The course aims to investigate gene functioning, especially in the context of the mechanisms by which genes are able to control the integrity of the genetic material. Special emphasis will be devoted to the molecular aspects of some topics already described in short in the Genetics course (mutation, recombination, DNA repair and epigenetic mechanisms) and how these cellular processes modulate gene expression. The function of some key genes particularly relevant for humans will be elucidated in detail. In addition, original and recent literature articles dealing with specific aspect(s) of the topics of the course will be proposed and discussed .