TRANSGENIC ANIMALS FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Basic knowledge of Animal Biology
Learning outcomes are assessed through an oral examination designed to evaluate student acquisition of the above expected learning outcomes. The final oral exam consists of three questions: two on the theoretical portion and one on the laboratory instruction. The answers to the questions on the theoretical part will count for 75% of the final grade. The question on laboratory instruction aims to determine full knowledge of the key practices demonstrated in the laboratories.
The exam is worth 30 points and takes into account the accuracy and quality of answers, communication skills during the oral exam, and the ability to adequately justify statements and opinions. A minimum of 18/30 is required to pass the exam.
The objective of this course is to provide students with knowledge of the various applications of biotechnology in the field of livestock production, as well as the production of genetically modified animals for diagnostic, therapeutic and environmental protection purposes.
In particular, the course aims to provide knowledge of the main classical and modern biotechnologies used in the field of animal production to improve product quality and obtain bioactive compounds by introducing genes encoding proteins of pharmacological interest into the DNA of farm animals using genetic engineering techniques. The course also aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the production and quality of foods of animal origin and their derivatives.
Field trips will also be undertaken as part of the course to gain insight into some production and scientific areas and to bring students into contact with experts in these fields.
The course will focus on the following topics:
LESSONS (5 ECTS, 40 hours):
A) General information on biotechnologies and their applications in the field of animal production, as well as brief information on the morpho-physiological characteristics of farm animals, especially on the physiology and endocrinology of reproduction.
B) Genetic engineering in farm animals.
1. Production and use of transgenic animals for diagnostic, therapeutic and ecological purposes.
a. The pig as a source of organs and tissues for human transplants and as a study model for some human diseases and for environmental protection;
b. The bovine model as a biotechnological solution to increase meat production, to increase resistance to staphylococcal infections, and to overcome problems with milk protein allergies.
c. The teleost model for the study of tumors.
2. Using the animal mammary gland as a bioreactor for drug production.
a. Biopharming of cattle to produce therapeutic milk for human consumption.
b. Biopharming of sheep and goats for extraction and purification of therapeutic antimicrobial proteins from milk.
3. Biotechnological applications for the production of recombinant spider silk proteins in the milk of transgenic goats and use of these proteins in medicine.
C) Animal welfare: evaluation, management and future perspectives.
D) The gut microbiota as a critical factor in animal health and welfare.
LABORATORY PRACTICES ACTIVITY (1 ECTS, 12 hours)
Laboratory practices include:
1. Extraction of bacterial DNA for analysis of the gut microbiota (0.25 ECTS, 3 hrs).
2. Extraction of total RNA from an animal tissue; evaluation of integrity and quantity of extracted RNA. Real-time PCR quantification of the transcripts of a target gene and analysis of the data obtained (0.25 ECTS, 3 hrs.).
3. Fingerprinting analysis, part 1: extraction of genomic DNA; quantification and purity assessment of extracted DNA (0.25 ECTS, 3 hrs.).
4. Fingerprinting analysis: amplification of microsatellite DNA regions by PCR; data collection and elaboration (0.25 ECTS, 3 hrs.).
EXCURSION
The course program includes a field trip to an international center of excellence in biotechnologies used in the food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
The course will take the form of face-to-face classes (5 ECTS), labs (1 ECTS), and a field trip.
PowerPoint presentations that use images are used extensively in class to show more and tell less as students are introduced to new information, concepts, and skills. Science videos are also used to reinforce student learning and make important information understandable.
Lab sessions are designed to create an environment where students are physically engaged through active hands-on work. During laboratory instruction, continuous supervision in the laboratory is provided by the professor and one or more assistants. Students are required to wear a lab coat during laboratory instruction. Students are reminded that participation in labs is mandatory. Students who have allergies or intolerances to reagents or other molecules that may be present in the laboratory must be sure to inform the professor before the laboratory sessions begin.
In order not to lose time, it is necessary to make an appointment by email (from the domain @ uninsubria.it) for the consultation with the professor. The professor also receives the students after each lecture.