related to the discipline.

All the detailed list of topics covered during the lessons, the PDF files of power point presentations used during the course and supplementary material for exam preparation are available in the Moodle platform of the course.

Adopted text book:

- Leonard Norkin – Virology: Molecular Biology and Pathogenesis - ASM (American Society for Microbiology) Press (this text book is more detailed to study the different virus life cycles)


Students are received at the end of the lessons or by appointment via email (elisabetta.affabris@uniroma3.it).

Overview of the development of multicellular organisms. Ectodermal derivation of neural tissue in invertebrates and vertebrates. Primary neurulation: cellular and molecular mechanisms of neural plate formation, neural folds, neural groove and neural tube. Secondary neurulation. Neural tube closure defects in mammals: genetic and environmental causes. Morphogenesis and differentiation of the brain and spinal cord. Role of cell death in central nervous system morphogenesis: apoptotic mechanisms. Layering of cerebral and cerebellar cortical structures. Congenital diseases related to neuronal migration defects: the case of peroxisomal disorders. Neural stem cells: neuronal and glial differentiation. Neurogenesis in the adult brain: the subventricular and subgranular areas of the mammalian dentate gyrus. Pathways regulating activity of the neurogenic niche. Neurogenesis and neurodegeneration in the senescent brain. Neurodegenerative diseases related to aging: common features and anatomical and genetic-molecular specificities. Protein aggregates, role of apoptosis and autophagy and therapies against neurodegeneration, based on stem cell transplants and endogenous regeneration.

Gilbert: "Developmental Biology", 9th Edition, Sinauer Associates

The laboratory medicine role in the clinical context. Elements of biomedical laboratory organization. The sectors of the biomedical laboratory. The roles and duties of the laboratory staff. Role of statistics in laboratory medicine. Evaluation of analytical performance: precision, trueness, limit of blank, limit of detection and sensitivity. Biological variability. Performance of a diagnostic test. Elements of metrology. Measurements and physical quantities in the laboratory. the pre-analytical phase. patient-related variability. Sample-related variability. Principles of immunochemistry. The immunochemical dosage. Immunochemical methods: turbidimetry and neplelometry. Enzymatic determinations. Muscle enzymes. Liver enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes. Bone enzymes. Clinical biochemistry of jaundice. Bilirubin metabolism. Classification of jaundice. Gilbert's syndrome and Crigler-Najjar syndrome. Neonatal jaundice. Protein diagnostics.
Dyslipidemias. Lipoproteins: chylomicrons, VLDL and IDL, LDL, HDL, Apolipoproteins. Metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins. Cardiovascular risk associated with dyslipidemia. Diagnosis of dyslipidemias. Treatment and therapy. Hematological diagnosis. Anemia: definition, causes and diagnosis. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, cell counts, erythrocyte indices, reticulocytes. Leukocyte formula. Laboratory test for platelet changes. Immunohematology. Erythrocyte blood group antigens. Antibodies. Antigen-antiboby reaction. Determination of group AB0, type D and Rh phenotype. Search for anti-erythrocyte antibodies. Direct and indirect Coombs test. Application of molecular biology to erythrocyte immunohematology. Hemostasis. Stages of haemostasis. Fibrinolysis. Congenital disorders of coagulation factors. PT, PTT, Fbg. Thrombin time. Anticoagulant therapy. Laboratory diagnostics of kidney diseases. Nitrogen. Urea. Creatinine. Estimation of glomerular filtrate. Low molecular weight plasma proteins. Proteinurias. Albuminuria. Physical, chemical and morphological urine examination. Electrolyte analysis. Water balance. Sodium and potassium balance. Blood gas analysis. Cardiac biomarkers. Study of the endocrine system. Pituitary gland. Thyroid. Testicle. Ovary. The laboratory role in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Screening and diagnosis. Srveillance. Fasting blood sugar. Post-prandial blood sugar. Oral glucose load curve. Chetonic bodies. Albuminuria. Glycated hemoglobin. Insulin and C petide. Tumor markers. Biological liquids. Cephalorachidian fluid examination. Clinical Molecular Biology. Type of test and biological sample. Susceptibility Diagnosis. Early diagnosis: newborn screening. Disease diagnosis: cystic fibrosis, x-linked diseases. Prenatal diagnosis of hereditary and non-hereditary genetic diseases. Chronic myeloid leukemia. Inflammation biomarkers. C-reactive protein. VES. Pro calcitonin. Sepsis biomarkers. Mass spectrometry in clinical biochemistry and laboratory medicine. Drugs of abuse. Neonatal screening. Proteomics

M. Ciaccio, G. Lippi - Biochimica clinica e medicina di laboratorio - Edises Universitaria, Ed. II/2018
H. Loffler, J. Rastetter - Atlante di ematologia clinica - Antonio Delfino Editore, Ed. V.

