Course referent: Prof. Katia VARANI

The course aims to provide knowledge on the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the main techniques used in pharmacology for studying drug action at the cellular and molecular levels. The techniques covered include those used to study drug-receptor interactions, signal transduction, gene expression, and resulting cellular activity. Additionally, the course provides the basic principles of the operation of key instruments used in cellular and molecular pharmacology laboratories to analyze and understand drug mechanisms of action and effects on in vitro cellular models. 

Class schedule:

May 8, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

May 13, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

May 16, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5

Course referent: Prof. Matteo BOVOLENTA

The course explores the main concepts related to neuromuscular diseases, the vectors, and the strategies of gene therapy and gene editing to improve the progression of these devastating diseases. It presents practical examples of the most innovative experimental therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases, focusing on vector selection and encouraging discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of different therapeutic strategies.

Class schedule:

May 20, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Classroom F3, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

May 23, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

May 27, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Classroom F3, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

May 30, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5

Course referent: Prof. Luca Maria NERI

The course aims to describe the fundamental principles of microscopy, starting with optical microscopy and extending to other types of microscopy, with particular emphasis on both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The principles of instrument operation are illustrated, along with methods for analyzing chemical-biological samples and their applications in various research fields. The course includes an introduction to sample preparation, focusing on the best techniques to prepare optimal samples for microscopic observations. Furthermore, the course aims to demonstrate the application methods of electron microscopy, highlighting its unique features, as it is capable of providing morphological, structural, ultrastructural, and compositional details of samples—an integrated set of information rarely achievable through other analytical techniques. One of the objectives is to provide targeted knowledge for the use of microscopy, particularly electron microscopy, in the development of individual projects and the rational preparation of experiments and scientific experimental plans.

Class schedule:

February 18, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

February 26, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

February 27, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5

Course referent: Prof. Roberta RIZZO

The course aims to provide knowledge about the structural and physiological characteristics of microorganisms to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of the main etiological agents responsible for human infections. It delves into the specific features of the composition, structure, and physiology of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) in relation to the onset and progression of infectious diseases, the action of antimicrobial drugs, infection prevention, and microbiological diagnosis. Additionally, the course offers insights into host-parasite interactions to develop microbiological expertise and an understanding of the host's immune response.

Class schedule: 

June 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

June 19, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

June 20, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5

Course referent: Prof. Matteo MARTI

The course examines the pharmacotoxicological effects induced by acute and repeated consumption of substances with narcotic action, responsible for both acute intoxication and dependency phenomena. It explores the effects caused by the consumption of both well-known substances (morphine, heroin, oxycodone, amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis derivatives, LSD, etc.) and those caused by new psychoactive substances (NPS), such as synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, amphetamine-like synthetic stimulants, hallucinogenic phenethylamines, new synthetic opioids (fentanyls and nitazenes), new dissociative anesthetics (methoxpropamine and methoxetamine), and new benzodiazepines. In addition to evaluating the typical acute pharmacotoxicological effects, the mechanisms underlying the development of drug addiction are described, as well as the main treatment options for this "condition." The course also addresses aspects of forensic toxicology, providing an overview of how these substances are detected in biological matrices of individuals intoxicated by them.

Class schedule:

February 4, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Classroom F1, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

February 12, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Classroom F4, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

February 19, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom F3, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara 

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5

Course referent: Prof. Donato GEMMATI

The course aims to describe the theoretical and practical foundations of epigenetics and epigenomics, regarded as dynamically modifiable entities directly connected to the environment, with direct effects on DNA and influence on gene expression. In addition to the growing interest in the role of epigenetic modifications in the phenotypes of complex diseases, the discovery of new epigenetic drugs, commonly referred to as epidrugs, is of great importance for pathological conditions "orphan" of standard pharmacological therapies or as an adjunct to therapies characterized by low efficacy.

Class schedule:

September 16, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Classroom F7, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

September 18, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Classroom F7, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

September 23, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom F7, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5

Course referent: Prof. Gianluca CAMPO

Despite the success of drugs in reducing LDL cholesterol, a significant burden of disease and residual risk remains, still associated with dyslipidemia and elevated levels of triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), or low HDL cholesterol levels. These forms of dyslipidemia are increasing worldwide, primarily as a consequence of the rising prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Currently available drugs (statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, omega-3, PCSK9 protein inhibitors) reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but the reduction in cardiovascular risk is not complete, leaving substantial room and clinical need for new pharmacological options. Lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), and angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) are emerging as new potential therapeutic targets for antibodies, antisense sequences, or RNA sequence inhibitors.

Class schedule:

May 25, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara

June 17, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Classroom F1, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara 

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5

Course referent: Prof. Matteo BERTINI

Interventional cardiology has significantly improved the prognosis and quality of life of patients with cardiovascular disease. It encompasses a wide range of procedures, from coronary interventions to structural cardiology procedures, as well as the implantation of devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization systems, or transcatheter ablation procedures for atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. The technological advancements behind these procedures are impressive and constantly evolving. Updates in device types, sizes, precision, and therapy are frequent and ongoing. Understanding the process that brings these devices from the research laboratory to clinical practice is essential for contributing to their development and for planning clinical research.

Class schedule:

January 13, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom F3, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

February 3, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom F1, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

March 17, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Classroom D4, New Biological Institutes (Mammut), Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5

Course referent: Prof. Francesco PARMEGGIANI

In the context of the classification terminology for inherited retinal dystrophies, a wide range of genetic diseases affecting the posterior segment of the eye are currently grouped together. These conditions are extremely heterogeneous, not only phenotypically but also genotypically, as they are caused by mutations identified in over 300 different genes to date, encompassing all possible types of hereditary transmission. The complex genotype-phenotype correlations in patients affected by inherited retinal dystrophies, combined with the challenges in determining the true pathogenicity of variants often classified as mutations of uncertain significance, represent essential topics to explore. These efforts are crucial for developing strategies to overcome some of the major obstacles to the widespread adoption of innovative gene therapy approaches and assisted reproduction techniques with preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

 Class schedule:

April 17, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Pharmacology Classroom, 5th Floor, Pharmacology Section, Piazzetta Sgarbi 3, Ferrara

May 8, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Pharmacology Classroom, 5th Floor, Pharmacology Section, Piazzetta Sgarbi 3, Ferrara

May 29, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Pharmacology Classroom, 5th Floor, Pharmacology Section, Piazzetta Sgarbi 3, Ferrara 

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5

Course referent: Dott.ssa Ilaria PANZINI

The course illustrates the processes involved in drug development, the rationale behind a clinical trial, and the methods for planning and coordinating a research protocol. It also provides knowledge on selecting the most appropriate methodologies and correctly interpreting results. Additionally, the course highlights the critical issues that are most frequently encountered and that can hinder compliance with the continuously evolving regulatory framework. The main topics covered include the planning of clinical trials and the phases of drug development, from inception to market authorization. The course also addresses the organizational and ethical-legal aspects of Phase I units, the quality standards in Phase I clinical studies, and the role of ethics committees.

Class schedule:

January 21, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom F3, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

January 22, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, Classroom F3, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara

January 23, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Classroom F3, Chiostro Santa Maria delle Grazie, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, Ferrara 

Number of hours: 10

Credits: 2,5