Epigenetics (GENE206 / PATH206)
| The
topic of the course is epigenetics, the mechanisms by which phenotypes
not determined by the DNA sequence itself are nevertheless stably
inherited in successive cell divisions. The course focuses on
weekly discussions of primary research papers in the field. These
papers are supplemented with appropriate review articles to provide
context and background. We will begin with the discovery of
position-effect variegation in Drosophila in the 1920s and proceed to
present day studies of covalent modifications of histones and DNA
methylation. Topics to be covered include position effect,
gene silencing, heterochromatin, centromere identity, genomic
imprinting, the “histone code”, variant histones, and the role of
epigenetics in cancer. The class will meet once a week for
two hours in a discussion format. The course is designed for
graduate students in the Biosciences.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of GENE203 or permission of instructor. |