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Genomics and Epigenomics of Gene Regulation
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Genomica ed Epigenomica della Regolazione Genica
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Academic year 2023/2024
- Course ID
- BIO0143B Pds 306-TB
- Teacher
- Valeria Poli
- Modular course
- GENOMICS AND EPIGENOMICS (BIO0143 Pds 306-TB)
- Degree course
- [0101M22] Molecular Biotechnology
- Year
- 1st year
- Teaching period
- First semester
- Type
- Distinctive
- Credits/Recognition
- 5 CFU
- Course disciplinary sector (SSD)
- BIO/11 - molecular biology
- Delivery
- Formal authority
- Language
- English
- Attendance
- Obligatory
- Type of examination
- Written and oral
- Prerequisites
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This class requires basic knowledge of molecular biology, in particular related to the epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression as well as of the mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation via RNA interference and microRNAs.
A 3 CFU basic molecular biology online course will be provided to help students aligning with the required knowledge. - Oggetto:
Sommario del corso
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Course objectives
This course aims at providing students with updated information on the molecular basis of epigenetic regulation of the activities of genetic material, in particular transcription, through the interaction of DNA-binding proteins (transcription factors, readers) and enzymes that covalently modify the chromatin (writers, erasers). Concepts of spatial regulation of transcription and nuclear architecture will also be discussed, as well as the mechanisms regulating the activities of microRNAs and the role of RNA interference in gene expression regulation. Finally, the main known roles of non-coding RNAs will be discussed. Last but not least, all this knowledge will be put to use for the understanding of their most advanced biotechnological and biomedical applications, and in particular the development of epigenetic drugs and the use of RNA interference techniques in the treatment of acquired or inherited diseases.
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Results of learning outcomes
Aside from knowing the topics illustrated during the lessons, at the end of the course students will have to demonstrate that they are able to interconnect the knowledge gained about the different topics and have mastered the most recent literature on the processes studied and their alterations in pathological processes. In addition, students must be able to critically evaluate experimental approaches (in vitro and in vivo) that are the basis of the current knowledge in this field of research.
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Course delivery
The course will consist of platform lectures including critical reading sessions. Questions relevant to the lesson's topic will be regularly posted on the Moodle platform, and students answers discussed in class.
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Learning assessment methods
After the completion of the platform lectures, there will be several sessions of critical reading of the relevant literature, as follows: groups of 2-3 students will choose one paper from a provided list of articles, and will present the data in class, upon specific questions by the teacher. This will include a discussion of contents, implications, experimental approach and perspectives. The score will contribute to 1/3 of the final score (10/30).
The final written test will consist in 5 open questions aiming at determining the acquired knowledge, the degree of understanding and the ability to connect different problems. The score of this part will contribute to 2/3 of the final score (20/30).
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Support activities
The slides and the bibliographic material will be loaded on the Moodle platform.
Personal consulting/tutoring available previous email appointment.
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Program
Epigenetics and transcription
- Quick revision of basic concepts related to chromatin and transcription
- Structrure:function rules in dictating Transcription Factors functions: the activation domain
- Enhansosomes and repressosomes: new concepts
- The histone code and its interpretation – writers/readers/erasers and beyond
- Long and short range transcriptional repression
- DNA methylation/demethylation (regulation, functions)
- Epigenetic reprogramming during development
- Epigenetic alterations in disease and therapeutical options
- Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance
- Nuclear architecture and the 3-D genome
- Insulators
- Liquid-liquid phase separation and the regulation of gene expression
The RNA WORLD:
Non-coding RNAs, transcriptional an post-transcriptional control and EPIGENETICS
- Quick revision of the mechanism of RNA interference
- microRNAs:transcriptional and post-transcriprional regulation, biological roles, alterations in disease (e.g. cancer), clinical and experimental applications
- Not just micro: other short dsRNAs and their roles
- Long non-coding RNAs and their multiple roles in regulating gene expression
- Epitranscriptomics
Suggested readings and bibliography
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No book will contain all information related to the contents of the lessons, since many are derived from recent literature, but the following book can provide basic information about most subjects.
Watson - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE GENE - ZANICHELLI
Scientific papers provided in class.
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