Learning objectives
To know, understand and critically discuss, the main molecular aspects of genetic information transmission and the molecular biology techniques used to study and manipulate genomes. To apply the learned concepts to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.
Prerequisites
Basic concepts of cell biology.
Basic concepts of general and organic chemistry.
Course unit content
The course provides basic knowledge of the molecular aspects of the transmission of genetic information. The course initially introduces the basics of cell replication and cell cycle, then moves on to describe the structural and functional characteristics of nucleic acids. The lectures continue with an in-depth description of DNA replication processes. Then the concepts of DNA damage/mutation, its implications for human health, and the molecular mechanisms of damage repair are introduced. In the second part of the course, the molecular mechanisms associated with the expression of a gene and its regulatory mechanisms are addressed through the detailed description of RNA transcription, pre-mRNA maturation, and protein translation. The last part of the course provides basic information on the structure and function of genomes and the main molecular biology techniques for genome analysis and gene therapy.
Full programme
Nucleic acids: composition and structure.
3D structure of DNA, DNA topology: coiling and supercoiling.
Topoisomerases.
Histones, chromatin, chromosomes.
Basics of epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones.
DNA replication: characteristics of DNA polymerases, replication mechanism.
Replication forks, replisome assembly, “trombone” model of DNA replication.
Origin of replication, mechanism of origins control in eukaryotes.
Termination of replication.
The ends of linear chromosomes: telomerase.
DNA damage and mutations.
Mechanisms of damage repair: direct, indirect, double-strand break repair mechanisms.
RNA transcription in eukaryotes: characteristics of RNA polymerases, formation of the initiation complex, elongation, termination of transcription.
Characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic promoters.
Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes.
RNA maturation: capping, splicing, tailing, editing.
Notes on RNA interference.
From RNA to proteins: molecules and enzymes involved in mRNA translation.
Basic concepts of genomes organization and functions. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Real Time PCR and RT-PCR, Digital Droplet PCR (ddPCR). Nucleic Acid Sequencing Sequencing (Evolution from 1st generation to 3rd generation techniques and single cell sequencing methods). Sequencing data analysis and Bioinformatics. Molecular basis of gene therapy (ZFN, TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9).
Bibliography
JD Watson et al. Molecular Biology of the Gene. Person, 7h revised edition .
Lodish et al. “Molecular Cell Biology” , W.H.Freeman & Co Ltd, 8th Revised edition
Clark et al. “Molecular Biology” Academic Cell Press, 3rd edition
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held on-site. Teaching methods will include movies and 3D simulation which aids the understanding of molecular interactions and mechanisms; web sources and bibliography references will be suggested.
Supporting material will be available on the specifically student-reserved platform (Elly)
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam consists of 10 multiple choice questions and 2 open questions on Molecular Biology topics. The time allowed for the test is 45 minutes. Each positive answer contributes with 1 point to the final grade (0-30/30). There is no penalty for incorrect answers. For the definition of the final mark, the score obtained in Molecular Biology is averaged with the score reported by the student in Genetics.
Students with SLD/SEN must first contact the CAI office of the University of Parma ((https://www.unipr.it/ugov/organizationunit/225942).
Other information
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