Bi9017 Cell Biotechnologies

Faculty of Science
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Tomáš Bárta, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Dáša Bohačiaková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
RNDr. Vendula Hlaváčková Pospíchalová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Ondřej Bernatík, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
RNDr. Vendula Hlaváčková Pospíchalová, Ph.D.
Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: RNDr. Vendula Hlaváčková Pospíchalová, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Mon 17. 2. to Sat 24. 5. Thu 10:00–11:50 D36/215
Prerequisites (in Czech)
Bi1700 Cell Biology && Bi4020 Molecular biology
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course aims to provide students with in-depth theoretical knowledge in the field of cellular biotechnology. It covers work with various types of stem cells, immunotherapeutic approaches, tissue engineering methods, technological processes for the derivation of organoids and tumoroids, the production of biological substances, and the role of extracellular vesicles in cellular communication and regenerative medicine. Additionally, it addresses the principles of gene therapy, not only for the treatment of rare diseases. Emphasis is placed on understanding modern technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, organoids, organs-on-chips, and gene therapy, and their application in research and clinical practice.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, students will be able to: o Describe and explain key principles and applications of cellular biotechnology, including stem cell work, immunotherapy, tissue engineering, organoid derivation and the production of biological substances. o Analyze and evaluate the potential use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cellular communication and regenerative medicine. o Critically assess the advantages and limitations of modern technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, organoids, organs-on-chips, EVs and gene therapy.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction – Overview of the course structure, student requirements, and a summary of currently used cellular biotechnologies and methodologies: pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, immunotherapy, production of biological substances and recombinant proteins, methods like cell cultures, CRISPR/Cas9, etc. 2. Cell fate change (cell reprogramming) – Reprogramming somatic cells into a pluripotent state, transdifferentiation, epigenetic reprogramming, disease modeling, application potential, and ongoing clinical studies. 3. Application potential of pluripotent stem cells – Definition, biology, application potential, ongoing and completed clinical studies. 4. Adult stem cells and tissue banks – Definition, function in vivo, types, isolation methods, application possibilities, ongoing clinical studies; tissue banks – operations, tissue and cell preservation, and their utilization. 5. Organoids and organs-on-chips – Definition, types, preparation, applications in research and clinical practice; organs-on-chips – construction and applications. 6. Organoids and tumoroids – a detailed overview of types and applications: retinal organoids, assembloids, tumor organoids (tumoroids), ovarian tumoroids, advantages and limitations of organoids and tumoroids. 7. Tissue engineering – Tissue decellularization, 3D printing, surfaces for cell and tissue growth and specification, utilization, and application potential. 8. "From bench to bedside" – Cleanrooms: significance, operation, conditions for clinical applications of cellular therapies, and gene therapy. 9. Immunotherapy I – Immune system development, active and passive immunotherapy, applications, treatment with antibodies (monoclonal, polyclonal, recombinant), modern medicine applications. 10. Immunotherapy in oncology – Cancer treatment: immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T lymphocytes, cancer vaccines, the principle of synthetic lethality, PARP inhibitors. 11. Cellular technologies for the production of biological substances and recombinant proteins – Production systems (bacterial, yeast, mammalian), organism preparation, and production scale. 12. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their therapeutic potential – characterization of EVs, biogenesis, functions; EVs from mesenchymal stem cells; role in cellular communication; potential applications in regenerative medicine; therapeutic potential for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. 13. Rare diseases and gene therapy – definition, challenges, principles of gene therapy, gene therapy approaches for treating rare diseases, examples of successful gene therapy for rare diseases, challenges, and the future of gene therapy. 14. Presentations by students - project assigned during the semester.
Teaching methods
The course is conducted through lectures combining theoretical foundations with practical examples. Emphasis is placed on interactive discussions and the analysis of case studies. Selected experts from the field will be invited to present specialized topics. Students will actively apply their knowledge to solve specific problems in the area of cellular biotechnology. Additionally, students will prepare a presentation on a scientific article of their choice, related to a topic of interest within cell biotechnology. A successful presentation is a requirement for admission to the final exam.
Assessment methods
The assessment includes a written final test focused on theoretical knowledge and the application of cell biotechnology methods, followed by an oral examination. A prerequisite for the exam is the completion of a project assignment, which will be given during the semester (student presentations will take place instead of the last lecture).
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
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