PhD Courses
Teaching Activities A.Y. 2023-2024
1. Pathophysiology of mitochondria: From energy conservation to disease pathogenesis and therapy
10 hours, Prof. Paolo Bernardi
July 1-2-3-5 16:00-18:00, July 4 14:00-16:00 meeting Room 1N-Vallisneri
1. The basic features of mitochondria and their function
2. The mechanism of energy conservation and its implications for cation transport (K+, Na+, and Ca2+)
3. Overview of the role of mitochondria in cell death
4. Critical assessment of the permeability transition and its role in disease pathogenesis
5. Recent progress in the mitochondrial therapy of muscular dystrophies
2. A journey with the cytotoxic lymphocytes
20 hours, Prof. Denis Martinvalet
June 3-4-5-6-7-10-11-12-13-14 14:00-16:00 meeting Room 1N-Vallisneri
1. Self and Non-self: A general introduction to basic immunology.
2. Humans are meta-organisms: The role of microbiota in shaping immunity.
3. Innate immunity: Contribution of the cytotoxic lymphocytes.
4. Adaptive immunity: Development of cytotoxic lymphocytes.
5. Adaptive immunity: Activation and differentiation of the lymphocytes.
6. Lymphocytes in the body: Histology of the lymphoid tissues.
7. Adaptive immunity: Mechanisms of lymphocyte cytotoxicity.
8. Pathologies affecting cytotoxic lymphocytes.
9. Pathology involving cytotoxic lymphocytes.
10. Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the clinic.
3. Epidemiology, genetics and pathogenesis of neurogenerative diseases
10 hours, Prof.ssa Maria Pennuto
June 21-24 14:00-17:00, June 25 15:00-17:00, meeting Room 5N-Vallisneri
1. Principles of neurodegeneration
2. Alzheimer disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
3. Parkinson disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
4. Repeat expansion disorders: Loss of function, RNA-mediated gain of function andprotein-mediated gain of function, Polyglutamine diseases
5. The genetics of ALS: Focus of RNA- and protein-mediated motor neuron degeneration
https://unipd.link/NeurDis2324
4. Mitochondrial biogenesis and pathology
10 hours, Dott.ssa Erika Fernandez-Vizarra
May 20-22-24-27-29 14:30-16:30 meeting Room 1N-Vallisneri
1. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic structure and replication
2. mtDNA transcription
3. Mitochondrial translation
4. Mitochondrial protein import
5. Mitochondrial respiratory chain assembly
5. course title: Nanomedicine: from dream to applications?
10 hours, Regina Tavano, Fabrizio Mancin, Emanuele Papini, Giulio Fracasso, Laura Fusco
April 8-9-12-15-16 16:00-18:00 meeting Room 1N-Vallisneri
1. Introduction to Nanotechnology: why is something so small so big? What are the challenges of implementing nanomedicine? (Regina Tavano-April 8, 2024, h16-18)
2. Organic and inorganic nanosystems, protein- or DNA-based nanostructures. Synthesis and characterization (Fabrizio Mancin-April 9, 2024, h16-18)
3. Surface-masking, protein-corona, biodistribution; how to integrate preclinical models and humans? (Emanuele Papini-April 12, 2024, h16-18)
4. Therapeutic applications (i.e. drug transporter, photodynamic therapy, photothermal ablation) (Giulio Fracasso-April 11, 2024, h16-18)
5. Biocompatibility and biomedical applications of new two-dimensional nanomaterials: MXenes (Laura Fusco-April 12, 2024, h16-18)
https://unipd.link/NanoMed2324
6. Neuromuscular plasticity
10 hours, Prof. Marco Narici
Schedule: July 8-9-10-11-12 13:30-15:30 meeting Room 1N-Vallisneri
1. Skeletal Muscle: Structure and Function
2. Motor units and force generation
3. Neuromuscular adaptations with increased use
4. Neuromuscular adaptations with inactivity
5. Neuromuscular changes with ageing
7. Astrocytes at the center of the brain of neurons
10 hours, Dr. Losi Gabriele, Dr. Zonta Micaela, Dr. Lia Annamaria, Dr. Di Spiezio Alessandro, Dr. Gómez-Gonzalo Marta,
Schedule: May 6-7-8-13-14 16:00-18:00 meeting Room 1N-Vallisneri
1. Brief history and basic properties and functions of astrocytes, Dr. Losi Gabriele
2. Changing the flow: astrocytes and neurovascular coupling, Dr. Zonta Micaela
3. The dark side: astrocytes in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, Dr. Lia Annamaria
4. Astrocytes and the regulation of feeding behaviour, Dr. Di Spiezio Alessandro
5. The role of astrocytes in depression disorders, Dr. Gómez-Gonzalo Marta
8. THE LITTLE BRAIN IN THE HEART: journey through the cardiac nervous circuits”
10 hours, Prof. Tania Zaglia, Prof. Marco Mongillo
March 6 14:30-16:30, 13 14:30-17:30 , 20 14:30-17:30 ; April 3 14:30-16:30 , 10 14:30-16:30
Seminar room, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine-VIMM
1) Vegetative neuro-modulation of the heart
2) Unveiling previously neglected roles of the cardiac autonomic nervous system: a leap from traditional physiology
3) The optogenetics era: a light touch to reveal the deep and dark secrets of cardiac innervation
4) Tissue clearing: an innovative methodology to clear the cardiac nervous tangles
5) Can artificial intelligence predict the thoughts of little heart brain?
