Description: If it were to be fully extended, the DNA that makes up a single diploid human genome would be over two meters long, yet our cells fold and package this DNA so that it fits in a micron-scale nucleus. This folding is not random. Instead, DNA is organized into a hierarchy of structures that serve various functions, such as spatially separating the active and inactive regions of the genome and delimiting the sets of genes that are controlled by noncoding regulatory elements. This minicourse will cover the rules and mechanisms of genome folding, and we will then go on to explore the emerging role of these processes in development and disease.
Structure: Most sessions will consist of a short introductory lecture followed by a student-led discussion of a research paper. Discussions will be structured like a journal club, with the presenters guiding the class through a critical discussion of the selected paper. All students are expected to actively participate in these discussions.
The final two sessions of the course will be organized around student presentations. In consultation with the instructor, each student will select a recent research paper to present to the class. In the final two sessions, each student will give a 10-minute talk that highlights a single key idea or finding from their selected paper.
Outcome: This course will introduce students to the ideas and key findings from the rapidly advancing field of nuclear organization. Students will learn about the mechanisms that control genome folding and the emerging role of genome folding across diverse fields such as development and cancer. The course will also cover cutting-edge research methods in genomics and imaging.
Grading: Students will be graded based upon their group paper discussion (40%), their short presentation (40%), and overall participation (20%).
Course Materials: A combination of review articles and primary literature.