Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Zoology, Neurobiology and related degrees. Available to JYA/Erasmus students.

The aim of this module is to explain the key concepts in developmental biology focusing on stem cells and their niches in embryo and adult organisms. Experimental systems used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating organogenesis, regeneration, germ line formation, pluripotency and cellular reprogramming will be discussed.

Building on the 2nd year course ‘Developmental Biology’, the aim of this module is to describe experimental work that lead to the discovery of molecular mechanisms regulating stem cell function and fate during embryogenesis as well as adulthood. The molecular mechanisms underlying development of the three germ layers and organ formation will be discussed focusing on the biology of stem cells and their niches. The stem cell concept will further be elucidated in the adult organism resulting in regeneration and/or repair of tissue under physiological as well as stress conditions. The concept of pluripotency in relation to the formation of the germ line as well as cellular reprogramming will be discussed. Lecture material will be accompanied by relevant literature for further reading.