Eukaryotic genomes contain thousands of genes and transposons. To function optimally, genes must be expressed at the right time and place, and transposons inactivated. This course explores the complex mechanisms involved in gene regulation, including DNA sequences, proteins, RNAs, genetic and epigenetic processes, and newly discovered mechanisms like phase separation. Techniques used to study gene regulation are also discussed. Mechanisms are presented in an integrated way across species (yeast, plants, animals), training students to address challenges in health and food production. Covered topics include transcription factors, cis-regulatory elements, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, histone modifications and variants, non-coding RNAs, genome organization (loops, domains, TADs, phase separation), and modern genomic techniques (ChIP, sequencing methods, 3C/Hi-C). Recent literature is used throughout.
