Cellular Pathophysiology and Cancer

The “Cellular Pathophysiology and Cancer” course unit aims to provide students with the knowledge necessary to pursue the “Cancer Biology” track in the M2 program. The course unit is organized as a lecture, consisting of an introductory section followed by a section on current research in the laboratories. Students are required to give an oral presentation on a scientific article (usually in pairs).

The goal of the cellular pathophysiology and cancer course is to provide the scientific background necessary to succeed in the M2 program in cancer biology. Each lecture is structured as a seminar, beginning with a general introduction to the field and followed by a more specialized focus on research conducted in laboratories. Students are required to prepare an oral presentation based on the analysis of a scientific article (usually in pairs).

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

Several topics related to the pathophysiology of cancer cells will be explored, including oncogenic transformation events in various physiological contexts. During the course, we will examine both the molecular processes that promote and those that prevent cell transformation, with a particular focus on DNA replication and repair. In the second part of the course, you will be introduced to cutting-edge concepts that are reshaping the field of cancer biology (metabolism, microenvironment, angiogenesis, and cancer stem cells).

Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology / Molecular and Cellular Biology Basics

Recommended prerequisites: Analysis and oral presentation of a scientific article / Scientific article analysis and oral presentation

Session 1: 80% written - 20% oral

Session 2: Written

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 Cell Metabolism and Its Link to Cancer / Cell Metabolism and Cancer

6. Microenvironment and Cancer

7. Normal and Pathological Angiogenesis / Angiogenesis in Cancer

8. Stem Cells and Solid Tumors / Cancer Stem Cells

9. Principles of Cancer Cell Drug Resistance / Mechanisms of Cancer Drug Resistance

10. Hematopoiesis and Hematological Malignancies