General principles
Areas of study and specialization in toxicology; Classification of toxic agents; Definition of unwanted effects induced by a xenobiotic; Significance of local and systemic toxicity; Interaction between multiple xenobiotics and toxic responses; Selectivity of the toxic effect; Exposure characteristics (dose, duration, frequency); dose-effect relationship; therapeutic index; safety margin; NOAEL, LOAEL, DL50; Toxicological studies; Mechanisms of interference of xenobiotics with physiological processes; Concepts and mechanisms underlying the processes of absorption, biotransformation, distribution and excretion of a xenobiotic; Risk and Toxicity: meaning and consequences; Evaluation and extrapolation of experimental toxicological data to humans.
Organ and system toxicology
Liver, renal, cardiovascular, skin and CNS toxicity.
Developmental toxicology
Principles of developmental toxicology. Critical periods of susceptibility and risk assessment. Pathogenetic mechanisms of developmental toxicity. Toxicokinetics in pregnancy. Toxicity to the mother and effects on embryo-foetal development (ethanol, methylmercury, lead, etc.).
Food toxicology
Bacterial toxins; mycotoxins; pesticides; additives; animal and plant toxins. Quality control issues (contamination, adulteration, adulteration)
Substances of abuse
Toxicity, abuse, dependence, withdrawal from: stimulants, depressants, psychedelic-hallucinogens. Smart drugs
Toxic effects of pesticides, metals, solvents
Clinical toxicology
General antidotism. Poisonings from: acids, alkalis, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, paracetamol, amphetamines, anticholinergics, cyanide, digitalis, ethanol, hydrocarbons, insecticides (chlorinated, organophosphorus and carbamate, botanical), herbicides, polychlorinated biphenyls, iron, mercury, opiates, phenothiazines, salicylates, hypnotics and sedatives, tricyclic antidepressants. Toxicity of over-the-counter products.

Casarett & Doull’s Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, 9th edition
Power-point files of the lessons will be provided

To get an appointment with the Professor, email to: viviana.trezza@uniroma3.it

- General overview of the plastic and energetic function of nutrients
- Uptake and usage of
- Vitamins
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Amino acids and proteins
- Metabolism of the main alcoholic and psychoactive drinks of nutritional value
- Signal transduction and regulation of metabolic pathways
- Metabolic regulation of the nutrition-fasting cycle
- Reactive oxygen species
- Endogenous and exogenous antioxidants
- Xenobiotics

- Leuzzi, Bellocco, Barreca “Biochimica della Nutrizione” Ed. Zanichelli
- Arienti "Le basi molecolari della nutrizione"
- Cozzani, Dainese "Biochimica degli alimenti e della nutrizione" Ed. Piccin.

- General Biochemistry textbooks adopted for the Biochemistry Course of the bachelor degree in Biological Sciences.

- GENOME (ORGANIZATION, STRUCTURAL GENOMICS, COMPARATIVE GENOMICS AND FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS). EPIGENOME (METHYLATION, HISTONE CODE, CHROMATIN 3D ARCHITECTURE, NON-CODING RNA). EXAMPLES OF EPIGENETIC REGULATION: CELL DIFFERENTIATION AND GENETIC MECHANISMS OF SEX DETERMINATION (HOW DOES SEX IS GENETICALLY DETERMINED, INACTIVATION OF X CHROMOSOME, SEX-DEPENDENT PHENOTYPIC EFFECTS).

- CELL CYCLE REGULATION, SENESCENCE AND APOPTOSIS. GENETIC OF AGING (GENETIC THEORIES OF AGING, GERONTOGENES AND GENES INVOLVED IN LONGEVITY, AGING IN ANIMAL MODELS, MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR AGING). CANCER GENETICS (ONCOGENES, ONCO-SUPPRESSOR GENES, CHROMOSOMAL REARRANGEMENTS INVOLVED IN CANCER, THE CANCER STEM CELLS THEORY).

- HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS, Tom Strachan, Andrew Read, Zanichelli
- Scientific articles and teaching material provided by the teacher

1. Evolution and systematics of microorganisms: origin of bacteria; molecular phylogeny; 16S rRNA gene and evolution; fundamentals of systematics of microorganisms
2. Metabolic diversity in microorganisms: chemolithotrophy; fermentations; anaerobia; phototrophy
3. Functional diversity of microorganisms: phototrophic and chemotrophic bacteria
4. Study methods in microbial ecology: a) cultivation methods; b) methods independent of cultivation: microscopy, genetic analysis; metagenomics
5. Microbial ecosystems: a) principles of ecology; b) Microbial interactions (Quorum sensing; Biofilm);
c) Terrestrial environment (the soil); d) Aquatic environments (sea); c) Extreme environments (abysses; hydrothermal springs)
6. Microbial role in nutrient cycles: carbon, nitrogen, sulfur; others
7. Symbiosis between microorganisms and between microorganisms and different organisms such as a) plants, b) mammals, c) man; d) insects; e) aquatic invertebrates
8. Microorganisms in anthropized environments: bioremediation of contaminated sites; water treatment; biocorrosion; recovery of minerals from mines

Brock Biologia dei Microorganismi
Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale
Michael T. Madigan - Kelly S. Bender - Daniel H. Buckley - David A. Stahl - W. Matthew Sattley ISBN: 9788891906298 Pearson

Laboratory practice exercise:
Practice 1: Osmosis
Practice 2: Globular Resistance
Practice 3: Arterial Pressure
Practice 4: Spirometry

D.U. Silverthorn Human Physiology 2020 PEARSON, MILANO –TORINO, ITALIA.

Introduction and general aspects: definition and public health tasks. Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
General epidemiology: epidemiological methodology; sources and methods of collecting epidemiological data. Main measures used in Epidemiology (frequency, prevalence, incidence, rates).
Epidemiological studies: descriptive, analytical, experimental methodology.
Epidemiology and prevention of infectious diseases. Features and ways of spreading of infectious diseases. Epidemiology: etiological agents. Temporal and spatial distribution of infectious diseases (sporadic, endemic, epidemic, pandemic disease). Direct prophylaxis: notification, assessment, isolation, disinfection and disinfestation. Specific prophylaxis: vaccine, serum and chemoprophylaxis.
Epidemiology and prevention of non-communicable diseases. Epidemiology: etiology, risk factors, distribution and frequency of non-communicable diseases of social interest in Italy.
Prevention: primary (strengthening of organic defenses, modification of behavior, intervention on the environment), secondary (mass and selective screening), tertiary (rehabilitation and social reintegration).
The main chronic non-communicable diseases: cardiovascular diseases, tumors.
Environmental hygiene and food safety. Atmospheric air: chemical-physical characteristics, urban air pollution (sources, contaminants, effects), prevention. Water for human use: physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics; correction of water intended for human consumption. Urban waste water: study of the characteristics and methods of purification and disposal. Municipal solid waste: classification, characteristics, collection and disposal methods. Food: food-borne infections and food poisoning.
Hospital hygiene and nosocomial infections. The challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Igiene e sanità pubblica - Secrets - Domande e risposte 2021 di Signorelli - Capolongo - Odone - Nante - AAVV
Manuale di igiene e sanità pubblica- 2021. Gavino Maciocco, Guglielmo Bonaccorsi e Paolo Bonanni

The course describes and compares the replication cycles of different animal viruses that infect vertebrate hosts to gain insight into: origin of viruses, structure, evolution, strategies of replication, virus-cell interactions, host defense mechanisms and strategies of viral immunoevasion, methods of detection, identification and titration, antiviral drugs and profilaxis of viral infections. In particular, it will be described viruses of the following viral families: Parvoviridae, Poliomaviridae, Papillomaviridae, Adenoviridae, Herpesviridae, Poxviridae, Picornaviridae, Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Ortomixoviridae, Rabdoviridae, Retroviridae, Hepadnaviridae. In addition, introduction to applied virology will be provided (i.e., vaccine development, viral vectors and oncolytic viruses). Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to understand in-depth texts and experimental data related to the discipline.