9. Skeletal muscle atrophy: from signaling pathways to the emerging role of lysosomal signaling in physiology and disease
Dott. Andrea Armani
March 19-22-25-26-27 16:00-18:00 meeting Room 1N-Vallisneri
1. Skeletal muscle: introduction to tissue complexity
2. Signaling pathways controlling muscle mass
3. Lysosomes biology: from early discoveries to novel functions
4. Lysosomes biology: from trash bins to signaling hubs
5. Novel insights into lysosomal function in muscle atrophy
Teaching Activities A.Y. 2022-2023
1. Refreshing memories of metabolic pathways
10 hours, Prof. Fabio Di Lisa
January: 16, 23, 30 seminar room 1st north floor, h 16:00-18:00
February: 6, 15 seminar room 1st north floor, h 16:00-18:00
1. Bioenergetics exemplified by cardiac contraction;
2. Oxygen utilization;
3. Main pathways for carbohydrate metabolism;
4. Lipid metabolism;
5. Metabolism derangements in cardiac ischemia.
2. Neurodegenerative diseases: Epidemiology, genetics, and pathogenesis of brain misfolding diseases
10 hours, Prof. Maria Pennuto
May 8, 26, 31 seminar room 5th north floor Vallisneri, h 15:00-16:45
May 11, 25 seminar room 5th north floor Vallisneri, h 14:00-15:40
1. Principles of neurodegeneration
2. Alzheimer disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
3. Parkinson disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
4. Repeat expansion disorders: Loss of function, RNA-mediated gain of function andprotein-mediated gain of function, Polyglutamine diseases
5. The genetics of ALS: Focus of RNA- and protein-mediated motor neuron degeneration
3. A journey with the cytotoxic lymphocytes
20 hours, Prof. Denis Martinvalet
June: 5, 6, 7 (h 14:00-16:00), 9, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21, 23 (h 16:00-18:00) seminar room 1st north floor Vallisneri
1. Self and Non-self: A general introduction to basic immunology.
2. Human are meta-organisms: The role of microbiota in shaping immunity.
3. Innate immunity: Contribution of the cytotoxic lymphocytes.
4. Adaptive immunity: Development of cytotoxic lymphocytes.
5. Adaptive immunity: Activation and differentiation of the lymphocytes.
6. Lymphocytes in the body: Histology of the lymphoid tissues.
7. Adaptive immunity: Mechanisms of lymphocyte cytotoxicity.
8. Pathologies affecting cytotoxic lymphocytes.
9. Pathology involving cytotoxic lymphocytes.
10. Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the clinic.
4. Regeneration of skeletal muscle: from biology to physiopathology
10 hours, Prof. Pompeo Volpe
September 20 ,22, 25, 26, 29 seminar room 1th north floor Vallisneri, h 16:00-18:00
