Biotechnology and Genomic for Industry and Environment

Introduction: the concept of “gene” from Mendel to Post-Genomics Structural genomics: The complexity of eukaryotic genomes; whole-genome sequencing of eukaryotes: from sequencing of DNA fragments to genome assembly; The Human Genome Project (HGP); BAC clones; strategies for the systematic sequencing of complex genomes: hierarchical and whole genome shotgun sequencing; unique and a repetitive DNA sequences; Transposable Elements; the C-value paradox. Comparative Genomics and Genome Evolution. Functional Genomics: genome annotation and analysis; database homology searches; forward and reverse genetics: from the phenotype to the gene and from the gene to phenotype; mutational analysis of the gene; engineered transposable elements as tools for transgenesis and insertional mutagenesis; gene targeting and site-specific recombination; RNA Interference: biology, mechanism, and applications; the GAL4-UAS system for study gene expression and function; Study of technologies based on DNA microarrays, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and qRT-PCR to analyze gene expression profiles and interaction between nucleic acids and chromatin proteins. Experimental strategies for epigenome analysis and methods to analyze the expression patterns of proteins by using specific antibodies or in vivo "protein trap" with GFP. Model organisms for genomics studies: Drosophila melanogaster: life cycle, development and chromosomal organization. Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for classical and modern genetic analysis. The Drosophila genome: euchromatin and heterochromatin. Position effect of Variegation. P-element-mediated mutagenesis and transgenesis. Drosophila models of human diseases. Drosophila as a model for ecotoxicological studies. C. elegans: C. elegans genome project. Genetic and Physical maps in C. elegans. Holocentric chromosomes. Transposable elements in C. elegans. Genome-wide chemical mutagenesis. Insertional mutagenesis by transposable elements. Site directed mutagenesis. MosTIC (Mos1 Excision Induced Transgene-Instructed Gene Conversion) and MosSCI (Mos1 Single Copy Insertion). RNA interference in C.elegans. Mus musculus: Mouse genome project: sequencing and analysis of the mouse genome. Comparative analysis of mouse and human genomes as a tool to understand evolution and diseases. Transgenic mouse technology: principles and methods. Chemical and gene trap mutagenesis in mice. Gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. Gene silencing using RNA interference in embryonic stem cells. Mus musculus as a useful model for human diseases. Danio rerio (zebrafish): Zebrafish as a genomics research model; forward and reverse genetic based approaches. Development of morpholino-based antisense gene inhibition for sequence-based 'knockdown' screening. Zebrafish as a useful model for human diseases.

Students should have a good knowledge of Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology

Reviews and articles selected from scientific literature. Gibson e Spencer, Introduzione alla Genomica”, Zanichelli; Lesk, Introduzione alla Genomica, Zanichelli.

The course includes theoretical lectures (3CFU)

The frequency is not mandatory

The oral examination consists of questions concerning the subjects listed in the teaching program. In order to pass the examination, the student will have to demonstrate: (1) overall understanding of the subjects; (2) appropriate usage of technical terminology; (3) critical capacity. The final mark is attributed in thirtieths. Successful completion of the examination will lead to grades ranging from 18 to 30 with honors

The course includes theoretical lectures (3CFU)