Genomics and Transcricptomics 1400-216GTR

Lectures:
In our lectures, you will discover how genome and transcriptome research is transforming modern biology and medicine. You will learn about the early studies on the structure and function of DNA and chromatin and trace the evolution of these discoveries to the most cutting-edge technologies.
1. How does one gene produce multiple proteins?
We will briefly revisit the world of mechanisms that enable the proper organization of the eukaryotic genome and the production of diverse protein products from a single gene. Topics include chromatin and the multi-level regulation of gene expression.
2. How do DNA microarrays work?
We will present the fundamentals of their operation and their broad applications in genome and transcriptome analysis.
3. How to design a study that delivers valuable results?
We will discuss the planning and critical stages of transcriptomic experiments.
4. How has technology unlocked the genome?
A history of DNA research technologies—from classical studies to breakthroughs that revolutionized biotechnology; from Sanger sequencing to NGS and Nanopore systems.
5. What do we really know about the human genome?
The history of uncovering the human genome's structure, including when we truly obtained the full human genome sequence and what it contains.
6. From raw data to biological insights.
We will explore methods for analyzing large-scale data.
7. Does spatial organization of the genome matter?
Learn about the latest 3D analysis methods and interactions of regulatory sequences and their role in gene expression.
8. Is epigenetics the key to organism development?
We will present technologies (e.g., ChIP-seq, CUT&Tag) that help us understand the importance of epigenetic processes controlling gene expression.
9. Chromatin, DNA, RNA, and medical diagnostics.
Explore how DNA microarrays and high-throughput sequencing technologies are revolutionizing diagnostics and treatment.
10. What does the genome tell us about our past and diversity?
The evolution of humans through the lens of genomics.
11. Why do we need model organisms?
Discover large-scale phenotypic testing in model organisms.
12. Can a single cell be sequenced?
We will discuss "single-cell sequencing" methods, which reveal the unique roles of individual cells.
13. How to create a transcriptomic map of tissues?
Discover methods for 3D visualization of tissues combined with transcriptome mapping, opening new research possibilities (Visium Spatial Gene Expression).
14. How do the latest genomic technologies enable the study of microorganisms?
Learn about metagenomics—studies of the structure and function of DNA molecules isolated from microbial communities in specific environments.
Join our course and discover how the genome, transcriptome, and epigenome shape life, from a single cell to an entire organism.
Practical Sessions:
During these sessions, you will follow the steps of experiments investigating the genome and transcriptome. We will start with material preparation and end with drawing practical conclusions. From RNA isolation and quality analysis to identifying differentially expressed genes, and interpreting results to understand their biological significance. The genomic section will cover methods for identifying genome variations from single nucleotide changes to chromosomal aberrations.
• Nucleic acid isolation: Learn how to isolate DNA and RNA from various sources and assess material suitability for different analyses.
• RNA isolation and quality assessment: Discover RNA isolation methods and learn to evaluate the concentration and quality of the obtained molecules using tools like Nanodrop and Bioanalyzer—essential in modern laboratories.
• DNA isolation from cheek swabs and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana: See how to obtain high-quality genetic material in practice.
• Revolutionary molecular techniques: Learn about technologies like microarrays and NGS that have transformed molecular research and are now commonplace in modern labs.
We will prepare material for hybridization to DNA microarrays and generate libraries for high-throughput sequencing. Advanced analysis systems for microarrays and next-generation sequencers will be introduced.
Next, you will analyze the obtained data:
• Transcriptomic data analysis: Identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cell comparisons using free software like the Transcriptome Analysis Console (TAC).
• Galaxy platform: Interpret and analyze RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) results.
• Validation of large-scale results: Use Real-Time PCR, the gold standard method, to validate your findings.
• Functional analysis of DEGs: Use tools like g:Profiler and GSEA to explore gene ontology (GO) and perform enrichment analysis to identify changes in canonical pathways.
• Cytogenetic analysis: Learn how DNA microarrays are used in cancer research. As a diagnostician, interpret cytogenetic microarray results using specialized software like Chromosome Analysis Suite (ChAS).
These are not just exercises—they are a real journey into the world of molecular biology and bioinformatics. Gain hands-on experience with technologies shaping the future of biotechnology. Join us and take a step into advanced molecular analyses!