The Neuroscience Laboratory aims to provide students with a basic understanding of some of the experimental paradigms and study methods commonly used in the Neuroscience field.
The first module aims at delivering to the student the knowledge of neuromorphological approach to the study of different in vivo and in vitro models of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. The methodological basis for the preparation of neuroanatomical and neuronal culture samples for light, confocal and electron microscopy will be provided. The student will acquire competence in the observation and quantitative evaluation of samples treated by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent techniques.
The first module aims at delivering to the student the knowledge of neuromorphological approach to the study of different in vivo and in vitro models of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. The methodological basis for the preparation of neuroanatomical and neuronal culture samples for light, confocal and electron microscopy will be provided. The student will acquire competence in the observation and quantitative evaluation of samples treated by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent techniques.
scheda docente
materiale didattico
Programma
Elements of development of the mammalian nervous system. Neuroanatomy and histology of the nervous system: organization of the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous system. Neurons: neuronal subtypes and their distribution. Glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia. Cytoarchitecture of selected areas of the CNS: cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, substantia nigra, cerebellum and spinal cord. Human neuropathology: neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. In vivo and in vitro models for the morphological study of human neuropathologies: transgenic mouse models and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC). Macroscopic observation and manipulation of neuroanatomical murine samples (brain, spinal cord). Preparation of normal and pathological murine brain samples for immunohistochemical analysis, using neuronal and glial markers. Light microscopic observation and characterization of the morphological phenotype of normal and pathological murine brain. Application of morphological techniques (e.g., immunofluorescence) to the study of iPSC and motor neurons derived from them, using markers for the recognition of specific organelles (mitochondria, peroxisomes). Observation and quantitative analysis by confocal microscopy. Preparation of samples of neuropathological models (in vivo and in vitro) for ultrastructural examination and observation by electron microscopy (SEM, FIB/SEM).Testi Adottati
Scientific articles, lecture slides and other useful teaching materials will be provided after each lecture/lab session.Modalità Erogazione
Theoretical and practical lectures. Seminars and specific technical session in groups.Modalità Frequenza
Compulsory.Modalità Valutazione
The level of acquired knowledge and competences will be evaluated. The critical ability in reviewing literature on methodological topics related to the subject will also be assessed.