1. Regeneration of skeletal muscle: not always and not forever
2. The undisputed star: the satellite cell
3. Myogenesis: from myoblasts to myofibers.
4. The Duchenne muscular dystrophy: physiopathology and the regenerative approach
5. The Studiskji’s approach and the heterochronic parabiosis for (future) skeletal muscle regeneration: always and forever
5. Neuromuscular plasticity
10 hours, Prof. Marco Narici
June 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 seminar room 5th north floor Vallisneri, h 14:00-16:00
1. Skeletal Muscle: Structure and Function
2. Motor units and force generation
3. Neuromuscular adaptations with increased use
4. Neuromuscular adaptations with inactivity
5. Neuromuscular changes with ageing
6. Mitochondrial biogenesis and pathology
10 hours, Dott.ssa Erika Fernandez-Vizarra
May: 9, 10, 12, 22, 24 seminar room 1th north floor Vallisneri, h 16:00-18:00
1. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic structure and replication
2. mtDNA transcription
3. Mitochondrial translation
4. Mitochondrial protein import
5. Mitochondrial respiratory chain assembly
7. Pathophysiology of mitochondria: From energy conservation to disease pathogenesis and therapy
10 hours, Prof. Paolo Bernardi
May 15, 17, 19, 29, 30 seminar room 1th north floor Vallisneri, h 16:00-18:00
1. The basic features of mitochondria and their function
2. The mechanism of energy conservation and its implications for cation transport (K+, Na+, and Ca2+)
3. Overview of the role of mitochondria in cell death
4. Critical assessment of the permeability transition and its role in disease pathogenesis
5. Recent progress in the mitochondrial therapy of muscular dystrophies
8. Epigenomics and transcriptomics: from theory to practice
10 hours, Prof. Marco Giorgio, Dott.ssa Francesca Casciaro e Dott. Giuseppe Persico
June 30 h 10:00-14:00 room EF7 (Ex Fiat Building Via Venezia, 13, 35131 Padova)
July 3 h 14:00-17:30 room EF7 (Ex Fiat Building Via Venezia, 13, 35131 Padova)
1. RNA-seq, transcriptome analysis
2. Bioinformatic analysis of RNA-seq data
3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation protocols
4. Bioinformatic analysis of ChiP-seq data
5. Genomic adaptation to aging and environment
9. Astrocytes at the center of the brain of neurons
10 hours, Dr. Losi, Dr. Lia, Dr. Di Spiezio, Dr. Gómez-Gonzalo, Dr. Mariotti, Dr. Zonta
July 4 link zoom
July 5-24-25, h 16:00-18:00 Room RG
September 18-19, h 16:00-18:00 semiar room 5th North floor
1. Brief history and basic properties and functions of astrocytes, Dr. Losi, 04 July 2023
2. The dark side: astrocytes in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, Dr. Lia 05 July 2023
3. Astrocytes and the regulation of feeding behaviour, Dr. Di Spiezio 24 July 2023
4. The role of astrocytes in depression disorders, Dr. Gómez-Gonzalo 25 July 2023
5. Astrocytes as new players in inhibitory cortical circuits, Dr. Mariotti 18 Semptember 2023
6. Changing the flow: astrocytes and neurovascular coupling, Dr. Zonta 19 Semptember 2023
Teaching Activities A.Y. 2021-2022
1. Cell Ca2+ signalling: pathways, regulation and tools
10 hours, 16:00-17:30
- 22/11, Prof. Tullio Pozzan, room RH Vallisneri 16:00-17:30
- 23/11, Dott. Elisa Greotti, room RH Vallisneri 16:00-17:30
- 29/11, Dott. Diana Pendin, room RH Vallisneri 16:00-17:30
- 30/11, Dott. Emy Basso and Nelly Redolfi, room RH Vallisneri 16:00-17:30
- 01/12, Dott. Riccardo Filadi, room RN Vallisneri 16:00-17:30
2. Refreshing memories of metabolic pathways
10 hours, Prof. Fabio Di Lisa
TBD
3. Prof. Paolo Bernardi, Pathophysiology of mitochondria: From energy conservation to disease pathogenesis and therapy
10 hours, Prof. Paolo Bernardi
July 4,5,6,7,8 16:00-18:00 seminar room 1th north floor Vallisneri
- The basic features of mitochondria and their function
- The mechanism of energy conservation and its implications for cation transport (K+, Na+, and Ca2+)
- Overview of the role of mitochondria in cell death
- Critical assessment of the permeability transition and its role in disease pathogenesis
- Recent progress in the mitochondrial therapy of muscular dystrophies
4. A journey with the cytotoxic lymphocytes
10 hours, Prof. Denis Martinvalet
May 23,24,25,27,30: 16:00-18:00 seminar room 1th north floor Vallisneri
- Self and Non-self for the cytotoxic lymphocytes: A general introduction to basic immunology.
- Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the body: Histology of the lymphoid tissues.
- Development, function and pathology of cytotoxic lymphocytes.
- Mechanisms of lymphocyte cytotoxicity.
- Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the clinic.
