Animal embryos and embryonic stem cells

elective courses

The course requires the use of animals; basic knowledge of cell biology, developmental biology and genetics and the ability to prepare a PowerPoint presentation is required.

Classroom

The course is directed to students who are interested in animal embryology and the possible application of embryonic cells and in vitro cultured embryonic stem cells in biological studies. The course consists of practical classes, which will familiarize students with experimental models such as mouse oocytes and embryos (control of cell divisions during meiosis, fertilization, regulation of gene expression in the embryo, regulative capacities of the mouse embryo and derivation of primary cultures of embryonic and foetal cells).

The subject is directed to students who are interested in animal embryology and the possible application of embryonic cells and in vitro cultured embryonic stem cells in biological studies. The course consists of practical classes, which will familiarize students with experimental models such as mouse oocytes and embryos (control of cell divisions during meiosis, fertilization, regulation of gene expression in the embryo, regulative capacities of the mouse embryo and derivation of primary cultures of embryonic and foetal cells). Each practical class will be preceded by a short theoretical introductory lecture illustrating the background of the performed experiment. Subsequently, students will be working individually following the instructions and guidelines of the instructors.

The following topics are covered during the course:

1. Regulation of meiosis in the mouse oocytes.

2. Fertilization of mouse oocytes

3. Epigenetic diversity of pronuclei in the mouse zygote

4. Transition from maternal to embryonic control of gene expression using transgenic mice expressing various fluorescent proteins.

5. Formation of the primary cell lineages in the mouse embryo.

6. Derivation, in vitro culture and application of mouse embryonic stem cells (ES cells) and establishment of mouse primary embryonic fibroblasts.

7. Regulative capacities of the early mouse embryo – the creation of aggregation chimaeras.

NOTE: The course will consist of 6 classes chosen from the 7 proposals listed above.

„Developmental Biology” S.F. Gilbert, Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, Massachusetts USA

Understands the rules as well as the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of the development and functioning of organisms(K_W05).

Knows various research techniques and tools used in embryology and cell culture (e.g. isolation of oocytes and embryos, creating chimaeras, indirect immunofluorescence, setting up cell cultures) and properly plans their use to solve the tasks (K_W10).

Knows the principles of research planning and conducting experiments with the use of specialized methods used in embryological research (K_W13).

Uses scientific and popular science biological texts in Polish and English and communicates in English at the B2+ level (K_U03).

Can critically develop a selected scientific problem based on literature data and the results of his research, formulating his own opinions and conclusions (K_U08).

Has the ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations on a topic in the field of embryology in Polish and English at the B2+ level (K_U11).

Applies the principles of research ethics, resolving dilemmas related to the use of animals in research (K_K06).

The final evaluation course will be based on:

• presence (at least 5 out of 6 two-day thematic blocks),

• student’s work and engagement during the classes,

• presentation prepared by two students and related to the subject of the course (the form of presentation and ability to interpret and discuss the results in the context of the current knowledge will be taken into account).

• knowledge of the issues presented by instructors during the introductory lectures.