Epigenetics and regulation of gene expression

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide in depth knowledge of the molecular processes governing the expression and mobility of the genome, by presenting the several ways in which genetic activity can be regulated from transcription to translation, and by correlating such regulation to phenotype formation. This will include in depth understanding of the activity of transcription factors as well as of epigenetic mechanisms. The course also aims to provide knowledge of genomic dynamics such as the activity of transposable elements and how this activity impacts the phenotype. Another goal with the course is to provide knowledge about how epigenetic research impacts other biological aspects such as evolutionary theory, sustainable development and disease etiology.

After completing the course, the participants will be able to:

• Explain the molecular processes involved in transcription and translation as well as the epigenetic mechanisms and their action on the genome;
• Justify the role and biogenesis of small RNAs and genomic regulatory elements in regulating gene expression;
• Conduct a practical measurement of gene expression using quantitative PCR procedures and analyse the results obtained;
• Describe the molecular mechanisms regulating genomic mobility and mutations;
• Write a report on epigenetics as a tool for the assessment of environmental exposures or in the etiology of disease;
• Discuss the evolutionary consequences of epigenetic alterations.

Content

The course lectures will introduce the mechanisms behind the expression of the genetic material from both historical and current perspectives. In each lecture the course will provide general and in-depth information about concepts such as gene, genome, gene expression, transcription, transcription factors, translation, post translational processing, epigenetics, transposable elements, small RNAs, and environmental epigenetics. Seminar will also include discussions on how research in genetics and epigenetics increase our knowledge about fundamental biological processes and contributes to a sustainable development of our society.