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GEN 800 Seminar Courses
Spring 2008
GEN 800 Section 001
“Gene Transfer”
Dr. Andy Amalfitano
Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan
Part I will focus on vectors used in gene transfer and Part II will focus on applications of gene transfer for different diseases.
GEN 800 Section 002
"Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis"
Dr. Veronica Maher
Dr. Justin McCormick
This is a graduate level seminar course designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the process by which normal cells become cancer cells (carcinogenesis) and the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for induction of changes in the genome of eukaryotes (mutagenesis) and for avoiding such mutagenesis.
GEN 800 Section 003
“Genome and Evolution”
Dr.Tao Sang
Dr. Shin-Han Shiu
Why genome and evolution
The availability of genome sequences and functional genomics tools have fundamentally transformed the way we understand biological processes at all levels. Genomic studies are comparative in nature, either between genes from an individual, from a population, from various populations of a species, or from difference species. Therefore, current advance in genomics brings about important breakthrough in understanding molecular, organismal, and ecological evolution. In addition, it highlights the importance of evolutionary biology for interpreting the outcomes of functional genomic studies. In this course we will discuss the recent advance in the intersection between genomic and evolutionary biology with the goal that students with different backgrounds will have an appreciation of both fields.
What are the topics
We will discuss recent advance in this general area by brining in examples from plants, animals, and fungi. Topics include:
- Genome evolution
- Genetics and genomics of adaptation
- Genomic variation in natural populations
- Evolution of regulatory genes and networks
GEN 800 Section 004
Experimental Evolution Seminar (MMG 803)
Course instructors include Prof. Richard Lenski and postdocs Dr. Jeffrey Barrick and Dr. Carla Davidson.
When studying species and ecosystems in the field, it can be difficult to disentangle what evolutionary processes are most important for creating and maintaining the observed patterns of biological diversity. Experiments with model organisms offer an opportunity to isolate and directly manipulate the ecological and genetic factors that influence evolutionary outcomes. In particular, experiments with microbes allow well-characterized organismal starting points, a high degree of control over environments, and timescales that span hundreds to thousands of generations. Also, organisms sampled along an evolutionary trajectory can be archived and later revived to probe ecological interactions and reconstruct the history of their genetic changes. Despite their relative simplicity, microbes are capable of a rich variety of adaptations and even behaviors that capture the essential characteristics of many plant and animal interactions.
This seminar course will be structured as a discussion of classic and current papers in the field of experimental evolution, drawing primarily on examples from microbial systems. We will introduce fundamental evolutionary questions and provide an overview of how various laboratory systems have been used to address these questions. Topics will include the nature of mutational processes; periodic selection and the dynamics of adaptation in asexual populations; the roles of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of environments in maintaining diversity, predator-prey dynamics and co-evolution; the evolution of social behaviors including altruism and cheating; conditions under which sex and recombination are advantageous; and the genetic bases of adaptation.
Students will be expected to read papers, participate in discussions, and lead occasional discussions. One or two short written summaries of readings will also be required for those taking the MMG-listed version of the course for two credits. It is anticipated that the class will meet once a week for 2 hours, with the time and location depending on what works best for the majority of participants.
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