Eukaryotic Transcription and Regulation

In this course, we will look into different modes of gene regulation in eukaryotes. As a model, we are going to use the phytochome light perception system in plants; this highly regulated system combines a multitude of regulatory mechanisms, from DNA structure to transcriptional regulation to protein degradation. It is therefore ideal to illustrate diverse aspects of gene regulation in eukaryotes. 

- RNA extraction

- Turbo blotting

All files for RNA seq analysis.

The practical course will be preceded every morning by a seminar. The goal of the seminar is to become familiar with the scientific background and the methodology of the course, as well as to evaluate original research literature that touches on the topic of the day. Participation in the seminar is mandatory, and every participant will have to prepare one presentation. 

The presentations are divided among ‘Background', ‘Methods', and 'Research paper’.

‘Background’ presentations should give an overview of the corresponding topic. ‘Methods’ presentations should provide information on the rationale of a method, its purpose, and the details of the relevant steps involved. ‘Research paper’ presentations should give insights into an actual study, highlighting the important findings and the key experiments. For Background and Research, the corresponding literature has been uploaded to the course web site; for Methods presentations, we expect the participants to gather the relevant information. Click here for the seminar schedule; literature can be found here.

Course participants are assigned to groups of two or three for the presentations; each member of the group is assigned to one of the above-mentioned presentation types. Every presentation should last 12 min, maximum 15 min, to leave ample room for discussions. It is therefore essential that you prepare these presentations well and that you distill the relevant information. Presentations will be graded on both content and style.

The format of the presentation is not determined, participants can chose between a powerpoint-style or a white-board presentation. 

We expect all participants to come to the course prepared, i.e., that they have read the script and are aware of the programme of the day. 

Guidelines for the reports (mini-review or research paper-style)