All the detailed list of topics covered during the lessons, the PDF files of power point presentations used during the course and supplementary material for exam preparation are available in the Moodle platform of the course.

Adopted text book:

- Leonard Norkin – Virology: Molecular Biology and Pathogenesis - ASM (American Society for Microbiology) Press (this text book is more detailed to study the different virus life cycles)


Students are received at the end of the lessons or by appointment via email (elisabetta.affabris@uniroma3.it).

General principles
Areas of study and specialization in toxicology; Classification of toxic agents; Definition of unwanted effects induced by a xenobiotic; Significance of local and systemic toxicity; Interaction between multiple xenobiotics and toxic responses; Selectivity of the toxic effect; Exposure characteristics (dose, duration, frequency); dose-effect relationship; therapeutic index; safety margin; NOAEL, LOAEL, DL50; Toxicological studies; Mechanisms of interference of xenobiotics with physiological processes; Concepts and mechanisms underlying the processes of absorption, biotransformation, distribution and excretion of a xenobiotic; Risk and Toxicity: meaning and consequences; Evaluation and extrapolation of experimental toxicological data to humans.
Organ and system toxicology
Liver, renal, cardiovascular, skin and CNS toxicity.
Developmental toxicology
Principles of developmental toxicology. Critical periods of susceptibility and risk assessment. Pathogenetic mechanisms of developmental toxicity. Toxicokinetics in pregnancy. Toxicity to the mother and effects on embryo-foetal development (ethanol, methylmercury, lead, etc.).
Food toxicology
Bacterial toxins; mycotoxins; pesticides; additives; animal and plant toxins. Quality control issues (contamination, adulteration, adulteration)
Substances of abuse
Toxicity, abuse, dependence, withdrawal from: stimulants, depressants, psychedelic-hallucinogens. Smart drugs
Toxic effects of pesticides, metals, solvents
Clinical toxicology
General antidotism. Poisonings from: acids, alkalis, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, paracetamol, amphetamines, anticholinergics, cyanide, digitalis, ethanol, hydrocarbons, insecticides (chlorinated, organophosphorus and carbamate, botanical), herbicides, polychlorinated biphenyls, iron, mercury, opiates, phenothiazines, salicylates, hypnotics and sedatives, tricyclic antidepressants. Toxicity of over-the-counter products.

Casarett & Doull’s Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, 9th edition
Power-point files of the lessons will be provided

To get an appointment with the Professor, email to: viviana.trezza@uniroma3.it

Climate change and food security. Plant varieties and phenotypic plasticity. Effect of environmental conditions on primary and secondary metabolism: food quality and production of aromas, flavours and toxins. Origin of agriculture and plant domestication and genetic improvement of the main family including crop species: Poaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Brassicaceae. Plant genetic improvement and “the green revolution”. Plant biotechnology for the development of crop plants resistant to environmental stress and/or herbicides and with high nutritional value. Primary metabolism: nutritional values of the different plant organs and nutrients bioavailability. Nutrients from plants: carbohydrates (sucrose and starch from different sources), soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, lipids and oils (olive oil and seed oil), proteins, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Effects of storage conditions and pre- and post-harvest diseases on nutritional quality of plant foods. Allergy and intolerances caused by plant substances present in crop species. Gluten. Primary and secondary metabolism. Secondary metabolism: terpenes, phenols, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, glucosinolates, non-protein amino acids. Nutritional properties of secondary metabolites: metabolites with toxic effects and metabolites with positive effects on human health. Aromatic plants, spice plants and nervine plants (tea, coffee, cocoa). Natural dyes in food. Bioactive metabolites as food supplements.

1) Piante alimentari. Biologia, composizione chimica, utilizzazione. Rinallo C.; Piccin.
2) Biologia delle Piante. Vol 2: Interazioni con l’ambiente e Domesticazione. Smith A. M. et al.; Zanichelli.
3) La chimica e gli alimenti. Nutrienti e aspetti nutraceutici. Luisa Mannina, Maria Daglia, Alberto Ritieni; CEA.
4) Alimentazione, Nutrizione e Salute. Lucantonio Debellis, Alessandro Poli; Edises.
5) Articoli scientifici e lezioni in power point fornite dal docente


The professor receives every day by appointment via e-mail: alessandra.cona@uniroma3.it

The course aims at providing to the student:
- adequate knowledge and understanding on advanced methodologies in microbial biotechnology, appropriate methodologies and communication skills for the isolation, observation, description and engineering of industrial microorganisms;
- adequate applied knowledge for drafting and executing experimental protocols, and for retrieving and critically reviewing relevant scientific literature from on-line databases (making judgements).

