2020-2021 / SBIM0452-1

Cellular and molecular biology of acute and chronic inflammation

Duration

15h Th

Number of credits

 Master in biomedicine (120 ECTS)3 crédits 

Lecturer

Alain Chariot

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Inflammation will be defined. We will describe how to detect inflammation in diagnostic laboratories, what the function of those biomarkers are. We will also extensively describe the signalling pathways leading to the synthesis of both pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines. We will define the chronic inflammatory diseases and their underlying mechanisms. As example, we will define the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Crohn disease. We will also explain why chronic inflammation can sometimes lead to cancer. We will end up by describing the latest drugs currently being developed in order to specifically treat inflammation.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The goal is to provide an extensive view on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying acute and chronic inflammation. This will help the students to initiate reserach projects on this topic and/or to join diagnostic laboratories.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

A good knowledge of the signalling pathways. Basic knowledge in molecular and cellular biology.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Not scheduled

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

7 courses are scheduled

1. Inflammation: definition and cell types involved in inflammation

2. The molecular biology of inflammation

3. Predisposing genes and infectious diseases. The chronic inflammatory diseases (Crohn disease, asthma, ...)

4. When inflammation leads to cancer

5. How to measure inflammation in the clinic? What are the biomarkers? What are their biological functions?

6. How to study inflammation in reserach laboratories? What are the invivo models (mouse models)

7. How to treat inflammation? What are the new drugs in development? How can we treat inflammation with less side effects?

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

This is a new course: The slides and notes will be provided to the students at the time the courses will be given.

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Oral exams

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

alain.chariot@ulg.ac.be