Course Identification

This course will enable training in genetic engineering (from basic to advanced recombinant DNA), in mammalian cell culture as well as in the manipulation and characterization of gene expression. Both lectures and hands-on practice will be offered.

In the recombinant DNA part, CRISPR-derived tools will be used to edit the genome. In particular, gRNA will be produced and along with Cas9 one-nucleotide editing will be performed.

At the molecular cell biology part, participants will become familiar with methodologies that are commonly used for culturing mammalian cells. Subsequently, in order to manipulate gene expression, cells will be transfected with various expression vectors as well as with siRNA oligos. The outcomes of these experiments at the expression levels will be monitored by performing a Western analysis and in parallel RNA will be prepared and the relative levels of transcripts of interest will be analyzed by real-time PCR.

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in common methodologies in recombinant DNA aimed at restriction analysis of DNA as well as PCR cloning.
2. Manipulate and analyze gene expression in a defined cellular and molecular set-up.
3. Describe an array of methods in molecular biology including real-time PCR.
4. Evaluate their own experimental data.
5. Discuss molecular biology methods potential and limitations in science and medicine (including personal medicine).