Regulation of Gene Expression
For Student Groups

Experiments

• Protein isolation from different pig organs
• Analysis of the different protein expression patterns using SDS gel electrophoresis and coomassie staining

Gene expression plays a crucial role in determining cellular RNA and protein composition, which ultimately influences the identity and function of cells, tissues and organs. Our course comprehensively introduces the various mechanisms of gene regulation that occur at different levels: before transcription, during transcription, after transcription, during translation and after translation. Topics covered include histone modifications, DNA methylation, transcription factors, RNA interference, splicing and microRNAs. In addition, specific processes such as hemoglobin switching and X-chromosome inactivation are explained. The practical focus of the course is on investigating the differences between various organs at the subcellular level. Proteins are the basic building blocks of organs and are responsible for their structural and functional diversity. By analyzing the protein distribution in different organs, the different gene expression becomes clear.

Keywords

Protein biosynthesis; epigenetics; RNA interference; genetic imprinting; gel electrophoresis