Module: 2
Sponsoring Program: Tetrad
Administrator: Toni Hurley

STUDY LIST INFORMATION
Course Number: Biochem 210
Course Name: RNA silencing: the new adventures of Argonaute and Piwi
Units: 3
Grading Option: S/U
Course Director: Hiten Madhani

MORE COURSE INFORMATION
Additional Course Director(s): Pat O'Farrell
Room Number: GH S-222p
Campus: Mission Bay
Schedule: April 20-May 5;  9AM-1PM. No class on 4/23 or 4/24.
Prerequisites: Genetics 200A or permission from instructor
Maximum Class Size: 8

Course Description: The discovery of RNA interference was a game changer. Not only is it a powerful tool in the lab, but it opened the door on a whole new aspect of biology. Newly recognized mechanisms of RNA interference reveal an alternative way that DNA encodes functions and manipulates biology — that is, alternative to “genes” that encode proteins that execute functions. So what is its purpose? We will explore dramatic biological roles of RNAi and delve into new and diverse mechanisms. Topics include connections between RNA silencing and genome defense, phenotypic inheritance, chromatin states, and genome rearrangement. Students will critically analyze the literature and present their analysis to the group, in the process developing an understanding of some of the key functions of small RNAs in important biological regulatory mechanisms. The course will be meet for 2-4 hours/day for two weeks.