Seminar: 30-minute presentation, followed by questions and discussion. The seminars should be prepared and presented independently. Current topics in epigenetic gene regulation will be presented.Inhalt:

This module will discuss various topics of epigenetic gene regulation with a focus on plant organisms. Since many epigenetic processes are highly conserved, the module will also include topics from the animal and fungal kingdom. In the first part, general mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance will be presented and discussed. In the second part, specific epigenetic systems such as Polycomb/Trithorax proteins, DNA methylation and histone modifications, Eu and heterochromatin regulation and reprogramming of epigenetic inheritance will be discussed in more detail. The third part deals with the role of epigenetics in plant and animal development. Current topics in epigenetics are reviewed, presented and critically discussed with the aid of original literature. This teaches the preparation, publication and critical discussion of scientific results.


Qualifikationsziele:
Epigenetics investigates mitotically and/or meiotically stable inheritance that is not based on changes to the DNA sequence. Epigenetics therefore allows stable but also reversible inheritance of gene expression profiles across cell divisions. Epigenetics plays an important role in development, genome integrity, regulation of transposable elements and also in the development of human diseases.

30 min presentation by the students, with subsequent questions and 'in-depth'-discussions. Recent topics in epigenetic research will be presented and discussed.