Programme
During the laboratory practices and the corresponding theoretic lessons, the following topics will be covered:
- isolation of microorganisms of industrial relevance from the environment, preparation of growth media and cultivation techniques;
- transposon–based mutagenesis (generation and screening of mutant libraries);
- genetic transfer processes (conjugation and transformation);
- use of whole-cell bacterial biosensors for gauging specific molecules produced by other microorganisms.
The following topics will be covered in additional theoretic lessons:
- development of innovative therapeutic strategies based on biotechnological processes;
- development of biosensors and reporter systems for the identification of new drugs;
- application of synthetic biology to microbial biotechnology;
- properties of the regulatory networks and their application to biotechnological processes.

Selected topics will be available on suggested Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology books, as indicated in the following reference list. Specific research papers and experimental protocols will be provided during theoretic lessons on advanced research topics and laboratory practices.
Innovative teaching will be promoted by cloud-sharing of power-point presentations illustrating the main topics of the course. Moreover, students will be encouraged to make use of web-based resources and databases to autonomously increase their knowledge on specific advanced topics.
Students will be received at the best of their convenience if an appointment has been fixed at the end of the lessons or by email.

Cultural skills (Knowledge of): The course aims to provide students with the chemical basis of the structure, properties, and reactivity of biological molecules, as well as the main notions for understanding the logic that regulates bio-organic chemistry processes.
Methodological skills (How to carry out): at the end of the course, the student will be able to analyze and discuss the catalytic mechanism of the most important classes of enzymes, as well as to understand the importance of the organic chemistry applied to the study of biological systems, to biocatalysis, and the development of biologically active molecules.
Introduction to Bio-organic Chemistry (A short overview of the most common functional groups involved in biological processes, highlighting their main features).
Organic chemistry mechanisms to explain critical steps in pivotal biological pathways:
• Electrophilic Addition Reactions:
regioselective epoxidation of alkenes; the action of squalene epoxidase in squalene/lanosterol transformation.
• Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions
bimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction (SN2): the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) role in the methyltransferase-catalyzed reactions;
carbocation chemistry in the nucleophilic substitution reaction (SN1): the IPP isomerase.
• Elimination reactions:
β-elimination reaction and the enolase role in synthesising the phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP).
• Nucleophilic Carbonyl Addition Reactions
imine and enamine formation; how Schiff bases act in the PLP-dependent enzymatic catalysis;
acetals and sucrose synthase;
Michael additions and the histidine ammonia-lyase function.
• Isomerization and epimerization:
keto-enol tautomerism and ribose-5-phosphate isomerase catalysis;
Inversion and retention of the stereochemical configuration: the glucosidase mechanism.
• Carbonyl condensation reactions:
aldol condensation promoted by aldolases (classes I and II)
Claisen condensation and the acetyl synthase function in the fatty acids synthesis.
• Acyl Nucleophilic Substitutions:
the hydrolysis of esters and the mechanism of Human Pancreatic Lipase;
esterification reactions and the synthesis of triacylglycerols by means of acyl-CoA synthetase and acyltransferase;
amide bond formation; asparagine synthetase vs glutamine synthetase;
the hydrolysis of amides and the chymotrypsin action mode.
• Oxidations and reductions
metal hydride and the reduction of the ketone carbonyl group in acetoacetyl ACP due to the β-keto thioester reductase;
Baeyer-Villinger oxidation and the hydroxyacetophenone monooxygenase;
ozonolysis reactions and the dioxygenase enzyme activity.
• Carboxylation reactions:
Grignard reactions in CO2 atmosphere; mechanisms of both the pyruvate carboxylase and Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (RuBiscO);
the decarboxylation reaction in malonic and acetoacetic synthesis; the critical role of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) in the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase catalysis.
• Noteworthy examples: pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, the kynurenine catalysis and the tryptophan metabolism; anomalous features in histidine metabolism

