Bio8250Syllabus

BIO8250 (Spring 2009) non-coding RNAs in development and diseases

==Description: This new seminar series will explore the fascinating world of non-coding RNAs. The term non-coding RNA (ncRNA) commonly refers to RNA molecules that do not possess protein-coding potential. Increasing evidence now suggests that these RNAs, whether intergenic, intronic or part of the untranslated region of protein coding genes, control various levels of gene expression in physiology and development. These include chromatin architecture and epigenetic memory, transcription, RNA splicing, editing, translation and turnover. RNA regulatory networks may determine most of our complex characteristics, play a significant role in disease and constitute an unexplored world of genetic variation both within and between species.

Format: We will cover each topic through the reading, discussion and criticism of 3-5 papers directly related to it. Papers for discussion will be handed out the week before and a discussion leader designated for each paper. The leader will be responsible for presenting the paper in the following class and lead the discussion about the findings, implications and critics about the data. All students are expected to have thoroughly read all the papers before class and be able to discuss each of them.

Topics will include: − non-coding RNAs in bacteria − non-coding RNAs in yeast − non-coding RNAs in parasitic protozoa (e.g. Trypanosoma) − non-coding RNAs in X-inactivation − non-coding RNAs in dosage compensation − non-coding RNAs in imprinting − regulation by 5'-leader sequences (5'UTRs) − uORFs − regulation by 3'-leader sequences (3'UTRs) − microRNAs in plants − microRNAs in animals

Tentative schedule: 1. Week of January 18 Introductory lecture 2. Week of January 25 NO CLASS (out of town 24-29) 3. Week of February 1 TBD 4. Week of February 8 TBD 5. Week of February 15 TBD 6. Week of February 22 TBD 7. Week of March 2 TBD (out of town 4-8) 8. Week of March 9 NO CLASS (SPRING BREAK) 9. Week of March 16 TBD 10. Week of March 23 TBD 11. Week of March 30 TBD 12. Week of April 6 TBD 13. Week of April 13 TBD 14. Week of April 20 TBD 15. Week of April 27 NO CLASS (out of town 25-30)