Course Coordinator: S. Taraviras

The purpose of the course is the critical understanding of the subject of Biology and Physiology of stem cells and their applications in Regenerative Medicine.

Course Objectives

The goal of the course is to educate students about the basic principles of stem cell function during embryogenesis and adult life, as well as to explain the involvement of embryonic and adult stem cells in homeostasis and pathogenesis of human diseases. Applications of stem cells in Regenerative Medicine will be covered, as well as the implications in other cutting-edge research routes such as the development of biomaterials, embryonic engineering, gene therapy, etc.

Course Content

• Basic principles of Stem Cell Biology and Physiology
• Molecular mechanisms that control stem cell self-renewal and differentiation
• Cell reprogramming – Induced stem cells
• Cancer stem cells
• Tissue engineering and biomaterials – engineering of tissues and organs
• Involvement of stem cells in pathogenic mechanisms of human diseases
• Applications in the control and development of new drugs
• Stem cells in Regenerative Medicine – Clinical applications of stem cells, combination with gene therapies
• Ethical and legal issues regarding the use of stem cells in Regenerative Medicine

Laboratory training of graduate students

Laboratory exercises on selected topics for the students who have selected this course direction are the following: isolation and culture of embryonic stem cells (ES), differentiation protocols (e.g. neural and mesenchymal), characterization of cells with molecular markers.