Libri di testo:
John McMurry, Tadhg Begley in “Chimica Bio-Organica”, Zanichelli Ed. spa
T.W. Graham Solomons; Craig B. Fryhle in “Organic Chemistry”, 10th Edition, Wiley.
John McMurry in “Chimica Organica”, Piccin-Nuova Libreria
Bruno Botta in “Chimica Organica” Edi-ermes

Lecture notes and bibliographical references will be provided

Cultural skills (Knowledge of): The course aims to provide students with the chemical basis of the structure, the properties, and the reactivity of biological molecules, as well as the main notions for understanding the logic that regulates bio-organic chemistry processes.
Methodological skills (How to carry out): at the end of the course, the student will be able to analyze and discuss the catalytic mechanism of the most important classes of enzymes, as well as to understand the importance of the organic chemistry applied to the study of biological systems, to biocatalysis, and to the development of biologically active molecules.
Introduction to Bio-organic Chemistry (A short overview about the most common functional groups involved in biological processes, highlighting their main features).
Organic chemistry mechanisms to explain key steps in pivotal biological pathways:
• Electrophilic Addition Reactions:
 regioselective epoxidation of alkenes; the action of squalene epoxidase in squalene/lanosterol transformation.
• Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions
 bimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction (SN2): the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) role in the methyltransferase-catalyzed reactions;
 carbocation chemistry in the nucleophilic substitution reaction (SN1): the IPP isomerase.
• Elimination reactions:
 β-elimination reaction and the enolase role in the synthesis of the phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP).
• Nucleophilic Carbonyl Addition Reactions
 imine and enamine formation; how Schiff bases act in the PLP-dependent enzymatic catalysis;
 acetals and sucrose synthase;
 Michael additions and the histidine ammonia-lyase function.
• Isomerization and epimerization:
 keto-enol tautomerism and ribose-5-phosphate isomerase catalysis;
 Inversion and retention of the stereochemical configuration: the glucosidase mechanism.
• Carbonyl condensation reactions:
 aldol condensation promoted by aldolases (classes I and II)
 Claisen condensation and the acetyl synthase function in the fatty acids synthesis.
• Acyl Nucleophilic Substitutions:
 the hydrolysis of esters and the mechanism of Human Pancreatic Lipase;
 esterification reactions and the synthesis of triacylglycerols by means of acyl-CoA synthetase and acyltransferase;
 amide bond formation; asparagine synthetase vs glutamine synthetase;
 the hydrolysis of amides and the chymotrypsin action mode.
• Oxidations and reductions
 metal hydride and the reduction of the ketone carbonyl group in acetoacetyl ACP due to the β-keto thioester reductase;
 Baeyer-Villinger oxidation and the hydroxyacetophenone monooxygenase;
 ozonolysis reactions and the dioxygenase enzyme activity.
• Carboxylation reactions:
 Grignard reactions in CO2 atmosphere; mechanisms of both the pyruvate carboxylase and Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (RuBiscO);
 the decarboxylation reaction in both malonic and acetoacetic synthesis; the key role of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) in the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase catalysis.
• Noteworthy examples: pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, the kynurenine catalysis and the tryptophan metabolism; anomalous features in in histidine metabolism.

John McMurry, Tadhg Begley in “Chimica Bio-Organica”, Zanichelli Ed. spa
T.W. Graham Solomons; Craig B. Fryhle in “Organic Chemistry”, 10th Edition, Wiley.
John McMurry in “Chimica Organica”, Piccin-Nuova Libreria
Bruno Botta in “Chimica Organica” Edi-ermes
Lecture notes and bibliographical references will be provided

Overview of the development of multicellular organisms. Ectodermal derivation of neural tissue in invertebrates and vertebrates. Primary neurulation: cellular and molecular mechanisms of neural plate formation, neural folds, neural groove and neural tube. Secondary neurulation. Neural tube closure defects in mammals: genetic and environmental causes. Morphogenesis and differentiation of the brain and spinal cord. Role of cell death in central nervous system morphogenesis: apoptotic mechanisms. Layering of cerebral and cerebellar cortical structures. Congenital diseases related to neuronal migration defects: the case of peroxisomal disorders. Neural stem cells: neuronal and glial differentiation. Neurogenesis in the adult brain: the subventricular and subgranular areas of the mammalian dentate gyrus. Pathways regulating activity of the neurogenic niche. Neurogenesis and neurodegeneration in the senescent brain. Neurodegenerative diseases related to aging: common features and anatomical and genetic-molecular specificities. Protein aggregates, role of apoptosis and autophagy and therapies against neurodegeneration, based on stem cell transplants and endogenous regeneration.

