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Stem cells: Applications in biotechnology and therapeutical potential - MB151P134

Title:	Stem cells: Applications in biotechnology and therapeutical potential
Czech title:	Kmenové buňky: Biotechnologické využití a terapeutický potenciál
Guaranteed by:	Department of Cell Biology (31-151)
Faculty:	Faculty of Science
Actual:	from 2023
Semester:	winter
E-Credits:	4
Examination process:	winter s.:combined
Hours per week, examination:	winter s.:2/2, C+Ex [HT]
Capacity:	unlimited
Min. number of students:	unlimited
4EU+:	no
Virtual mobility / capacity:	no
State of the course:	not taught
Language:	English
Note:	enabled for web enrollment

Guarantor:	Ing. Štěpán Jeřábek, Ph.D.
Teacher(s):	Ing. Štěpán Jeřábek, Ph.D.

Opinion survey results Examination dates Schedule

Annotation -

Last update: RNDr. Nataša Šebková, Ph.D. (10.02.2022)

A few months ago, you ordered an organ for your spouse who suffered from renal failure. The new kidney
was grown in a genetically engineered pig. Later, to celebrate a successful surgery, the whole family
went to Pleistocene Park, where the kids could see woolly mammoths. Many genes had to be changed
in those large animals to bring them alive. In comparison, your little daughter carries only one edited allele,
saving her from an increased risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. You have not let doctors
modify your genome yet; however, currently, you are considering an epigenetic heart rejuvenation.
Both your parents—soon turning 100—highly recommend this therapy.
A future like the one described above may not be so far away. To better understand upcoming advances
in medicine, it is beneficial to learn a thing or two about pluripotent stem cells and their biotechnological
applications. If you find this research area interesting, and if you are willing to know more, taking this course
may be a good next step.

Aim of the course -

Last update: RNDr. Nataša Šebková, Ph.D. (10.02.2022)

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand key concepts in the stem cell biology field and discuss current/possible future uses of

stem cells in biomedical research or regenerative medicine

• Read and critically analyze original research articles and give a seminar about a research project,

including an assessment of the significance of the presented results

• Write a proposal of a new research project (*)

(*) The assignment is optional. An alternative to a written research proposal is an essay on a selected, stem

cell research-related topic.

Literature -

Last update: RNDr. Nataša Šebková, Ph.D. (10.02.2022)

There is no specific textbook for this course. All readings-mostly original research and review articles-will be shared with students during the course.

Requirements to the exam -

Last update: RNDr. Nataša Šebková, Ph.D. (10.02.2022)

Grading

• Mid-course test (week 7): 35%

• Student group presentation (week 11): 15%

• Individual research proposal or essay (accepted any time after week 9): 50%

• A passing score: 60% or above

Syllabus -

Last update: RNDr. Nataša Šebková, Ph.D. (10.02.2022)

Syllabus

Week Topic

1 Course introduction - Early human development - Embryonic stem cells

2 Somatic cell nuclear transfer - Reproductive cloning - Induced pluripotent stem cells

3 Transdifferentiation - Dedifferentiation - Regeneration

4 Modern genome editing tools - In vitro disease models

5 Stem cell organoids - Embryo-like structures - Xenobots

6 Stem cell therapies - Organ xenotransplantation

7 Mid-course test - Discussion about the next assignment (research proposal or essay)

8 Somatic gene therapies - Heritable genome editing

9 In vitro gametogenesis

10 Invited talk (**)

11 Student group presentations

12 Ethics of stem cell research / future applications - Student feedback - Final discussion

(**) The guest speaker will be introduced in the first half of the course. He/she will give a standard research

talk focused on a selected topic relevant to the subject.

Format

• The course (lectures, discussions, assignments) will be held in English

• Unless otherwise stated, all lectures/modules will be online (Zoom meetings)

• All weekly meetings will last ~90 minutes (however, the Q&A session may run a bit longer)

• Maximum number of students per course/semester (in 2022): 30 students

• There is no specific textbook for this course. All readings-mostly original research and review

articles-will be shared with students during the course

Entry requirements -

Last update: RNDr. Nataša Šebková, Ph.D. (10.02.2022)

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of cell and molecular biology

• English language proficiency (listening, speaking, reading, writing)

• Preparation for individual modules and active participation during video meeting