REPRODUCTION BIOTECHNOLOGIES

Integrated educational activity

Course Sheet

Academic Year of enrolment:

2016/2017

Optional/Mandatory:

Compulsory

Degree:

Master's Degree Programme in HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGIES

Language:

Italian

Moduls:

Assisted reproductive techniques and germplasm conservation in animal and Assisted reproductive techniques and germplasm conservation in animal and human

6 credits
Molecular Embryology and Preimplantation Diagnosis.

3 credits
Transgenic animals and bioreactors

2 credits

Credits:

Programme Year:

Hours of classroom activity:

104

Prerequisites:

The student should have knowledge of anatomy, reproductive physiology and cellular and molecular biology

AF code:

40003773

Assessment Methods

Verification of learning:

Intermediate tests, presentation of scientific articles, final oral exam.

Teaching period

First semester

Objectives

This course aims at providing detailed theoretical and methodological knowledge related to the application of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in veterinary and human field. The students will acquire a detailed background on the structure and function of gametes, the biological and molecular mechanisms that regulate reproductive processes and on methodological approaches for gamete collection and evaluation, oocytes in vitro maturation and fertilization and gamete and embryo cryopreservation.
Based on these biological basis a theoretical and practical preparation will develop on:
1)methodological approaches for gamete collection and evaluation, oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization, gamete and embryo cryopreservation.
2)Main molecular biology techniques optimized for gamete and preimplantation embryo analysis and techniques of preimplantation embryo diagnosis.
3)Different systems for the production of transgenic animals.

Contents

The course is divided into three training units:

ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND GERMPLASM CONSERVATION IN ANIMAL AND HUMAN

Topics:
-Overview on the anatomy of male and female reproductive system.
-Reproductive endocrinology: Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Gonadotropins, steroid hormones.
-Reproductive physiology: folliculogenesis, oogenesis, ovulation. Spermatogenesis.
-Preimplantation embryo development. Reproductive cycle: estrus cycles, menstrual cycle.
-Hormonal control of ovarian cycle: synchronization and superovulation, artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET).
-Setting up an ART Laboratory: equipment and materials.
-Ovum pick up. Ex-vivo oocyte retrieval. Oocyte selection. Setting up in vitro maturation systems (IVM).
-Collection and evaluation of semen. Setting up in vitro fertilization (IVF, FIVET) systems. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
-Evaluation of embryo cleavage and embryo quality. Setting up embryo culture (IVC) systems.
-Oocyte and embryo manipulation: embryo splitting, cloning by nuclear transfer.
-Cryopreservation of gametes, embryos and ovarian tissue. Freezing and vitrification methods.

MOLECULAR EMBRYOLOGY AND PREIMPLANTATION DIAGNOSIS

Topics:
-Molecular aspects of mammalian gametogenesis, fertilization and preimplantation embryo development.
-Impriting and epigenetic regulation of gene expression.
-Overview of potential molecular effects of in vitro reproductive biotechnologies.
-Principal techniques of preimplantation embryo diagnosis.

TRANGENESIS AND BIOREACTORS

Topics:
-Different systems for the production of transgenic animals.
-Gene insertion and evaluation of the expression gene level after gene transfer.
-Gene targeting and quantification of organ specific gene expression.
-Creation of transgenic animals for different application in veterinary and biomedical area.

Recommended Bibliography

Notes, slides of the lectures, scientific articles.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical lessons,laboratory practice and seminars

Contacts/More Information

Readiness to offer individual assistence.

REPRODUCTION BIOTECHNOLOGIES

Course year: 1

Course year: 2

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REPRODUCTION BIOTECHNOLOGIES