Cellular Aging, Death and Immortalization

Mode of Delivery

Face to Face

Prerequisites and Co-Requisites

None

Recommended Optional Programme Components

Not Required

Course Contents

In the advanced ages of organisms, the regeneration of damaged tissues slows down along with the decrease in both number and growth rate of adult stem cells. This phenomenon, called as senescence, is often encountered at cellular levels in vitro culture conditions. It affects stem cells rapidly, and causes to display very different cellular properties than their initial states following isolation. The stages and molecular mechanisms of this process developed differently in human and animal cells is the main subject of this course. Telomere biology of stromal and stem cells and its regulation will be examined in this context. Stages of biological aging process independent of telomeres, cell cycle and effects of stress on cells are included in the course syllabus. Immortalization of cells after long term culture will be mentioned in details during the term, and approaches for the production of immortal cell lines will be discussed. The relationship of adult stem cells with stroma and cancer cells will be discussed.

Weekly Schedule

1) Stromal cells and stem cells
2) Cellular senescence
3) Extracellular matrix and micro-environment
4) Extracellular matrix and micro-environment
5) Telomere biology
6) Cell cycle, its regulation and apoptosis
7) Cell cycle, its regulation and apoptosis
8) Mid-term exam
9) Organism, aging and long-term culture
10) Development of immortality
11) Cancer cells and adult stem cells
12) Cancer cells and adult stem cells
13) Reversal of aging
14) Development of immortal cell lines
15) Development of immortal cell lines
16) Final exam

Recommended or Required Reading

1- Stem cells: scientific progress and future research directions. National Institutes of Health. November 2004, University Press of the Pacific. ISBN: 978-1-4102-1896-4
2- Culture of Human Stem Cells.R. Ian Freshney, Glyn N. Stacey, Jonathan M. Auerbach. 2007, Wiley-Blackwell ISBN: 978-0-470-05246-4

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

1) Lecture
2) Question-Answer
3) Discussion
4) Drill and Practice
5) Self Study

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Contribution of Semester Studies to Course Grade	50%
Number Percentage Semester Studies Midterm Examination 1 40% Quiz 4 60%
Contribution of Final Examination to Course Grade	50%
Total	100%

Language of Instruction

Turkish

Work Placement(s)

Not Required