Animal Cell Biotechnology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Course of advanced cell biology with strong emphasis on the various possible biotechnological applications. This course focuses on the use and the engineering of animal cells for scientific purposes with particular emphasis on the generation and use of transgenic animals.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will acquire the basic knowledge of how a cell can be isolated, used and modified for applicative purposes in the field of biotechnology and animal transgenesis.
The student will acquire the ability to describe the current approaches to isolate, modify and use the cell for more applicative purposes, using the correct terminology.
The student will acquire the ability to describe the current approaches to isolate, modify and use the cell for more applicative purposes, using the correct terminology.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Definition and characteristics of different types of cell cultures. Explant cultures, primary cultures, and immortalized animal cell lines. Characterization of cultured cells, including expression of specific cellular markers. Cell cloning and cell line preservation.
Introduction of exogenous DNA into mammalian cells: Cloning and characteristics of various vectors used in eukaryotic cells. Reporter systems. Transfection methods. Stable and transient transfections. Cellular transduction.
Subcellular localization of macromolecules: Techniques for cellular fractionation and immunofluorescence. Production and use of mono- and polyclonal antibodies, with a focus on hybridoma technology.
Reporter genes and their applications in cell culture: Subcellular protein localization, analysis of protein-protein interactions (FRET), and studies on protein dynamics (FRAP).
Stem cells (embryonic and adult) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): Characteristics and applications.
Animal models: Mouse and zebrafish.
Transgenic mice: Knock-in mice, constitutive knock-out mice, and conditional knock-out mice.
Introduction of exogenous DNA into mammalian cells: Cloning and characteristics of various vectors used in eukaryotic cells. Reporter systems. Transfection methods. Stable and transient transfections. Cellular transduction.
Subcellular localization of macromolecules: Techniques for cellular fractionation and immunofluorescence. Production and use of mono- and polyclonal antibodies, with a focus on hybridoma technology.
Reporter genes and their applications in cell culture: Subcellular protein localization, analysis of protein-protein interactions (FRET), and studies on protein dynamics (FRAP).
Stem cells (embryonic and adult) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): Characteristics and applications.
Animal models: Mouse and zebrafish.
Transgenic mice: Knock-in mice, constitutive knock-out mice, and conditional knock-out mice.
Prerequisites for admission
Prior knowledge of basic and molecular cell biology is recommended
Teaching methods
The course will be delivered through interactive face-to-face lectures supported by projected material (e.g., PowerPoint presentations). Students will be encouraged to actively participate in lectures and discussions to enhance their critical thinking skills, through the analysis of scientific literature and the ability to communicate concepts effectively. Attendance is strongly recommended. In addition, hands-on teaching laboratories will be held to reinforce theoretical knowledge through practical experience
Teaching Resources
- Slides on the Teacher Ariel Website
- Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Biologia molecolare della cellula- ZANICHELLI
- Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Biologia molecolare della cellula- ZANICHELLI
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will consist of a written section, including both open-ended and multiple-choice questions, followed by an oral evaluation. The aim of the exam is to assess the knowledge acquired and the student's ability to solve biological problems based on the topics covered in the course
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/17 - HISTOLOGY - University credits: 5
BIO/17 - HISTOLOGY - University credits: 5
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Careccia Giorgia
Professor(s)