Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression
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Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression
The University of Melbourne
À propos de ce cours
4.8
359 ratings
While the human genome sequence has transformed our understanding of human biology, it isn’t just the sequence of your DNA that matters, but also how you use it! How are some genes activated and others are silenced? How is this controlled? The answer is epigenetics.
Epigenetics has been a hot topic for research over the past decade as it has become clear that aberrant epigenetic control contributes to disease (particularly to cancer). Epigenetic alterations are heritable through cell division, and in some instances are able to behave similarly to mutations in terms of their stability. Importantly, unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications are reversible and therefore have the potential to be manipulated therapeutically. It has also become clear in recent years that epigenetic modifications are sensitive to the environment (for example diet), which has sparked a large amount of public debate and research.
This course will give an introduction to the fundamentals of epigenetic control. We will examine epigenetic phenomena that are manifestations of epigenetic control in several organisms, with a focus on mammals. We will examine the interplay between epigenetic control and the environment and finally the role of aberrant epigenetic control in disease.
All necessary information will be covered in the lectures, and recommended and required readings will be provided. There are no additional required texts for this course. For those interested, additional information can be obtained in the following textbook.
Epigenetics. Allis, Jenuwein, Reinberg and Caparros. Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory Press. ISBN-13: 978-0879697242 | Edition: 1
Compétences que vous acquerrez
CancerMolecular BiologyCancer EpigeneticsDna Methylation
Programme du cours : ce que vous apprendrez dans ce cours
1
Section
Week 1 - Introduction to Epigenetic Control
An introduction to and definition of epigenetic control of gene expression, and its importance in normal development. We will learn what chromatin is, and how its composition and packaging can alter gene expression. We’ll also discuss the best-characterised epigenetic modification, DNA methylation, and how it is not only implicated in regulating gene expression, but also in maintaining genome stability.
7 vidéos (Total 65 min), 5 lectures, 1 quiz
7 vidéos
Course overview1 min
1.1 Introduction to the concepts of epigenetic control10 min
1.2 Mitotic heritability of epigenetic marks10 min
1.3 Chromatin and the nucleosome6 min
1.4 Chromatin compaction - heterochromatin versus euchromatin9 min
1.5 DNA methylation at CpG islands11 min
1.6 DNA methylation at intergenic regions and repetitive elements15 min
5 lectures
Course syllabus10 min
Teaching team10 min
Start of course survey10 min
Assessment and grading policy10 min
Week 1 and 2 resources10 min
1 exercice pour s'entraîner
Week 1 quiz - contributes 8% towards your final grade20 min
2
Section
Week 2 - Epigenetic Modifications and Organisation of the Nucleus
We’ll discuss the molecular mechanisms for regulating gene expression in some detail, from how the DNA is packaged at a local level, right up to how the chromatin is positioned within the nucleus. We’ll learn about the chromatin modifications implicated in gene silencing and activation, the role of non-coding RNA, and higher order chromatin structures. This week will provide you with a good understanding of the basic mechanisms that will help you understand the processes we discuss throughout the rest of the course.
9 vidéos (Total 90 min), 1 lecture, 1 quiz
9 vidéos
2.2 Histone acetylation and histone methylation12 min
2.3 Chromatin remodelling12 min
2.4 Histone variants8 min
2.5 Noncoding RNAs - microRNAs6 min
2.6 Noncoding RNAs - piRNAs9 min
2.7 Noncoding RNAs - long noncoding RNAs introduction10 min
2.8 Long noncoding RNAs Xist and HOTAIR7 min
2.9 3D organisation of the nucleus and summary of epigenetic marks17 min
1 lecture
Week 1 and 2 resources10 min
1 exercice pour s'entraîner
Week 2 quiz - contributes 8% towards your final grade20 min
3
Section
Week 3 - Dosage Compensation
X chromosome inactivation is a really well-characterised epigenetic process that is now used as a model system to study epigenetic processes that are relevant more broadly. This is because it uses many epigenetic mechanisms, at many levels, to achieve really stable silencing of a whole chromosome. We’ll learn about this process and how it occurs in a mouse in great detail, which will greatly add to the mechanistic understanding gained in week two. We will then briefly discuss alternate mechanisms for dosage compensation that occur in other organisms.
12 vidéos (Total 113 min), 1 lecture, 1 quiz
12 vidéos
3.2 Timing of random and imprinted X chromosome inactivation8 min
3.3 Stages of X inactivation - counting and control of Xist expression13 min
3.4 Control of Xist expression by pluripotency factors6 min
3.5 Stages of X inactivation - choice of which X to inactivate9 min
3.6 Stages of X inactivation - initiation and spreading of silencing11 min
3.7 Stages of X inactivation - establishment of silencing6 min
3.8 Stages of X inactivation - maintenance of silencing e.g. Dnmt18 min
3.9 Stages of X inactivation - maintenance of silencing e.g. Smchd18 min
3.10 X chromosome inactivation summary10 min
3.11 Dosage compensation in flies and worms, compared with mammals8 min
3.12 Lessons from the fly - position effect variegation and screening for epigenetic modifiers10 min
1 lecture
Week 3 resources (including required readings)10 min
1 exercice pour s'entraîner
Week 3 quiz - contributes 12% towards your final grade30 min
4
Section
Week 4 - Genomic Imprinting and Epigenetic Reprogramming
We’ll learn about the two important periods during development for the erasure and resetting of the epigenome. There are two well-characterised features that are treated differently during epigenetic reprogramming; imprinted genes and repeats. We’ll learn about mechanisms for genomic imprinting, and study three examples in more depth.
6 vidéos (Total 68 min), 1 lecture, 1 quiz
6 vidéos
4.2 Epigenetic reprogramming of imprinted genes and repetitive elements11 min
4.3 Location of imprinted genes in the genome and bisulfite sequencing10 min
4.4 Kcnq1 and H19/Igf2 ICR mechanisms of action and Beckwith Weidemann syndrome17 min
4.5 Snrpn ICR mechanism, Prader Willi and Angelman syndromes13 min
4.6 Summary of epigenetic reprogramming and imprinting6 min
1 lecture
Week 4 resources (including required reading)10 min
1 exercice pour s'entraîner
Week 4 quiz - contributes 12% towards your final grade30 min
4.8
83%
33%
Meilleurs avis
par DS•Aug 25th 2018
This is an excellent course that introduces you to fundamental knowledge of several hot topics in the field of epigenetics. Dr. Blewitt herself studies X inactivation, and I learned so much!
par BM•Aug 14th 2017
One of the best organized and implemented courses I have taken so far. For someone who had barely any experience with epigenetics, I feel this gave me a proper introduction to the field.
Enseignant
Dr. Marnie Blewitt
Head, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryWalter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
À propos de The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is an internationally recognised research intensive University with a strong tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. Established in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest University.
Foire Aux Questions
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