5. Neuromuscular plasticity
10 hours, Prof. Marco Narici
May 9,10,11,13,16 16:00-18:00 seminar room 1th north floor Vallisneri
- Skeletal Muscle: Structure and Function
- Motor units and force generation
- Neuromuscular adaptations with increased use
- Neuromuscular adaptations with inactivity
- Neuromuscular changes with ageing
6. Post-translation modifications of proteins (PTMs): how to survive in a dense forest
10 hours, Proff. Maria Ruzzene, Mauro Salvi, Christian Borgo:
June 15, 17, 27, 28, 29 16:00-18:00 seminar room 1th north floor Vallisneri
- PTMs: an overview
- Protein phosphorylation: how, when, why
- How to modulate PTMs by using inhibitors and activators
- Phospho-site identification and characterization
- Workshop: see if PTMs are involved in your research at all. Practical cases proposed by the students
7. Astrocytes at the center of the brain of neurons
10 hours, Dott. Pie Giorgio Carmignoto
TBD
8. Neurodegenerative diseases: Epidemiology, genetics and pathogenesis of brain misfolding diseases
10 hours, Prof. Prof. Maria Pennuto
June 6,7,8,10,14 15:30-17:00 seminar room 1th north floor Vallisneri
- Principles of neurodegeneration
- Alzheimer disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
- Parkinson disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
- Repeat expansion disorders: Loss of function, RNA-mediated gain of function andprotein-mediated gain of function, Polyglutamine diseases
- The genetics of ALS: Focus of RNA- and protein-mediated motor neuron degeneration
9. Regeneration of skeletal muscle: from biology to physiopathology
10 hours, Prof. Pompeo Volpe
September 23,26,27,28,30 16:00-18:00 seminar room 1th north floor Vallisneri
- Regeneration of skeletal muscle: not always and not forever
- The undisputed star: the satellite cell
- Myogenesis: from myoblasts to myofibers.
- The Duchenne muscular distrophy: physiopathology and the regenerative approach
- The Studiskji’s approach and the heterochronic parabiosis for (future) skeletal muscle regeneration: always and forever
10.Epigenomics and transcriptomics: from theory to practice
10 hours, Prof. Marco Giorgio, Dott.ssa Francesca Casciaro e Dott. Giuseppe Persico
room 0B and 2C Botta Building, Lab36 and Lab140 Paolotti:
March 30 15:30-17:30 room 0B Botta
April 6 15:30-18:30 Lab36 Paolotti
April 20 15:30-17:30 room 2C Botta
April 27 15:30-18:30 Lab140 Paolotti
May 4 15:30-17:30 room 2C Botta
- RNA-seq, transcriptome analysis
- Bioinformatic analysis of RNA-seq data
- Chromatin immunoprecipitation protocols
- Bioinformatic analysis of ChiP-seq data
- Genomic adaptation to aging and environment
Teaching Atctivities A.Y.2020-2021
1. Science Communication. How to communicate the impact of scientific projects to different audiences
20 hours, Dr. Elisabetta Mutto-Accordi,
March (16:00-18:00): zoom conference, 3,12,17,24,31
April: (16:00-18:00): zoom conference 7,17,21,28
April: (16:00-18:00): zoom conference 7,14,21,28
May (16:00-18:00): zoom conference 5
The learning program focuses on simulations and exercises in the classroom and on direct involvement of participants. On this base, PhD students will practice changing their communicative approach using also diverse range of media. They will develop basic skills to convey the content of their work at a level that a general audience can understand.
2. Prof. Paolo Bernardi, Pathophysiology of mitochondria: From energy conservation to disease pathogenesis and therapy
10 hours, Prof. Paolo Bernardi
May 10-11-12-13-14, 16:00-18:00, zoom conference
- The basic features of mitochondria and their function
- The mechanism of energy conservation and its implications for cation transport (K+, Na+, and Ca2+)
- Overview of the role of mitochondria in cell death
- Critical assessment of the permeability transition and its role in disease pathogenesis
- Recent progress in the mitochondrial therapy of muscular dystrophies
3. Neurodegenerative diseases: Epidemiology, genetics and pathogenesis of brain misfolding diseases
10 hours, Prof. Maria Pennuto
May 24-25-26-27-28 zoom conference
- Principles of neurodegeneration
- Alzheimer disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
- Parkinson disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
- Repeat expansion disorders: Loss of function, RNA-mediated gain of function andprotein-mediated gain of function, Polyglutamine diseases
- The genetics of ALS: Focus of RNA- and protein-mediated motor neuron degeneration
4. A journey with the cytotoxic lymphocytes
10 hours, Dott. Denis Martinvalet
May 17-18-19-20-21, 16:00-18:00 zoom conference
- Self and Non-self for the cytotoxic lymphocytes: A general introduction to basic immunology.
- Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the body: Histology of the lymphoid tissues.
- Development, function and pathology of cytotoxic lymphocytes.
- Mechanisms of lymphocyte cytotoxicity.
- Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the clinic.
