Cellular pathophysiology and cancer

The "Cellular Physiopathology and Cancer" course aims to provide students with the knowledge necessary to follow the "Cancer Biology" program in M2. The course is organized in the form of a conference with an introductory section followed by a section on current research in laboratories. Students are required to give an oral presentation on a scientific article (usually in pairs).

The aim of the cellular pathophysiology and cancer teaching unit is to provide the scientific background necessary to follow the cancer biology M2 program. Each lecture is organized as a conference starting with a general introduction to the field and followed by a more specialized emphasis on research done in laboratories. Students have to prepare an oral presentation based on the analysis of a scientific article (generally in pairs).

The topics covered will concern the link between oncogenic transformation and the neoplastic functioning of different cell types (epithelial, stem, hematopoietic, etc.), with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms associated with DNA metabolism.

Several topics related to cancer cell pathophysiology will be explored, including oncogenic transformation events in different physiological contexts. During the course, we will investigate both molecular processes promoting and preventing cell transformation, focusing in particular on DNA replication and repair. In a second part, you will be introduced to state-of-the-art concepts that are redefining the field of cancer biology (metabolism, microenvironment, angiogenesis, and cancer stem cells).

Basics of cellular and molecular biology

Recommended prerequisites: Scientific article analysis and oral presentation

Session 1: 80% written - 20% oral

Session 2: Writing

1.Hallmarks of Cancer / Historical snapshots and the hallmarks of cancer

2. DNA replication and cancer

3.Epigenetic mechanisms in cancer/ Epigenetics and cancer

4. Mechanisms of response to DNA damage/DNA damage and repair

5. The basics of cellular metabolism and its link to cancer

6.Microenvironment and cancer

7. Normal and pathological angiogenesis/Angiogenesis in cancer

8. Stem cells and solid tumors/Cancer stem cells

9. Mechanisms of cancer drug resistance

10. Hematopoiesis and hematological malignancies