Molecular Genetics of Model Organisms – MBGC 5055Q

The aim of the course is to teach students principles of molecular genetics using model organisms. Students will learn how to use mutants, phenotypes, patterns of inheritance and genetic manipulations to understand the myriad of molecular processes that produce cells, tissues and organisms. We will examine the molecular basis of mutant phenotypes and the chromosomal basis of patterns of inheritance produced in bacteria and eucaryotes. We will study genome structure and maintenance and how mutations are induced and how genomes are molded by transposons. Next, we will explore how patterns of inheritance in bacteria and eukaryotes enable deciphering molecular mechanism involved in chromosomes replication, chromosome transmission and gene regulation, cell differentiation and development. We will show how mouse genetic manipulations can be used to examine development of complex metazoans as well as serve as a model system for studying genetic diseases. We will learn about manipulating the chromosomes of tissue culture cells and study the genetics of stem cells and how to manipulate stem cell genomes to induce differentiation. We will study how chromosome modifications affect gene expression and patterns of inheritance as we explore the expanding field of epigenetics. Finally, we will introduce students to genomics and systems biology to explore how sequence detection and bioinformatics can be used to expand our understanding of genetic processes and produce new testable hypotheses. The course will emphasize how specific experiments have increased our understanding and will require reading original literature.

Grading will be based upon a midterm and a final exam as well as participation in classroom discussions. 15 2-hr sessions plus review and 2 2-hr exams. Open to PhD students. Master's students may take the course (Molecular Genetics) if they have received a grade of B or better in a college level course in Genetics, Cell and molecular biology or Biochemistry within the past 5 years. Faculty contact: David Kaback (kaback@njms.rutgers.edu)