Bio8250Syllabus

=BIO8250: non-coding RNAs in development and diseases=

Description:

This new seminar series will explore the fascinating world of non-coding RNAs. The term non-coding RNA (ncRNA) commonly refers to RNA molecules that do not possess protein-coding potential. Increasing evidence now suggests that these RNAs, whether intergenic, intronic or part of the untranslated region of protein coding genes, control various levels of gene expression in physiology and development. These include chromatin architecture and epigenetic memory, transcription, RNA splicing, editing, translation and turnover. RNA regulatory networks may determine most of our complex characteristics, play a significant role in disease and constitute an unexplored world of genetic variation both within and between species.

Format:

We will cover each topic through the reading, discussion and criticism of 3-5 papers directly related to it. Papers for discussion will be handed out the week before and a discussion leader designated for each paper. The leader will be responsible for presenting the paper in the following class and lead the discussion about the findings, implications and critics about the data. All students are expected to have thoroughly read all the papers before class and be able to discuss each of them.

Topics will include:
 * non-coding RNAs in bacteria
 * non-coding RNAs in yeast
 * non-coding RNAs in parasitic protozoa (e.g. Trypanosoma)
 * non-coding RNAs in X-inactivation
 * non-coding RNAs in dosage compensation
 * non-coding RNAs in imprinting
 * regulation by 5'-leader sequences (5'UTRs)
 * uORFs
 * regulation by 3'-leader sequences (3'UTRs)
 * microRNAs in plants
 * microRNAs in animals