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Understanding the functions of primary microcephaly genes and exploring their potential as therapeutic targets in brain tumors. Instructor prof Ferdinando Di Cunto
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Anno accademico 2022/2023
- Docente
- Prof. Ferdinando Di Cunto (Coordinatore)
- Corso di studi
- Programma MD-PhD della Scuola di Medicina
- Tipologia
- teorico-pratico
- Modalità di erogazione
- Frequenza di laboratori e/o reparti
- Lingua di insegnamento
- Italiano/Inglese
- Modalità di frequenza
- Obbligatoria
- Tipologia d'esame
- Prova pratica
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Sommario insegnamento
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Attività di supporto
Co-workers Dr. Gaia Berto and Dr. Gianmarco Pallavicini
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Programma
The development of human brain, in particular of cerebral cortex, is characterized by intense proliferation of undifferentiated neural progenitors, followed by permanent exit from cell cycle and by a complex differentiation program, leading to wiring of an astonishing neural network. Any alteration of these processes can have severe anatomical and functional consequences, such as brain volume reduction (microcephaly), intellectual disability, movement disorders, epilepsy and cancer. Genetic primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare recessive disorder in which the proliferative expansion of neural progenitors is specifically compromised. Considering the molecular similarities between neural stem cells and cancer stem cells that maintain brain tumors, MCPH genes are attractive potential targets for counteracting these aggressive cancers. Using in vitro and in vivo models, our group studies the molecular mechanisms by which mutation of MCPH genes leads to microcephaly. In addition, we investigate the anti-neoplastic effects of functionally inactivating these genes in brain tumor cells.
The objective of the internship will be to provide a strong theoretical and practical basis for the experimental analysis of MCPH genes, both during normal development and in brain tumor cells.
Testi consigliati e bibliografia
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Note
- Progetto del corso: Basi molecolari e cellulari della patologia, morte e rigenerazione delle cellule nervose
- Scientific qualification of the PI: Entrez-PubMed Link to publications of Prof Di Cunto
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Laboratory of Embryonic Neurogenesis, Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano (TO).
Email: ferdinando.dicunto@unito.it
Phone: +39-011-6706616
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