The Chromatin, Epigenetics and Gene Expression course is designed for students, postdocs, and principal investigators who have recently ventured into the exciting area of gene regulation. Emphasis will be placed on exposing students to a broad array of methodologies to study gene regulation, chromatin structure and dynamics, including both state-of-the-art and well-developed methods.
Students will perform widely used techniques such as:
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)
Sequencing (ChIP-seq)
Reporter assays of enhancer activity
RNA expression analysis
They will apply a basic pipeline to analyze sequencing results and will discuss current informatics strategies.
Students will learn about state-of-the-art genetic perturbation strategies. They will perform two of these methods to reduce or eliminate the expression of a gene of interest: RNA interference (RNAi), and CRISPR-Cas9 targeted disruption. Further, students will compare how each method affects gene expression and function.
Students will learn how to assemble recombinant chromatin with modified histones and test specificity of chromatin“reader” proteins and enzymes that modify chromatin. Quantitative methods will be used to analyze activity and selectivity for specific substrates.
Given the broad biological roles for DNA-binding transcription factors, and emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in transcription regulation, Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSAs) are again becoming widely used for assessing transcription factor binding to regulatory DNA or RNA elements. Students will learn how to perform and interpret EMSA experiments, using quantitative gel-based methods.
This course will also provide the basic concepts behind different methods to analyze the chromatin architecture of the genome. Moreover, we will discuss the computational methods required to analyze data concerning three-dimensional chromatin architecture.
Experience with basic recombinant DNA and molecular biology techniques is a prerequisite for admission to this course. Lectures by the instructors will cover the current state of the gene expression and epigenetics fields, theoretical aspects of the methodology, and broader issues regarding strategies for investigating the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. Emphasis will be placed on advantages and limitations of specific techniques, and data interpretation. Each evening, an invited speaker who is an expert in the field will present their work and interact with students. The students are encouraged and expected to actively participate in these discussions, and to take advantage of the many opportunities to network and receive input on their projects and future plans.
Support & Stipends
Major support provided by: National Cancer Institute
Stipends are available to offset tuition costs as follows:
We would like to acknowledge the following companies that provided invaluable support:
Equipment: Bio-Rad Laboratories, GE Healthcare, Promega Life Sciences, QSonica LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Please indicate your eligibility for funding in your stipend request submitted when you apply to the course. Stipend requests do not affect selection decisions made by the instructors.
Cost (including board and lodging): $4,990
No fees are due until you have completed the full application process and are accepted into the course. Students accepted into the course should plan to arrive by early evening on July 22 and plan to depart after lunch on August 11.
Before applying, ensure you have:
- Personal statement/essay;
- Letter(s) of recommendation;
- Curriculum vitae/resume (optional);
- Financial aid request (optional).
More details.
If you are not ready to fully apply but wish to express interest in applying, receive a reminder two weeks prior to the deadline, and tell us about your financial aid requirements, click below: