Aging and age-related diseases: From molecular mechanisms to therapies

Objectives

All the teaching objectives will be framed in a research context, so that the students will recognize the current challenges associated with each specific objective. These objectives include:

- Identify and explain the molecular, cell and physiological changes associated with ageing and age-related and chronic diseases;

- Discuss key mechanism and models of age-related diseases;

- Identify and explain the main changes in cell, organ and systems in aging and their contribution to chronic diseases;

- Critically discuss the main theories of aging in a historical context as well as its relation with chronic diseases;

- Explain the general principles of the pathophysiology of age-related diseases;

- Explain the influence of nutrition, environmental and genetic factors on aging and age-related diseases;

- Compare research models for the identification of novel therapeutic targets in age-related and chronic diseases;

- Critically discuss the emerging cell-based, genetic or pharmacological therapies for age-related diseases.

General characterization

Code

1091011

Credits

Responsible teacher

Sofia de Azeredo Gaspar Pereira

Hours

Weekly - Available soon

Total - Available soon

Teaching language

English

Prerequisites

Bibliography

The main bibliography or other relevant learning resources will be provided by the various scientists that participate in the teaching activities. Whenever applicable bibliography should consist in scientific papers that are available in open access or in specific repositories accessible by the students. In each edition of the course the most updated and current bibliography will be provided. Students are encouraged to share notes and other relevant information concerning the UC in virtual fora or virtual blackboards.

Teaching method

This course is based on seminars, designed to provide suitable background information in the topics (from contents) to be further explored by the students led discussions. These debates might be complemented by the students critical analysis of scientific papers on topics presented in seminars.

Evaluation method

Evaluation will include a final project (50% of the final grade), class participation of the student and the ability to argue (20%), to present and discuss on selected topics (20%), success in applying acquired knowledge to pharmacological principles (10%).

Subject matter

General Principles of Aging; Chronic Diseases associated with aging; Cellular, organ & system changes in aging and chronic diseases; Theories of Aging; Impact of nutrition, environmental and genetic factors on aging and chronic diseases; Models for research in new therapeutic targets in age-related diseases; Emerging cell-based, genetic or pharmacologic therapies; Molecular mechanisms of disease and new therapeutic targets.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught:

NOVA Biomedical Research Master