Genetic Engineering

Objectives

It is intended that at the end of this course, students understand what constitute the strategies based on recombinant DNA technology; which are the tools used in the manipulation of genes; how this technology covers multiple areas of life sciences, and some of their existing applications. It is intended that the students gain knowledge of some of the technologies which allow gene cloning, construction of genomic libraries, mapping and identification of genes, gene expression analysis, the heterologous expression of genes and directed mutagenesis.

Program

- In vitro DNA recombination: Restriction enzymes and ligases; cloning vectors and gene cloning.

- Methods for introducing recombinant DNA into cells and selection of clones.

-Construction of Genomic libraries.

- Homologous and heterologous gene expression: Systems / expression vectors.

-Analysis of the level of gene expression.

-Detection and sub-cellular localization of proteins encoded by cloned genes: M-GFP and immunodetection.

- Directed mutagenesis and protein engineering. elimination and modification of genes.

- Applications in Health and Biotechnology.

Teaching Methodologies

The classes integrate the presentation of the theoretical foundations included in the program. A methodology for interactive exposition, stimulating discussion of the issues presented is followed. Examples and problematic issues for discussion by the students will be presented. Bioinformatics tools and databases can be used. On each of the presented topics, material, bibliography and net pages will be indicated, allowing the students the consolidation and deepening of the themes.

Bibliography

T.A. Brown, 2010. Gene cloning and DNA analysis : an introduction. 6ª ed. Wiley-Blackwell.

S.B. Primrose & R.M. Twyman. 2006. Principles of gene manipulation and genomics. 7ª ed. Blackwell Publishing.

Desmond S. T. Nicholl. 2008. An Introduction to Genetic Engineering. 3ª ed. Cambridge University Press.

Artigos científicos publicados em revistas internacionais.

http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/transgenic_fly/index.html

Artigos científicos publicados em revistas internacionais.