MF9225 – Epigenetics in development and disease
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
In depth understanding of molecular methods used for addressing epigenetic phenomena in basic research and in the clinic.
The understanding of the bases for genetic and epigenetic inheritance has been improved tremendously over the last decades. While Gregor Mendels results completely revolutionized the basic understanding of genetic inheritance with his discoveries in garden pees more than 150 years ago, the understanding of inheritance has recently been challenged by the many dynamic chemical modifications on histones, DNA and RNA that regulate gene expression. Such modifications are able to switch on and off genes without changing the coding sequence of DNA. Switch in gene expression programmes following fertilization and during development can now be studied in different model organisms. What is more, these rapid switches in gene regulation that is required for cellular homeostasis and normal development can also be incorrectly regulated and lead to dysregulation of the cell cycle and in cancer.
This course provides an introduction to the various epigenetic mechanisms, an updated presentation of novel aspect of epigenetic regulation and examples of epigenetic analysis, including diagnostics and chemotherapeutic agents that have entered the clinic.
Studying genetic and epigenetic regulation in the laboratory is challenging and requires state-of-the-art methodological insight. There will be a particular focus on novel molecular methods used to address these phenomena that includes; analysis of modified bases in DNA and RNA and histone modifications, high-throughput sequencing methods, CRISPR technology, mutant organisms and clinical samples.
Learning outcome
Overview of epigenetic mechanisms?"coded" byproteins, DNA and RNA
Insight in molecular methods used to address the two above mentioned regulatory mechanisms.
Novel insight in recent publications on:
- Histone variants and modifications
DNA modifications on cytosine and adenine
RNA mediated epigenetic phenomena
Reversible modifications on protein, DNA and RNA
Epigenetic regulation following fertilization and development
Epigenetic regulation in disease
- Diagnostics and chemotherapeutic epigenetic
Admission to the course
The maximum number of participants is 30.
Applicants admitted to a PhD programme at UiO sign up for classes and exam to this course in StudentWeb.
Applicants who are not admitted to a PhD programme at UiO must apply for a right to study before they can sign up for classes and exam to this course. See information here: How to apply for a right to study and admission to elective PhD courses in medicine and health sciences
Applicants will upon registration receive an immediate reply in StudentWeb?as to whether a seat at this course is granted or not.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The candidates need basic knowledge in genetics and molecular biology.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with MEDFL5225 – A molecular approach to genetic and epigenetic gene regulation, from basic research to the clinic.
Teaching
The teaching will start with overview lectures of epigenetics and continue with more specific introduction to novel principles of epigenetics.
During the course, the students will work in groups and present recent findings of epigenetics with a focus on molecular methods.
You have to participate in at least 80 % of the teaching to be allowed to take the exam. Attendance will be registered.
Examination
Home exam to be submitted two weeks after the course.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.