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| VETE0088-3 | Embryology of domestic animals
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| Duration : | 25h Th, 6h Pr |
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| Credits/ECTS : |
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| Holder(s) : | Luc Grobet |
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| Language : | French language |
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| Course contents : | This course aims at giving access to the essentials for understanding the development of the most common domestic animals, from the zygote stage to birth. Beyond a purely descriptive part, principles of developmental biology and associated technologies are evoked and illustrated by concrete examples. |
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| Course objective : | The lectures proposed here aim at allowing students to learn about embryonic development and to get insight into some aspects of modern developmental biology, and associated technologies.
1) Descriptive embryology
The embryonic development from fertilization on until birth is described. The most common species of domestic mammals and birds are considered, and interspecies differences are also pointed out. Relevant connections with anatomical, histological and physiological data are shown.
A) Gametogenesis
Or gametes formation (ova and spermatozoa) from the primordial germ cell stage.
B) Gametes and fertilization
Or the different stages ending up with the zygote formation, which is the first embryonic stage.
C) Cleavage stages
Or the different division steps leading from the zygote (one cell) to the blastocyst stage.
D) Gastrulation
The embryo proper will undergo a clear cell differentiation in three primordial cell layers, from which all body tissues originate.
E) Extraembryonic membranes and placentation
The development of these extra-embryonic tissues allow mechanical protection, feeding, oxygen supply and toxin elimination of the foetus. In mammals, the feto-maternal placental connections are examined in respect with species particularities.
F) Organogenesis
Or development of the organs: we examine:
- Heart and blood vessels
- Nervous system
- Urinary system
- Reproductive organs
- Digestive system and annexes
- Respiratory system
- Body cavities
- Skeleton and joints formation
- Muscles development
- Skin and annexes
2) Modern biology of development, associated techniques and the stem and primordial germ cells revolution
Here are given the essentials of (i) present status of knowledge on stem cells, induced pluripotent cells and primordial germ cells biology and their potential use, and (ii) the most common techniques in use for developmental biology studies. Their potential use as new biotechnological tool in applications such as farm animal improvement, disease resistance, therapeutic proteins production and xenograft supply are discussed based on concrete examples.
A) Transgenesis
Or integration by biotechnological means of (trans)genes in live organisms.
B) Gene targeting
Or precisely directed genome alterations in an organism. The most commonly reported use of gene targeting is gene inactivation by its partial or total elimination (Knock out). This technique can also generate minute insertion or deletions or site-directed integration of transgenes.
C) Cloning
Or genesis of a new organism without sexual reproduction, starting from a more or less differentiated somatic cell.
D) Biology and potential applications of stem and primordial germ cells.
Or description of the origin, particular properties and potential applications of these cells. Somatic cells reprogramming towards pluripotency will be described here. |
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| Prerequisites : | Understanding of written english. Essentials of general biology and genetics as taught in BVM1. |
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| Workshops : | Every student will assist to three successive practical sessions. They take place in the room of practicals of histology and embryology (building B43, room 2/65) from late october on, which can vary depending on organisation constraints. These lectures aim at deepening and illustrating data which are taught during the theoretical course with help of multimedia supports, examination of microscopic slides of embryos, micro-seminaries and directed analyses of scientific papers. One booklet will be provided to every student within which personal observations will be recorded, and questions relating to the lectures will be answered. |
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| Organization : | The practical and theoretical courses are taught in the first semester, the examination takes place during the session of January. |
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| Written notes : | An updated version of the course is provided to the students at the beginning of the academic year on a DVD-ROM. A printed version can be obtained from the office des cours. |
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| Assessment : | January evaluation consists of a written multiple choice examination, whereas the second session is a composite of written multiple choice and opened questions. |
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| Contacts : | Teacher:
Luc Grobet, lgrobet@ulg.ac.be, +32 4 366 40 80.
Assistant:
Céline Tonus, ctonus@ulg.ac.be, +32 4 366 40 82.
Téléfax: +32 4 366 40 86.
Secretary:
Carine Garot, carine.garot@ulg.ac.be, +32 4 366 40 74 |
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| Remarks : | none |
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