Gilbert: "Developmental Biology", 9th Edition, Sinauer Associates

1) Genes and networks involved in neural induction with particular attention to the regulatory role of microRNAs.
2) Molecular pathways of polarity and segmentation. Molecular organizers of neurodevelopment. Determination and differentiation of neuronal cells. The anterior-posterior axis and Hox genes: characterization and role in anterior-posterior specification of the organism.
3) Axon growth and direction.
4) Long non-coding RNA and circRNA in brain development.
5) Role of regulatory RNAs in synaptic translational control.
6) Molecular mechanisms of adult neurogenesis.
7) Role of Polyamines in the modulation of glutamate receptors. Interaction between glutamatergic system, serotonergic system and polyamine metabolism.
8) Animal models used in neuronal diseases.
9) NGS techniques for the study of neurodevelopment

Lecture slides will be provided.

1. The concept of business system.
2. The transactional and competitive environment.
3. Theories on entrepreneurial goals.
4. Stakeholder theory.
5. The management cycle: the organizational function.
6. The directional cycle: directional control.
7. The management cycle: the management of resources.
8. The directional cycle: directional control.
9. Overall strategies.
10. Market positioning and SWOT analysis.
11. Competitive strategies.
12. Marketing: product policy.
13. Marketing: pricing policy and promotional policy.
14. Marketing: distribution policy.
15. Production management.
16. Logistics and inventory management techniques.
17. Financial management.
18. The choice of financing sources and financial leverage.
19. Techniques for evaluating investment projects.
20. Planning financial choices.
21. Financial statement analysis by indices: notes.
22. The evaluation of the economic - structural potential.
23. The budget construction process.
24. Analysis of distribution costs.
25. The evaluation of company performance.

Concepts of risk, harm, prevention, protection.
Organization of corporate prevention, rights, duties and sanctions for various corporate actors. Supervisory, control and assistance bodies.
Biohazard and MOGM/OGM. Relevant regulations, classification of biological agents, classification of MOGM/OGM, risk assessment, biosafety, management measures for protection and prevention.
Chemical risk. Reference legislation, classification and labeling of hazardous substances (chemical agents, carcinogens and mutagens), risk assessment, protection and prevention management measures.
Waste management and personal protective equipment (PPE).
First aid and emergency measures.
Load handling and biomechanical risk.
Physical risk. Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, risk aspects, regulations, worker protection.
Risks related to the use of electricity, fire and explosion risk. Safety signs, protective systems, electrical equipment. Emergency management.
Stabulars and risk from allergy agents.
Video terminals and psychosocial risks.

Lesson slides will be uploaded to e-learning

through a series of seminars and discussions on different aspects of biology profession, also with the participation of expert professional biologists, students would have a panoramic view of possible biology working activities in modern society. This is the list of scheduled seminars (the list could change depending on availability of invited Biologists)
Lezione Introduttiva
Soft Skills
Come preparare un test a risposta multipla
Sicurezza nelle aziende
Sicurezza e qualità alimentare
Il sistema HACCP
Il Biologo nella industria farmaceutica: CRA, Regulatory, Farmaco vigilanza, la Direzione Medica
Biologia Forense
Il Biologo nel Monitoraggio ambientale
informatore scientifico del farmaco
importanza della vaccinazione nell’età pediatrica
Citogenetica e Citogenomica
Biologo nel SSN
Il Biologo nel laboratorio di analisi
Il Biologo incontra il territorio
Principi base sulla brevettazione
Nutrigenomica
Il Biologo nella sicurezza nei luoghi di lavoro
Aspetti normativi della professione del Biologo
Il giornalismo scientifico
Il ruolo del biologo nell'azienda ospedaliera
Il Biologo nutrizionista
Il biologo nelle aziende alimentari
Il Biologo nelle aziende

Lecture notes and calculation exercises will be provided

The professor receives every day from 8.00 to 9.00 by appointment via e-mail: giovanni.antonini@uniroma3.it