This course explores how living organisms modify their genomic DNA to control biological functions and generate novel configurations of their read-write genomes. Students will learn about different processes organisms use to merge and modify their genomes, including genome writing by nucleoprotein complexes, horizontal gene transfer, and natural genetic engineering. The course covers the evolutionary aspects of genome writing, such as the wexonization of mobile element inserts for new protein domains and the activation of natural genetic engineering by multiple stimuli. The teaching method involves a lecture format by a renowned expert in the field. This course is intended for individuals interested in molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and microbiology.
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Genome reading & maintenance require prior inscriptions (formatting)
Different classes of genome inscription • Transient nucleoprotein complexes - Largely within the cell cycle - Replication and transcription initiation complexes, repair
Within the cell cycle: Genome writing by nucleoprotein complexes
horizontal transfer and natural genetic engineering-bacterial antibiotic resistance
horizontal transfer - nematode plant parasitism
Natural Genetic Engineering Toolbox
Evolutionary time: Genome writing by natural genetic engineering - dispersed mobile elements
Evolutionary time: Genome writing - Wexonization of mobile element inserts for new protein domains
Evolutionary time: Genome writing by natural genetic engineering -mobile elements alter genome function in many ways
Activation of natural genetic engineering by multiple stimuli
Targeting of natural genetic engineering (retrotransposition) by protein-protein interactions
Taught by
American Society for Microbiology
