Learning objectives
To introduce present and future opportunities for regenerative medicine in a highly complex although approachable system. Knowledege of anatomy, physiology, and of successful clinical trials will give students the opportunity of autonomously proposing research hypothesis in the field.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Introduction to the visual system: from superficial epithelia to the central nervous system.
Regenerative medicine and the corneal epithelium.
A completely bioengineered cornea? Stroma and endothelium.
Regenerative medicine and the retina: (1) the retinal pigment epithelium – photoreceptors complex; (2) ganglion cells and the optic nerve.
Counteracting excessive “regeneration”: antiangiogenic strategies and therapies.
More on advanced therapies in Ophthalmology.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine in Ophthalmology (Woodhead Publishing in Materials). T.V. Chirila, editor.
Other material:
http://biotecnologiemvf.unipr.it/cgi-bin/campusnet/didattica.pl/Search?corso=fd53&search=corso%3Afd53&sort=U2&format=4&nosf=1&title=Rigenerazione+dei+tessuti+differenziati+%281005434%29
Teaching methods
Lectures will introduce the main aspects and peculiarities of the regenerative problems in ophthalmology. Group discussion on examples of successful advanced therapies will complete the learning sessions.
Assessment methods and criteria
Completion of the goals in this course module will be verified in the main course examination.
By means of more basic questions knowledge and understanding will be tested. Other questions will examine the ability to apply such knowledge to the research setting.
Other information
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