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Lecturer(s)
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Svoboda Petr, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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*Introduction Overview of the course, basic concepts of epigenetic marks, diversity of epigenetic mechanisms and effects *Histone modification I Concept of chromatin structure. Heterochromatin and euchromatin. Core histones, linker histones, replacement histones, protamines. Methods for studying chromatin. *Histone modification II Histone modifications, polycomb proteins, acetylation, fosforylation and histone methylations, effects on gene expression. *DNA methylation I Molecular basis of DNA methylation. CpG and non-CpG methylation. Adenosin methylation. Metods for studying DNA methylation. Bisulfite sequencing. *DNA methylation II Effects of DNA methylation on gene expression, Methyl-binding proteins and mechanisms of inhibition of gene expression, distribution of DNA methylation within genes and mammalian genomes. *Imprinting Concept of imprinting, mammalian imprinting. Molecular mechanisms of imprinting. Role of imprinting, Battle of the sexes. *X-inactivation Principles and different strategies for dosage compensation. Control of X-inactivation in mammals. *Epigenetic reprogramming in the mammalian life-cycle Integration of epigenetic modification in the mammalian life cycle. Reprogramming of gene expression during development, artificial reprogramming - the traditional view. *Epigenetic mechanisms found in other model systems (plants, yeasts, invertebrates ...) Selected epigenetic mechanisms controlling genome integrity and gene expression *RNA silencing I - molecular machines for RNA silencing A historical introduction into RNA silencing. Post-transcriptional effects. Roles and effects of dsRNA. Proteins and complexes in RNA silencing. *RNA silencing II - RNAi technology Experimental and therapeutic use. Design of RNAi experiments *RNA silencing III - roles of RNA silencing pathways miRNA pathway, chromatin connection. *Integrated view of regulation of gene expression Establishment and maintenance of pluripotency in ES cells and embryos
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming)
- Preparation for classes
- 20 hours per semester
- Preparation for exam
- 20 hours per semester
- Class attendance
- 21 hours per semester
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Learning outcomes
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To explain principles and means of epigenetic recording and transfer of information. To make students aware of epigenetic mechanisms accross eucaryotic models and development To motivate students to dare to solve problems To let students a chance to practice the code of academic integrity.
Students will learn to navigate through epigenetic mechanisms across eukaryotic models and germline development. Students will be given a foundation for finding solutions to scientific problems. Students will experience what academic integrity means.
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Prerequisites
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Special course for Ph.D. study field Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics. Signing up for the course is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED only after completing bachelor studies, ideally in the second year of the masters program. Classes are held in blocks by arrangement.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Written examination, Test
The exam, in which the student must achieve at least 50% of the points.
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Recommended literature
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David Allis, Thomas Jenuwein, Danny Reinberg, Epigenetics.
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Jorg Tost, Epigenetics.
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