5. Neuromuscular system plasticity to use, disuse and ageing
10 hours, Prof. Marco Narici:
Juny: 7-8-9-10-11, 16:00 alle 18:00, zoom conference
- Skeletal Muscle: Structure and Function
- Motor units and force generation
- Neuromuscular adaptations with increased use
- Neuromuscular adaptations with inactivity
- Neuromuscular changes with ageing
6. Post-translation modifications of proteins (PTMs): how to survive in a dense forest
10 hours, Proff. Maria Ruzzene, Mauro Salvi, Christian Borgo:
Juny: 14-15-16-17-18, 16:00 alle 18:00, zoom conference
- PTMs: an overview
- Protein phosphorylation: how, when, why
- How to modulate PTMs by using inhibitors and activators
- Phospho-site identification and characterization
- Workshop: see if PTMs are involved in your research at all. Practical cases proposed by the students
7. Satistica Methods
Davide Risso - Department of Statistical Sciences
February 2021
- 1. Introduction to statistics, the R programming language, and reproducible research
- Introduction to probability and statistical inference
- Parameter estimation
- Statistical inference
- Regression models
- Regression models
Teaching Activities A.Y. 2019-2020
1. Science Communication in Biomedicine and Biosciences. How to communicate the impact of scientific projects to different audiences 20 hours, Dr. Elisabetta Mutto-Accordi,
February (16:00-18:oo): 6 (seminar room 1st north floor -Vallisneri Building), 13, 27 (seminar room 5th north floor -Vallisneri Building)
March: 5, 12, 19, 26 (seminar room 5th north floor -Vallisneri Building)
April: 2, 9,16 (seminar room 5th north floor -Vallisneri Building)
The learning program focuses on simulations and exercises in the classroom and on direct involvement of participants. On this base, PhD students will practice changing their communicative approach using also diverse range of media. They will develop basic skills to convey the content of their work at a level that a general audience can understand.
2. Prof. Paolo Bernardi, Pathophysiology of mitochondria: From energy conservation to disease pathogenesis and therapy
10 hours, Prof. Paolo Bernardi
June 29, 30, July 1, 2: 16:30-18:30 seminar room 5th north floor Vallisneri, July 3: 16:30-18:30 seminar room 1st north floor Vallisneri
1) The basic features of mitochondria and their function
2) The mechanism of energy conservation and its implications for cation transport (K+, Na+, and Ca2+)
3) Overview of the role of mitochondria in cell death
4) Critical assessment of the permeability transition and its role in disease pathogenesis
5) Recent progress in the mitochondrial therapy of muscular dystrophies
3. Neurodegenerative diseases: Epidemiology, genetics and pathogenesis of brain misfolding diseases
10 hours, Prof. Maria Pennuto
June 15, 16, 17, 18: 15:30-17:30 seminar room 5th north floor Vallisneri, June 19: 15:30-17:30 seminar room 1st north floor Vallisneri
1) Principles of neurodegeneration
2) Alzheimer disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
3) Parkinson disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
4) Repeat expansion disorders: Loss of function, RNA-mediated gain of function andprotein-mediated gain of function, Polyglutamine diseases
5) The genetics of ALS: Focus of RNA- and protein-mediated motor neuron degeneration
4. Cellular and synaptic mechanisms of neuronal plasticity
10 hours, Prof. Matteo Caleo
June 8, 9, 10, 11 16:30-18:00; June 12 14:00-15:30 seminar room 5th north floor-Vallisneri Building
1) Plasticity during critical periods in sensory cortices
2) Plasticity after brain lesions
3) Plasticity in epilepsy and epileptogenesis
4) Plasticity in stroke
5) Plasticity in brain tumors
5. A journey with the cytotoxic lymphocytes
10 hours, Dott. Denis Martinvalet
May 4, 5, 6, 7: 16:00-18:00 seminar room 5th north floor Vallisneri, May 8: 16:00-18:00 seminar room 1st north floor Vallisneri
1) Self and Non-self for the cytotoxic lymphocytes: A general introduction to basic immunology.
2) Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the body: Histology of the lymphoid tissues.
3) Development, function and pathology of cytotoxic lymphocytes.
4) Mechanisms of lymphocyte cytotoxicity.
5) Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the clinic.
