NEUROCHEMISTRY

The course is part of the related-integrative training activities of the master's degree course in Brain physics
The specific training objective of the course is to provide fundamental knowledge on chemical and biochemical processes in brain starting from the structural characteristics of the brain, and continuing in the chemistry of signal transmission up to the description of the relevant biochemical processes also in relation to neurodegenerative processes

1. Knowledge and understanding
a. Knowledge about the morphology of brain
b. Knowledge about the fundamental chemistry of neurotransmission.
c. Knowledge about the main biochemical pathways in brain.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
a. Ability to use the chemical and biochemical concepts learned in a logical and deductive way.
b. Ability to carry out the critical processing of data in the scientific literature to be made explicit by writing a final scientific report that is consistent in identifying the problem, analyzing the approaches developed and in the final conclusions.
3. Communication skills
a. Ability to communicate the knowledge learned and the result of its application using appropriate terminology, both orally and written.
b. Ability to interact with the teacher and classmates in a respectful and constructive way, especially during team work.
4. Learning skills
a. Ability to take notes, selecting and collecting information according to the specific importance and priority.
b. Ability to be sufficiently independent in the collection of bibliographic data

Notions required: Basic general chemistry and basic biology

1. Cellular neurochemistry
1.1 Neurons, glial cells and their biochemical peculiarities
1.2 Nerve cell membrane: biogenesis and structural and functional characteristics
1.3 Cytoskeleton of neurons and glia
1.4 Intracellular traffic and axonal transport
1.5 Molecules of cell adhesion in the nervous system
1.6 Biochemistry of myelin
1.7 Energy metabolism and lipid metabolism of the brain.
2. Mechanisms of intercellular signaling
2.1 Overview of the molecular basis of synaptic communication
2.2 Biochemistry of the main neurotransmitters and their receptors:
2.2.1 Metabolism, transport and interactions of acetylcholine;
2.2.2 Metabolism, transport and interactions of catecholamines and serotonin;
2.2.3 Metabolism, transport and interactions of glutamate and GABA;
2.2.4 Biochemistry of purinergic signaling
2.2.5 Metabolism, transport and interactions of neuropeptide
3. Protein homeostasis in the nervous system
3.1 The proteostatic network
3.2 Protein folding and molecular chaperones
3.3 Pathways of protein degradation
4. The role of neurotransmitter - peptides interactions and their relevance in selected diseases

LODISH et al., MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY, 8th edition, W.H. Freeman & C. publishers, 2016;
BRADY et al., BASIC NEUROCHEMISTRY, 8th edition, Academic Press, 2012.

The expected method of verification of learning is divided into two tests: oral test (70%) and scientific presentation to the class (30%) . The oral test is divided into a series of questions (3 - 5) on various aspects of the program reported in the "Contents" section: the student must thus demonstrate both the learning of the topics covered in class, the ability to present them in a formal way and to be able to develop logical links between the various sections of the program. The oral test lasts about 30 minutes. The scientific report will concern the team activity assigned by the teacher which will consist in carrying out a bibliographic research regarding a relevant topic in the brain chemistry/biochemistry, the description of the general problem, the possible sustainable approaches and the validity of the possible solutions reported in the scientific literature and in its presentation in the form of an oral lecture to the class.

The teaching is organized in:
• frontal teaching;
• transversal learning. Students, divided into groups of 4-5 people, will elaborate a topic selected by the teacher on the basis of bibliographical references and present it to the class.

English

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion
Accommodation and Support Services for students with disabilities or with specific learning disabilities: Ca 'Foscari applies Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) for support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or with disabilities. specific learning disabilities. In the case of motor, visual, hearing or other disabilities (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disorder (Law 170/2010) and support is needed (classroom assistance, technological aids for carrying out exams or individualized exams, accessible format material, notes recovery, specialist tutoring in support of the study, interpreters or other), contact the Disability and DSA office disita@unive.it.

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