This PhD course aims to train highly qualified researchers in the use of advanced methodologies in the field of Genetics, Reproduction and Sexual Medicine, Onco-Hematology, Imaging and Innovative Surgical Techniques, Medical Physics, Bioengineering and Artificial Intelligence, as well as be prepared to face the specific problems of these disciplines. The interest in these research sectors is underlined by the rapid innovation processes in the biotechnology sector and their close relationship with productive and economic activities. In particular, the course will focus on the following topics:
i) Study of the
molecular mechanisms of cellular differentiation in male and female reproduction (including processes related to reproductive endocrinology, sexuality, and sexual differentiation and dimorphism), in cellular development and cellular transformation.
ii) Study of
genetic alterations and pathological tissue changes at the molecular and morphological level in hereditary, vascular, and onco-hematological diseases.
iii)
Personalized medicine approaches through the study of interindividual genetic variability in relation to susceptibility to multifactorial diseases and response to drugs (pharmacogenomics), with the identification of genetic and epigenetic profiles.
iv) Development of
human cell and tissue banks.
v)
In vitro study of the pathogenetic mechanisms of hereditary diseases and identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
vi)
New methods of prenatal diagnosis and therapy, use of 3D and 4D ultrasound in the study of fetal anatomy and function, and evaluation of fetal neurological maturation.
vii) Development of
markers for use in imaging studies.viii)
Advanced interventional and surgical technologies, with particular reference to pelvic, osteoarticular, and vascular diseases.ix) Development of
methods based on quantitative disciplines (physics, engineering, computer science) in the field of biomedical research and their applications.x) Study, using
molecular biology techniques, next-generation sequencing, and next-generation flow cytometry, of response patterns and measurable minimal disease in onco-hematological disorders.xi)
Tissue regeneration models for studying the differentiation of fetal and adult stem cells, cellular phenotypic alterations in tumors, and the development of tissue and cell biobanks; oncogenomic modifications of the main human tumors.
xii) Development of
technologies and applications based on psychometrics for the diagnostic assessment and follow-up of sexual and reproductive dysfunctions The PhD student will be involved in multidisciplinary projects which will favor the use of different research structures and the continuous exchange of information between the laboratory, clinic and industry. The student will be assigned a specific research project and will be followed by a tutor chosen among the professors.