6. Axonal transport in health and disease
6 hours, Prof. Giampietro Schiavo,
October 23 Aula Magna -Vallisneri Building 15:00-18:00
February 25 Room A -Vallisneri Building14:00-18:00
1) Axonal transport I: Molecular motors and their molecular architecture: cytoplasmic dynein
2) Axonal transport II: Molecular motors and their molecular architecture: kinesins and myosins
3) Axonal transport III: The specificity of axonal transport general considerations
4) Axonal transport IV: Axonal transport and neurological diseases - general considerations
5) Axonal transport V: Axonal transport in ALS and CMT
6) Open Seminar: Axonal Transport as a therapeutic target
Pathophysiology of peripheral somatic and visceral motor axons
4 hours Prof. Cesare Montecucco
September 21-22- Zoom meeting, 04:00 pm
7)The Neuromuscular Junction
8) Neuromuscular paralysis caused by Botulinum Neurotoxins
9) Movement paralysis induced by autoimmune diseases of the Neuromuscular Junction
10) The Gut – Brain Axis
7. Regeneration of skeletal muscle: from biology to physiopathology
18 hours, prof. Pompeo Volpe
September: 21-29, 3 hour per day, videoconference-ZOOM
1) Introduction: regeneration, atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and plasticity. The Bizzozero’s dogma
2) Regeneration of skeletal muscle: not always and not forever
3) The undisputed star: the satellite cell
4) Myogenesis: from myoblasts to myofibers.
5) The Duchenne muscular distrophy: physiopathology and the regenerative approach
6) The Studiskji’s approach and the heterochronic parabiosis for (future) skeletal muscle regeneration: always and forever
8. Neuromuscular system plasticity to use, disuse and ageing
10 hours, Prof. Marco Narici:
July: 20-24, 16:00 alle 18:00
1) Skeletal Muscle: Structure and Function
2) Motor units and force generation
3) Neuromuscular adaptations with increased use
4) Neuromuscular adaptations with inactivity
5) Neuromuscular changes with ageing
Teaching Atctivities A.Y. 2018-2019
1. Development of Mitochondria-centered Treatments, Prof. Thomas Krieg
(5 lectures, November 12-16, 4:30-6:30 pm, room mezzanine floor, Vallisneri Building)
1) Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease
2) Myocardial infarction
3) Heart Failure
4) Hypertension
5) Research and career discussion
2. Pathophysiology of mitochondria: From energy conservation to disease pathogenesis and therapy, Prof. Paolo Bernardi
(5 lectures, January 7-11, 4:00-6:00 pm, room H mezzanine floor, Vallisneri Building)
1) The basic features of mitochondria and their function
2) The mechanism of energy conservation and its implications for cation transport (K+, Na+, and Ca2+)
3) Overview of the role of mitochondria in cell death
4) Critical assessment of the permeability transition and its role in disease pathogenesis
5) Recent progress in the mitochondrial therapy of muscular dystrophies
3. An introduction to respiratory Physiology, Prof. Alessandro Rubini
(5 lectures, January 14-15-21-22-25, 4:00-6:00 pm, room H mezzanine floor Vallisneri Building)
1) Gas laws as applied to respiratory physiology
2) Respiratory gases in the blood
3) Pulmonary circulation
4) Oxygen alveolar-arterial difference
5) Introduction to respiratory mechanics
4. Science Communication in Biomedicine and Biosciences. How to communicate the impact of scientific projects to different audiences, Dott.ssa Elisabetta Mutto-Accordi
(10 lectures, 4:00-6:00 pm, room H mezzanine floor Vallisneri Building.
January: 17-24-28
February: 7-14-21-28
March: 7-14-21)
The learning program focuses on simulations and exercises in the classroom and on direct involvement of participants. On this base, PhD students will practice changing their communicative approach using also diverse range of media. They will develop basic skills to convey the content of their work at a level that a general audience can understand.
5. Neurodegenerative diseases: Epidemiology, genetics and pathogenesis of brain misfolding diseases, Prof. Maria Pennuto
(5 lectures, April 8 room RH Vallisneri 2.30-4.30 pm, April 9-11-18 room RH Vallisneri 3.30-5.30 pm, April 16 room RH Vallisneri 1.00-3.00 pm)
1) Principles of neurodegeneration
2) Alzheimer disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
3) Parkinson disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
4) Repeat expansion disorders: Loss of function, RNA-mediated gain of function andprotein-mediated gain of function, Polyglutamine diseases
5) The genetics of ALS: Focus of RNA- and protein-mediated motor neuron degeneration
6. Neuromuscular plasticity with use, disuse and ageing, Prof. Marco Narici
(5 lectures, April 29-30 room RH Vallisneri, May 2-6 room RH Vallisneri, May 3 room 0A Vallisneri, 2.00-4.00 pm)
1) Skeletal Muscle: Structure and Function
2) Motor units and force generation
3) Neuromuscular adaptations with increased use
4) Neuromuscular adaptations with inactivity
5) Neuromuscular changes with ageing
7. A journey with the cytotoxic lymphocytes, Dott. Denis Martinvalet
(5 lectures, May 13-14-16 room RH Vallisneri 4.00-6.00 pm, May 15 room RH Vallisneri 2.00-4.00 pm, May 17 room 0A Vallisneri 4.00-6.00 pm)
1) Self and Non-self for the cytotoxic lymphocytes: A general introduction to basic immunology.
2) Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the body: Histology of the lymphoid tissues.
3) Development, function and pathology of cytotoxic lymphocytes.
4) Mechanisms of lymphocyte cytotoxicity.
5) Cytotoxic lymphocytes in the clinic
8. Neuromuscular Plasticity, Prof. Jamie McPhee
(5 lectures, May 28 10.30-12.30 am room RH Vallisneri, May 29-30-June 3 10.00-12.00 am room RH Vallisneri, May 31 9.30-11.30 am room RL Vallisneri)
1) physiological systems regulating human movement.
2) skeletal muscle function and adaptation
3) skeletal muscle function and adaptation to resistance exercise
4) neuromuscular structure and function in human ageing
5) Measurement of neuromuscular function in humans
Teaching Activities A.Y. 2017-2018
1. Pathophysiology of mitochondria: From energy conservation to disease pathogenesis and therapy, Prof. Paolo Bernardi
(5 lectures, May 7-11, 4:30-6:30 pm, room N mezzanine floor, Vallisneri Building)
1) The basic features of mitochondria and their function
2) The mechanism of energy conservation and its implications for cation transport (K+, Na+, and Ca2+)
3) Overview of the role of mitochondria in cell death
4) Critical assessment of the permeability transition and its role in disease pathogenesis
5) Recent progress in the mitochondrial therapy of muscular dystrophies
2. Astrocytes at the center of the brain of neurons, Dott. Piergiorgio Carmignoto
(5 lectures, May 14-18, 3:30-5:30 pm, room N mezzanine floor, Vallisneri Building)
1) Introduction to Glia
2) The tripartite synapse and gliotransmission
3) Gliotransmitters travel in time and space
4) Astrocytes as functional components of brain circuits
5) Astrocytes in brain disorders
3. Neuromuscular plasticity with use, disuse and agein, Prof. Marco Narici
(5 lectures, April 9-13, seminar room 4th north floor 9.00-11:00 am on April 9,11,12,13, 11:00-13:00 am on April 10)
1) Skeletal Muscle: Structure and Function
2) Motor units and force generation
3) Neuromuscular adaptations with increased use
4) Neuromuscular adaptations with inactivity
5) Neuromuscular changes with ageing
4. Development of Mitochondria-centered Treatments, Prof. Thomas Krieg
(5 lectures October 15-19)
Room will be assigned based on the number of participants.
5. Post-translational modifications of proteins in cellular homeostasis and cancer, Dott. Stefano Ferrari
(5 lectures, June 4,6,7,8, 3.30-5:30 pm, room H mezzanine floor, Vallisneri Building, Jun 5 room I, 3.30-5:30 pm, mezzanine floor, Vallisneri Building)
1) Phosphorylation
2) Ubiquitylation/Sumoylation/Methods
3) PTMs & Cancer
4) PTMs hierarchy & crosstalk: the cell division cycle
5) PTMs hierarchy & crosstalk: the DNA damage response
6) Workshops
6. Neurodegenerative diseases: Epidemiology, genetics and pathogenesis of brain misfolding diseases, Prof. Maria Pennuto
(5 lectures, May 7-11, seminar room 2nd north floor 9:00-11:00 am on May 7,9,10,11, 11:00-13:00 am on May 8)
1) Principles of neurodegeneration
2) Alzheimer disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
3) Parkinson disease: clinical aspects, pathology, genetics
4) Repeat expansion disorders: Loss of function, RNA-mediated gain of function andprotein-mediated gain of function, Polyglutamine diseases
5) The genetics of ALS: Focus of RNA- and protein-mediated motor neuron degeneration
7. Introduction to structural crystallography and diffraction
(40 hours, June 4-8, Department of Geosciences, Via Gradenigo 6)
Methods based on the use of X-rays for the analysis of molecules and materials, with particular emphasis on X-ray diffraction.
