REPRODUCTION BIOTECHNOLOGIES

Integrated educational activity

Course Sheet

Academic Year of enrolment:

2019/2020

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
EMBRIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE E GENE EDITING

5 credits

Credits:

Programme Year:

Hours of classroom activity:

108

Prerequisites:

The student should have preliminary 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 student 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 and gene editing
3) Systems for the production of transgenic animals and bioreactors

Contents

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: folliclogenesis, 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:
-Regulation of gene expression in gametes and embryos
-Epigenetics of gamete and embryos
-Disturbances of gene expression following in vitro gamete and embryo manipulation
- Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
-Trangenesis and bioreactors
-Gene editing

Recommended Bibliography

Notes, slides of the lectures, scientific articles.

Methods of Provision

Conventional

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