D1. Knowledge and understanding: The obtained knowhow should extend knowledge previously obtained in bachelor’s and master courses (molecular and cellular biology, epigenetic gene regulation, developmental biology) to provide an integrative view on how gene expression can be regulated in normal cell physiology and disease. After the end of the course, students should have the capacity to use the obtained information in order to formulate scientific questions and propose experimental approaches to study gene expression related topics in molecular biology. D2: Applying knowledge and understanding: Students should be able to integrate the obtained knowledge obtained into a larger context. In particular, a student should be able to use the general concept and general key-messages from the lecture program to propose solutions for unprecedented and interdisciplinary scientific questions. D3: Making judgments: After the course a student should be able to manage the complexity of information related to regulation of gene expression. A student needs to individuate central corner stones in this field and be able to integrate this information to explain missing steps in the understanding of a biological pathway or system. In a situation with only fragmented availability of biological information, students should be able to logically expand this information by proposing gene expression related experimental strategies in order to obtain a more complete picture in the respective biological system. D4: Communication skills: Students will communicate and discuss scientific topics to colleagues (Italian, French and other Countries as well) using different instruments (written and oral presentations). This will help students to learn to extract most relevant information and to scientific data to specialists but also non-specialists. D5: Learning skills: Based on the obtained knowledge students have to demonstrate the ability to autonomously expand their knowledge in the field of the regulation of gene expression using the appropriate sources of information.

Basic concepts in Biochemistry, Molecular and cellular Biology.

The course offers advanced training in the mechanisms that regulate gene expression in eukaryotic cells, along with practical approaches for analyzing gene expression. It explores regulatory DNA sequences and multiple layers of gene regulation, including transcription factors, chromatin structure, and post-transcriptional processes. These topics are integrated into relevant physiological processes and pathological conditions, drawing upon original research publications. The course is organized in three parts: I PART. One week intensive course on regulation of gene expression . The course is part of the Double Diploma programme with the University of Paris Cité (France). II PART. 1. How a Scientific paper is organized. Several papers will be discussed in this section. 2. RNA analyses. Extraction, purification and analysis of RNA from eukaryotic cells. 3. Protein-DNA interactions. III PART 1. Eukaryotic RNA polymerases and promoters. 2. Eukaryotic general transcription factors. 3. Eukaryotic transcriptional activators. 4. Chromatin structure and its effects on transcription. 5. Post-transcriptional processes.

R. Weaver – Molecular biology – McGraw-Hill. Selected scientific papers and other didactical material will be provided through the Moodle platform.

The course is organized in 3 parts: I PART. One week intensive course on regulation of gene expression . The course is organized in seminars given by experts, professors of the University of Trieste, Udine, SISSA, ICGEB and visiting professors. The course (International workshop ) is part of the Double Diploma programme with the University of Paris Citè (France). French students will be also present. The attendance is highly recommended. II PART. 1. How a Scientific paper is organized. Several papers will be discussed in this section. 2. RNA analyses. Extraction, purification and analysis of RNA from eukaryotic cells. 3. Protein-DNA interactions. III PART 1. Eukaryotic RNA polymerases and promoters. 2. Eukaryotic general transcription factors. 3. Eukaryotic transcriptional activators. 4. Chromatin structure and its effects on transcription. 5. Post-transcriptional processes.

Frontal lessons, seminars, poster presentations from students, seminars from students, teamwork, visits to scientific institutions.

Attendance is highly recommended. Students not able to attend the course should contact the teacher in advance. Slides of the course, papers and protocols discussed during the course can be found at the Moodle website (password needed). Any changes to the teaching modalities described herein, required to ensure the implementation of safety protocols in case of emergency situations, will be communicated through the websites of the Department, the Degree Program, and the specific course. Students with particular needs (for example: individuals with disabilities, employed students, non-traditional/adult students, parents, incarcerated students, etc.) who are, either permanently or temporarily, unable to attend classes in person, may request remote participation. This request, which must include a justification and is made under the student's personal responsibility, should be submitted via email to the instructor well in advance of the start of the course. Students with specific needs concerning exam procedures (e.g., holding DSA or disability certifications) must promptly inform both the instructor and the University’s Disability Office (disabilita.dsa@units.it) at the beginning of the course, in order to properly plan appropriate assessment methods.

The exam method is explained at the beginning of the course and is available in the introductory presentation to the course. A written test is at the end of the “International workshop” (part I) and is the discussion of a scientific paper or questions with short answers or multiple choice related to the seminars . A poster presentation is organized in which students present their research activity (the topic of their internship or first level thesis). Student presentations organized in groups of papers selected from topics present in part III. The last test is based on three open questions related to part II and III (look at the calendar of exams). The evaluation, expressed in thirtieths, takes into account the level of knowledge and in-depth analysis of the topics covered and the level of presentation. The evaluation grid adopted is as follows: - Excellent (30 - 30 with honors): excellent knowledge of the topics, command of language and ability to delve into greater depth. - Very good (27 - 29): good knowledge of the topics, notable command of language, good ability to delve into greater depth. - Good (24-26): good knowledge of the main topics, fair command of language and ability to delve into greater depth. - Satisfactory (21-23): the student does not demonstrate full mastery of the main topics of the course, despite possessing fundamental knowledge; however, he/she demonstrates satisfactory command of language. - Sufficient (18-20): minimal knowledge of the main topics of the course and of technical language. - Insufficient: the student does not possess an acceptable knowledge of the contents of the various topics of the program.