
Genetic Transfers and Technologies of Recombinant DNA in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Code
21228
Academic unit
NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
Department
Genetics
Credits
6
Teacher in charge
Profª. Doutora Ana Madalena Peres Drumond Ludovice Mendes Gomes
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
The students should be able: (i) to understand the molecular basis of the mechanisms of genetic alteration, processes of the horizontal gene transfer and their consequences on microbial genome evolution; (ii) to learn molecular methodologies used in the laboratory for the identification of mobile genetic elements, and to use bioinformatic tools to analyse and compare sequences aiming to identify mutations, recombination events and transfer of exogenous genetic material.
(iii) acquiring the capacity to establish comparative links between the subjects taught in lectures and experiments carried out in lab classes; (iv) to be able to discuss the applicability of the concepts and methodologies, and to solve problems and practical issues in the laboratory.
Prerequisites
n/a
Subject matter
Microbial Pangenoma; Mechanisms of genomic expansion horizontal gene transfer HGT ; Mobiloma/Super genome: private gene pool versus common gene pool mobile genetic elements (MGE); Plasmids mobility; organization and molecular events of conjugative process; E. coli versus Streptomyces models./Bacterial transformation: Induction of competence and stress response in Gram positive bacteria; regulation of competence of state: B. subtilis versus Streptococcus pneumonia/Integrated conjugative elements: i) insertion sequences (IS) elements and their composition ; IS databases; ii ) transposons elements (Tn); iii ) composed transposons; conjugative transposons and their families; pathogenicity islands. Transposition: replicative and nonreplicative mechanisms./Phage mobile elements : i) prophages carriers of virulence factors ; ii ) chromosomal phage Islands.
Bibliography
- Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, 4th Edition, Larry Snyder et al. 2013 ASM Press. Several updated papers and reviews on selected topics.
- Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics, 7th.Edition, Primrose SB and Twyman, RM, 2007. Blakwell Publishing.
- Recombinant DNA. Genes and Genomes A short course, 3Thd Edition. Watson J.D et al, 2007. H. Freeman and Company; Cold Spring press NY.
- Websites:
Insertion Sequences database: http://wwwis.biotoul.fr/
Maloy S. Microbial Genetics. http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/~smaloy/MicrobialGenetics/
Teaching method
n/a
Evaluation method
The teaching strategy involves: theoretical lectures where the main concepts are presented and discussed with the students; laboratory sessions; and Bioinformatics practice using databases and bioinformatic tools.