Developmental Genetics using the C. elegans system: UMPI-UMFK 2014
A one-week laboratory short course for undergraduate students from UMaine Fort Kent and UMaine Presque Isle
Location: MDI Biological Laboratory (travel information)
Students in this course will receive hands on experience working with the nematode C. elegans to learn how they are used as a model for genetic and developmental research. Participants will use both new and classical approaches to characterize a variety of dominant and recessive mutant alleles, perform complementation tests, and map mutations to their respective chromosomes. Additionally, students will perform PCR, restriction digests, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, and will use RNAi to knock down gene expression in developing worms.
Partner
Dustin Updike, Ph.D.Associate ProfessorMDI Biological Laboratory
Students arrive Tuesday evening and depart on Sunday after lunch.
| Tuesday 1/7 | Wednesday 1/8 | Thursday 1/9 | Friday 1/10 | Saturday 1/11 | Sunday 1/12 | |
| AM | Lab orientation Lab 1: Dominant or Recessive Mutations Noon: Lunch |
RNAi overview Lab 4: Make RNAi plates to knock down gene function Noon: Lunch |
SNP mapping overview Lab 5: Sort mutant and wild-type worms and prepare DNA Noon: Lunch |
Lab 1: Genetic analysis of recessive and dominant crosses Lab 2: Analysis of complementation crosses Noon: Lunch |
Final Data Analysis Debrief Session Noon: Lunch |
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| PM | Lab 2: Gene Complementation Lab 3: Genetic mapping |
Fluorescence Microscopy Overview Lab 4: Start RNAi feeding on fluorescent worms 4pm: Rob Wheeler Lecture (from UMO) |
Lab 5: Set up PCR reaction and digest for SNP mapping, run DNA gel, and analyze SNP map data. Sequencing overview if there is time |
Lab 3: Analysis of genetic mapping cross Lab 4: Analysis of RNAi experiments |
Depart after lunch | |
| Dinner at 6pm Introductory Lecture on genetic models and C. elegans husbandry. Reading: C. elegans introduction and basics |
Dinner at 6pm Genetic Nature of Mutations |
Dinner at 6pm Reading: Mapping mutations |
Dinner at 6pm Reading: Genetic models of development and disease – germ granule biology |
Dinner at 6pm Evening off |
Students are encouraged to carpool to the MDI Biological Laboratory. On-campus parking is available adjacent to the student dormitories.