Objectives
Understand the definition and concept of stem cell in comparison to somatic cells. Review the history of the field and present the fundamental characteristics of embryonic, adult and pathological (cancer, senescent) stem cells.
The aim is to provide general knowledge and an integrated concepts in stem cell biology at the molecular biology (to explain the molecular mechanisms/signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulation of genes important in these cells), cellular (chemical and physical interactions between cells that define the cellular niche and determine the fate of stem cells) and genomic levels. Display the properties, the potential and limitations of using pluripotent stem cells (embryonic or reprogrammed such as iPS) and adult regenerative medicine.
General characterization
Code
1061001
Credits
6
Responsible teacher
Gustavo Tiscornia
Hours
Weekly -
Available soon
Total -
Available soon
Teaching language
English
Prerequisites
Bibliography
"Stem Cells: From Mechanisms to Technologies" - By Michal K. Stachowiak, Emmanuel S. Tzanakakis - World Scientific Publishing Co (2012).
"Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells, Volume 2: Therapeutic applications in disease and injury" - by M.A. Hayat - Sringer (2011).
"Principles of Regenerative Medicine" - By Anthony Atala, Robert Lanza, James A. Thomson, Robert Nerem - Academic press, Elsevier (2010).
Teaching method
1/3 of teaching time will consist of lectures covering basic concepts. All PowerPoint slides will be made available to the students in order to minimize note talking. Great importance will be placed on practical modules where student will acquire the basic methodology required to culture stem cells. The final 1/3 of teaching time will be devoted to student seminars and discussion groups. The student will be given different papers to read and instructed to present a one page summary for their peers. They will briefly present the contents of their paper. Each student will have a different paper, chosen by the Professors in order to allow each student to contribute individual information to the discussion session. Students will also be required to ask 3 conceptual or practical questions regarding their assigned paper.
Evaluation method
The final grade will be determined by a presentation/discussion on material related to the discipline (75% of grade) and the presentation of a paper (25% of grade).
Subject matter
Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC)
Isolation, culture, characterisation, and Safety as well as Ethical Issues
Maintenance of ESC in conditions preserving undifferentiation
Differentiation strategies
Current and future applications for research
Current and future therapeutic applications
Animal models of disease
iPSC and transdifferentiated cells
Reprogramming principles, methods limitations and advantages over ESC and future improvements
Directed reprogramming (transdifferentiation) of somatic cells into cells with different functions
Therapeutic applications and use as disease models
Applications in industry
Adult stem cells
Mesenchymal, hematopoietic, fat-derived, umbilical cord stem cells.
Characteristics, plasticity and mechanisms of action (replacement, paracrine factor secretion, cell fusion)
Therapeutic applications
Tissue-specific stem cells: neural, muscle, pancreas, skin
Identification and isolation
Importance of the niche
Applications in animal models of disease
Programs
Programs where the course is taught:
