A308
Course Coordinator: 
Hidetoshi Saze
Epigenetics
Description: 

Epigenetic regulation of gene activity is essential for development and response to environmental changes in living organisms. This course introduces fundamental principles and key concepts of epigenetics, and original research publications contributed to understanding the mechanism underlying the epigenetic phenomena will be reviewed. Lecturers from outside OIST may be invited for specific topics.

Aim: 
This course provides an overview of the principles of epigenetics to students with background of molecular biology and genetics.
Course Content: 
  1. Introduction to Epigenetics
  2. Histone variants and modifications
  3. DNA methylation
  4. RNA interference and small RNA
  5. Regulation of chromosome and chromatin structure
  6. Transposable elements and genome evolution I
  7. Transposable elements and genome evolution II
  8. Epigenetic regulation of development I
  9. Epigenetic regulation of development II
  10. Genome imprinting
  11. Dosage compensation I
  12. Dosage compensation II
  13. Epigenetic reprogramming and stem cells
  14. Epigenetics and disease 
  15. Epigenomics
Course Type: 
Elective
Credits: 
2
Assessment: 
Participation 50%; Presentation, 50%.
Text Book: 
Epigenetics, by Allis, Jenuwein, Reinberg, Caparros (2006) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
Reference Book: 
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5 edn, by Alberts et al. (2007) Garland Science
Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 10 edn, by Griffiths et al. (2010) W.H. Freeman and Company
Prior Knowledge: 

Requires at least advanced undergraduate level Cell Biology and Genetics or similar background knowledge