8. Understanding protein dynamics with computational methods
(12 hours Prof. Silvio Tosatto, Prof. Gustavo Parisi- Universidad Nacional de Quilmes -Argentina, Prof. Sebastian Fernandez Alberti- Universidad Nacional de Quilmes -Argentina. September 26-27-28, 15:00-18:30, Seminar room 5th east floor)
1) Order and disorder in proteins (Prof. Silvio Tosatto)
2) Protein conformational diversity (Prof. Gustavo Parisi)
3) Protein dynamics and function (Prof. Sebastian Fernandez Alberti)
Teaching Activities A.Y. 2016-2017
Courses in English
1. Pathophysiology of mitochondria: From energy conservation to disease pathogenesis and therapy, Prof. Paolo Bernardi - 5 lectures
1. The basic features of mitochondria and their function
2. The mechanism of energy conservation and its implications for cation transport (K+, Na+, and Ca2+)
3. Overview of the role of mitochondria in cell death
4. Critical assessment of the permeability transition and its role in disease pathogenesis
5. Recent progress in the mitochondrial therapy of muscular dystrophies
2. A visual voyage into the brain: advanced imaging technologies lead to new concept of brain functions, Dr. Piergiorgio Carmignoto - 5 lectures
The course will start presenting pioneering findings on the physiology of neurons and how our view of brain function and of the cellular mechanisms at the basis of information processing in the brain has changed in the history of neuroscience. The contributions of Ramon Y Cajal and Camillo Golgi to the foundation of neuroscience will be recognized. The course will then focus on advanced optical methodologies, such as single/two-photon laser microscopy and optogenetics coupled with electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity, and discuss how this new approach has provided fundamental insights into the specificialized role in brain function of distinct subpopulations of neurons and interneurons. Finally, extensively discussed will be the most recent findings that by revealing how astrocytes can weaken or strenghten neuron-to-neuron communication herald a shifting paradigm in neuroscience.
3. Electrophysiology of electrical primary diseases, Prof. Michael Eldar - 10 lectures
1. The Long QT syndrome
2. Brugada Syndrome
3. CPVT
4. The short QT syndrome
5. Early repolarization syndrome
4. Introduction to basic clinical aspects of neurological and psychiatric diseases, Prof. Aram Megighian - 5 lectures
1. Nervous system as an integrated neuronal system: neurons, synapses, circuits, and behavior. Electrical activity, coding, and functional Areas
2. Cardinal manifestations of neurological disease. A) Disorders of motility; disorders of sensation (somatic and proprioceptive); disorders of special senses
3. Cardinal manifestations of neurological disease. B) Epilespy, consciousness, sleep
4. Derangement of intellect and behavior. Anxiety and mood. Memory
5. Are “schizophrenic mice” suffering delusions? What should we search in an animal model of a neuro-psychiatric disorder?
5. Stem cells and regenerative medicine, Prof. Barbara Zavan - 5 lectures
1. Stemm Cell: definition, biology, metabolism
2. Protocol to isolate Stem cell from different tissues: bone marrow, adipose tissue, dental pulp, skin
3. Protocol to culture, expansion, characterization, seeding onto biomaterial of Stem cell
4. Biomaterials for muscle regeneration
5. Biomaterials for neuronal tissue regeneration
6. ProteinBioinformatics, Prof. Silvio Tosatto - 5 lectures
Introductory course to the use of comptutational resources, databases and tools, to analyze protein sequences and structures. Topics for lectures include:
1. sequence similarity and molecular evolution
2. prediction of structural features from sequence<
3. protein structure and modeling
4. protein function and interactions
5. the lectures will be complemented by hands-on practical sessions demonstrating the use of online resources
Courses in Italian
Neurobiology, Prof. Daniela Pietrobon, Second Cycle-degree in Molecular Biology, I year, II semester. From February 27th to June 9th (Room will be assigned at a later date, check the website
Teaching Activities A.Y. 2015-2016
Courses in English
1. Yeast as Model organism, Dott. Geppo Sartori, Dr. Raffaele Lopreiato - 12h
2. Pathophysiology of mitochondria: From energy conservation to disease pathogenesis and therapy, Prof. Paolo Bernardi - 10h
3. Drug Discovery and Development, Prof. Daria Mochly-Rosen Ph.D, Stanford University- 10h
4. Optogenetics, Dott. Piergiorgio Carmignoto
5. Science Popularization- Tools and strategies to communicate effectively- Dr. Elisabetta Mutto Accordi
Courses in Italian
1. Pathology and Histopathology, Prof. Cesare Montecucco, Second Cycle-degree in Sanitary Biology, I year, II semester.From March 1st to June 15th , from Monday to Wednesday, 9.30-11.00 a.m.)
2. Neurobiology, Prof.ssa Daniela Pietrobon, Second Cycle-degree in Molecular Biology,I year, II semester. From March 1st to June 15th Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9.30-11.15)
3. General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Prof. Paolo Bernardi, Prof. Ernesto Damiani, Single Cycle-degree in Medicine and Surgery, III year, II semester, from Monday to Friday, 8.30-10.15, room E, ground floor Vallisneri
Teaching Activities A.Y. 2014-2015
1. Protein Bioinformatics (Prof. Silvio Tosatto)
2. Imaging techniques in biology (Dott. Michele Scorzeto)
