Structural Genomics (2510)

The headline prof.dr.sc. Miroslav Plohl, meritorious scientist
the doc.dr.sc. Eva Šatović

Ruđer Boskovic Institute

Understand the general principles of organization and functions of the eukaryotic genome with special emphasis on the specifics of the genomic organization in plants and understand the peculiarities of the evolution of the plant genome.

1. The general properties of the eukaryotic genome. Structural genomics and genomic DNA sequencing projects. 2. Classification of DNA sequences by function (coding and non-coding) and representation in the genome. Modern concepts of understanding the role of repeated DNA sequences and their genomic distribution with respect to the global organization and function of the eukaryotic genome. 3. Transposing elements and their possible roles in the functioning and evolution of the genome. 4. Structure and organization of DNA sequences in individual genomic sections, euchromatin and heterochromatin. 5. Histonetic code and epigenetic level of inheritance. Structure of centromeric and telomeric genomic areas. 6. Spatial organization of the interphase nucleus with respect to individual types of DNA sequences and the functioning of the genome as a whole. 7. Plant model organisms in genomic studies (for example, Arabidopsis, rice, corn). Organizational and evolutionary specifics of plant genomes (also with regard to genome size, ploidia level, interspecies hybridization, introgression and the like). Comparisons with animal genomes.

1. Establish the basic principles of the structure of the eukaryotic genome and the reasons and functional consequences of such an organisation.
2. To conclude on the role of different types of DNA sequences and epigenetic factors in the eukaryotic genome with special emphasis on the centromeric and telomeric areas.
3. To judge the problems of completion of genomic projects with regard to the structure and organization of repeated DNA sequences.
4. Analyze the results of the study of genomic organization in plant model organisms using scientific literature related to genomic structure and function.

attendance (justified absence up to 2 hours), analysis of the published publication, seminar paper

Mandatory literature will be based on the latest review papers published in respected scientific journals and papers in books.
Example:
1. Meštrović N, Mravinac B, Pavlek M, Vojvoda-Zeljko T, Šatović E, Plohl M. (2015) Structural and functional liaisons between transposable elements and satellite DNAs. Chromosome Res. 23:583-596.
2. Plohl M, Meštrović N, Mravinac B. (2014) Centromere identity from the DNA point of view. Chromosome, 123:313-325.
3. DNA repetitives. (2012) Garrido-Ramos MA (ed). Genome Dynamics Karger, Basel, Switzerland.
4. Torras-Llort M, Moreno-Moreno O, Azorín F (2009) Focus on the centre: the role of chromatin on the regulation of centromere identity and function. EMBO J. 7:2337-2348
5. Driel, R., Fransz, P. (2004) Nuclear architecture and genome functioning in plants and animals: what can we learn from both? Exp. Cell res. 296, 86-90.

The supplementary literature will be based on selected original scientific papers published in reputable scientific journals.

The success of the course will be evaluated annually by the joint expert committee of the Ruđer Boskovic Institute, the University of Dubrovnik and the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek based on exam success and surveys.