Learning outcomes

- To acquire basic knowledge on differentiation processes and stem cells.

- To use this knowledge to understand high level scientific publications in this field.

- To make students aware of the amazing complexity of differentiation process, since the cells can integrate various very different signals to produce the expected phenotypic response.

Content

In metazoan organisms, stem cells can generate differentiated cells, following a process called " differentiation". In this course we'll talk about stem cells AND differentiation process. The stem cells part contents : the cellular and molecular characteristics (including epigenetics particularities), the reprogramming (iPSC), the "niche" concept, the influence of morphogens and juxtacrine signals, and the potential therapeutics use of stem cells. The differentiation processes are, by definition, particular to each cell type. We will study the skeletal muscle differentiation, as an example with clearly identified stem cells.

Table of contents

1.Introduction and reminders

2. Transcription factors and cell reprogramming :  iPS

3. Regulation circuitry in stem/differentiated cells :

  •   - Transcriptional regulation
  •   - MicroRNA
  •   - Post-translational modifications
  •   - Epigenetics
  •   - Niches
  •   - Metabolism 

4. Applications (based on invited speakers) and pottentially subjected to modifications

  •   Stem cells-based therapy for linherited liver diseases
  •   Stem cells-based therapy for cardiac diseases
  •   Hematopoetic and mesenchymal stem cells (from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood) : properties and therapeutic applications

Assessment method

Each student will chose a biological question related to differentiation processes and stem cells. On the basis of publications (including those provided by the teacher), the student will study this subject and present it orally to the other students (15 minutes talk, in french or in english, followed by questions). The various students presentations do belong to the course itself. The student will be evaluated on its ability to find the pertinent scientific information, to synthetise it, and to present it in a didactic and attractive manner. In addition, the student, individually, will have to synthesize the subject presented in a written document (max 3 pages, without the references and figures).

Sources, references and any support material

The power point slides are posted on web campus.

The course is based on recent scientific literature.

Language of instruction

Français