Gene regulation is a fundamental and dynamic process in all living organisms. In plants, precise regulation of gene expression is crucial for development, environmental responses, and adaptation. This EPS graduate course offers an in-depth exploration of the complex regulatory networks controlling gene expression in plants, with a focus on transcriptional regulation, epigenetics, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs.

Participants will gain both theoretical and practical insights through a combination of expert lectures, discussions, and hands-on sessions.
Below you can find the highlights for this course and the course fees. The full programme can be downloaded here.

Group size: maximum of 40 participants
Credits: 1.0 ECTS
Registration: closed
Organizers:  Marian Bemer (Wageningen University and Research), Jason Gardinier (Utrecht University) and Maike Stam (University of Amsterdam)
Location: Boothzaal (M.03), Utrecht University Library, Utrecht University

Course Highlights 

• Lectures by leading experts covering:

  Transcription factor (TF) function and binding
  DNA methylation and histone modifications
  3D chromatin conformation and epigenetic memory
  Long non-coding and small RNAs in gene regulation

• Invited speakers:

  Christel Carles (University of Grenoble Alpes)
  Etienne Bucher (Agroscope)
  Sebastian Marquardt (Copenhagen University)
  Bas van Steensel (Netherlands Cancer Institute)
  Tineke Lenstra (Netherlands Cancer Institute)
  Frank Lanfermeijer (Bejo)
  Victoria Mironova (Radboud University)
  Marcel Proveniers (Utrecht University)
  Michael Nodine (Wageningen University & Research)
  Wilma van Esse (Wageningen University & Research)
  Richard Immink (Wageningen University & Research)

• Computer workshop:
  Learn how to analyze transcription factor binding sites and other regulatory elements using ChIP-seq and NGS datasets. Develop skills in genome browser tools, motif analysis, and network construction.
• Poster session with 3-minute pitches:
  All participants will present themselves and their own research (recent past, present or plans) in a poster session, including a concise 3-minute oral pitch to practice communicating key findings and research goals effectively. If you already have a poster, you do not need to make a new one for this course.

• Paper discussion of keynote speakers:
  In preparation for keynote lectures, selected scientific papers from invited speakers will be discussed in small groups. This will provide participants with the opportunity to engage critically with cutting-edge research and interact directly with leading scientists in the field.

Target Audience

This course is designed for PhD students, but is also suitable for postdoctoral researchers and senior scientists interested in gene regulation, epigenetics, or plant molecular biology. A basic understanding of molecular biology and genomics is recommended.

Participants are expected to:

Present a poster about their research (interests) with a short pitch
Engage in scientific discussions
Participate in the analysis workshop
Prepare for and contribute to paper discussion sessions