Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with knowledge about the biological basis of tissue repair and tissue regeneration. It will be examined the role of coagulation and inflammation in the tissue repair. It will be provided knowledge on the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and their potential in regenerative medicine. Particular emphasis will be placed on the molecular characterization, the nutritional requirements and about the molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation and the regenerative capacity of tissues and organs
Learning outcomes. At the end of the course the student will have acquired the knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms by which repair and tissue regeneration take place. The student will be able to understand the potential of stem cells in the regenerative medicine and will have acquired solid bases to be able to critically evaluate the scientific literature related to tissue repair and regeneration. The student will be able to communicate with appropriacy the information captured , and will have acquired skills that allow him to deepen in an autonomous way the study of regenerative medicine. The knowledge gained during the course will be particularly useful for the understanding of the other topics covered in the degree program and to develop a successful internship.
Prerequisites
To understand the contents of the course are required adequate knowledge of Histology, Anatomy, Embryology.
Course unit content
The course explores the biological basis of wound healing with particular emphasis on regeneration and the mechanisms by which it can be done. The topics covered include stem cells and strategies used for their differentiation to provide the essentials for their clinical and experimental study in the context of Regenerative Medicine.
Full programme
Wound healing: the role of hemostasis and inflammation. Cytokines and cell repair. Wound healing of the skin. Repair of bone fractures
The regeneration and stem cells.
Examples of biological regeneration: the planarian, the salamander, the MRL mouse.
Embryonic stem cells: markers for characterization.
Nuclear reprogramming: methods and characteristics.
The mesenchymal stem cells: characterization, origin, differentiation techniques.
Stem cells from fetal adnexa: umbilical cord, Wharton’s jelly, amniotic fluid and placenta.
Stem cells in the adult.
Gene expression profile of mesenchymal cells and methods of molecular characterization. Culture and in vitro expansion of mesenchymal cells. Functional characteristics of mesenchymal cells: homing and trafficking.
Stem cells in liver regeneration. The stem cells in the regeneration of endocrine disruption. The stem cells in the regeneration of the skin. Stem cells and myocardial regeneration. Endothelial stem cells and vascular repair.
Bibliography
Lectures will be supported by slides and scientific literature, which will be provided to the students.
Teaching methods
Lectures, seminars and laboratory training
Assessment methods and criteria
The examination is oral and is intended to assess, through open-ended questions, the:
-Quality of scientific information acquired;
-Understanding of the information acquired;
- Accuracy and competence in the terminology adopted during the exposure;
At the end of the examination each teacher will formulate a judgment:
A. Excellent knowledge and understanding of the topic. High capacity for critique and analysis of the issues. Mark out of thirty: 30.
B. Good knowledge and understanding of the subject with some serious inaccuracies. Good ability to critique and analysis of the issues. Mark out of thirty: 27-29.
C. Good knowledge and understanding of the subject despite some shortcomings. Ability to critique and analysis of themes: Mark out of thirty: 24-26.
D. Knowledge and understanding of the fully sufficient even if there are obvious gaps. Mark out of thirty: 21-23.
E. Knowledge and understanding of the subject with just enough obvious and serious flaws. Mark out of thirty: 18-20.
“Lode” will be offered to students who have achieved 30/30, for the demonstration of independence of judgment, high communication skills and ability.
Other information
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