Genomic Approaches to Evolution and Development

The main objective of the course is to provide experimental training in state-of-the-art genomic techniques to students and postdocs wishing to dissect Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) driving the development of non-conventional animal models. Developmental progression is orchestrated through extensive GRNs, which not only define the overall body plan but also form an essential means for evolutionary change. Dissecting GRNs requires information on the repertoire of genes expressed at any given time and an understanding of the transcriptional inputs controlling their expression. To obtain this information at a genome-wide scale requires the integration of genomic experiments and computational approaches. This course will focus on the experimental aspects of obtaining such data, including ChIP-on-chip and ChIP-seq and will provide an overview on the computational methods required to analyze these data. All participants will gain hands-on experience with performing ChIP experiments and next-generation sequencing.