PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biotechnology is a field based on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the subjects of the present PhD program. By applying chemical and physical principles and proper methods for solving biological problems, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are among the most active and productive areas of modern scientific knowledge.
They find numerous applications in both the biotechnology and biomedical field. They provide the opportunity to solve analytical/diagnostic problems, and to understand, at a molecular level, biological processes involving natural or pathological biomaterials, thus contributing to the design and development of new drugs.

The academic staff expects that each PhD student should demonstrate that he/she has reached an excellent knowledge of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology before graduation, independently from the type of scientific degree he/she previously had. This implies a good knowledge of the structural and functional properties of common biomolecules, of metabolism, of the principles regulating biological processes, and of the organization and function of the sub-cellular structures and organels. Furthermore, he/she should demonstrate their knowledge of the main gene transduction processes, including structural aspects and gene organization.

With reference to the topics of his/her PhD thesis, the student will stay informed on the modern experimental methodologies used, and on the theoretical principles leading to recent important results in the field. Also, he/she will be able to describe and discuss these topics, through the critical reading of original papers published in important international journals. In addition, the student will suitably interpret and describe the experimental data needed for editing his/her PhD thesis, or for submitting a manuscript to a scientific journal.

During the 3 years of the program, the didactic side consists in lessons and seminars throughout the entire academic year. According to the priority subject (biotechnology), the topic of each lesson will be divided into three teaching cycles, each carried out during the 3 years of the PhD program.

1. In the first year, teaching will provide detailed information on structural Biochemistry and Biophysics, and related biotechnological applications. Topics include:
(a) Properties of important biological macromolecules (as carbohydrates, fat acids, proteins);
(b) Structure and function of metalloproteins, with reference to enzymes involved in the process of cell detoxification (as superoxide dismutase);
(c) Structure and function of hemoproteins, particularly myoglobin and hemoglobin. Gene organization and evolution aspects;
(d) Structure and function of hormones, particularly beta-endorphynes;
(e) A spectroscopic study of specific proteins’ active site;
(f) Thermodynamics and kinetics of protein folding;
(g) Studies of protein structure, by high resolution NMR and circular dichroism (CD);
(h) Computer modeling and kinetic models for proteins intramolecular motion.

2. In the second year, teaching will provide detailed information on cellular metabolism, Molecular Biology, and related biotechnological applications. Topics include:
(a) Oxidation of the most important biological macromolecules (carbohydrates, fat acids, proteins);
(b) Synthesis of important biological macromolecules (carbohydrates, fat acids, proteins);
(c) Molecular Dynamics studies, the action mechanism of transglutaminases, redox enzymes, transcription factors correlated with DNA damage, and relative enzymatic or transcriptional regulation;
(d) Studies of the enzyme-substrate interaction and enzymatic mechanism, glutation trasferase P1-1 as simulating model (interaction with glutation, and determination of the enzymatic mechanism);
(e) Kinetics of enzyme reactions and enzyme inhibition; fast-kinetics and simulated molecular dynamics of metalloproteins;
(f) Protein folding in cell, and protein modification;
(g) Electrochemical biosensors based on the protein matrix. Enzyme-entrapping methods and perspectives for biotechnological applications;
(h) Flux of genetic information, DNA duplication, DNA transcription, RNA composition and structure, RNA maturation and traduction.

3. In the third year, teaching focuses on an in-depth study of biotechnological applications that will complete the student’s knowledge acquired in the first two years. Topics include:
(a) Recombinant DNA technology;
(b) Gene therapy;
(c) Structure of vectors for gene therapy;
(d) Animal models for gene therapy;
(e) Biotechnology for the study of biochemical mechanisms and cell death regulation;
(f) Biotechnology for the study of intracellular redox systems, damage due to free radicals, and mechanisms of cell detoxification;
(g) Biotechnology for the study of neuron excitotoxicity and NO involvement for cell death;
(h) Biochemical and molecular aspects of apoptosis and necrosis;
(i) Regulation and transduction mechanisms of the apoptic signal: bcl2, p53, p63, p73, CD95, receptor for TNF, mitochondrions, caspasis, proteasis etc.;
(j) Involvement of apoptosis in neuro-degenerative diseases.

Although no exams are scheduled for each of the above courses, at the end of each year the student must pass a sort of interview where his/her knowledge of the treated themes will be properly evaluated. Also, he/she will give report to the Academic staff, and to the other students, on the scientific activity developed during the previous year.

At the end of the PhD program, the student will posses a good knowledge of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and modern experimental techniques for avant-garde research. Doctors with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology have found positions in the Pharmaceutical Industry and in Research Centers in the biotechnological, biomedical or pharmaceutical fields. He/she will also be an excellent doctor-scientific representative.