University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 14/06/2012
GENE0001-3  Genetic engineering

Duration :  30h Th, 20h Pr
Number of credits :  
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Research Focus, 1st yearFirst semester4
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Teaching Focus, 1st yearFirst semester4
Master en biochimie et biologie moléculaire et cellulaire, à finalité spécialisée en bio-industrie, 1st yearFirst semester4
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Professional Focus in Industrial Biochemistry, 1st yearFirst semester4
Master en biochimie et biologie moléculaire et cellulaire, à finalité spécialisée en bioinformatique et modélisation, 1st yearFirst semester4
Master in Biological SciencesFirst semester4
Lecturer :  Jacques Dommes, Jacques Dommes
Coordinator :  Jacques Dommes
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Course contents :  
1. Introduction
- Definitions
- Molecular biology
2. Manipulation of DNA fragments
- Isolating DNA fragments
- Modification of DNA fragments
- Ligation of DNA fragments
- Identification and characteristics of DNA fragments
3. Genetic engineering of Prokaryotes
- Cloning vectors for Escherichia coli
- Hybrid vectors
- Expression of prokaryotic genes
- Expression vectors for the production of heterologous proteins in E. coli
- Cloning and expression in Gram+ bacteria
4. Construction and screening of DNA libraries
- Number of clones in a DNA library
- Construction of a DNA library
- Identification (selection by complementation, selection markers)
- Screening of a DNA library by hybridisation
- Screening of a DNA library through the detection of a protein
5. Site-directed mutagenesis
- Random mutagenesis
- Site-directed mutagenesis using synthetic oligonucleotides
6. Specific application of PCR
- PCR
- Diagnostic applications
- DNA sequencing
- Modification of DNA fragments
- Analysis of point mutations
- Inverse PCR
- RT-PCR
- Quantitative PCR
7. Genetic engineering of yeasts and filamentous fungi
- Transformation methods in yeasts
- Vectors for Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Vectors for Kluyveromyces
- Methylotrophic yeasts (Pichia, Hansenula)
- Protein secretion in yeasts
- Most frequent expression problems in yeasts
- Filamentous fungi
8. Plant genetic engineering
- Transformation via Agrobacterium tumefasciens and the Ti plasmid
- Direct transformation methods
- Phytovirus vectors
- Inverse genetics in plants
- Metabolic engineering
- « Protein pharming »
- Production of recombinant protein in unicellular green algae
9. Production of recombinant proteins in insect cells
- Promoters
- Vectors
- Expression of recombinant proteins in silkworms
10. Cloning in mammalian cells
- Selection markers
- Transfection methods
- SV40 vectors
- Vaccinia vectors
- Alphavirus vectors
- Gene therapy
- Adenovirus vectors
- Herpes vectors
11. Transgenic animals
- Transfection methods
- Usefulness of transgenic animals
- « Dolly » : Multiplication of one individual through transfer of a somatic nucleus in an enucleated ovul
12. Regulatory aspects of experimenting or placing on the market of GMO
Learning outcomes of the course :  
· To get acquainted with the main methods used in genetic engineering
· To get informed of the potential of genetic engineering in the study of living organisms, as well as in the improvement of species for human use and for the production of recombinant proteins.
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
Molecular biology and genetics (courses of the bachelier in Biology).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :  
Practicals for this course are integrated into "Training periods or integrated practicals (including seminars)"(SSTG0009-1).
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
Lectures during first period.
Recommended or required readings :  
Powerpoint presentations and lecture texts (partial coverage of the course) available through the WebCT system .
Assessment methods and criteria :  
Written exam (first exam exam session, as well as second one).
Contacts :  
- Prof. J. Dommes (j.dommes@ulg.ac.be)

Items online :  
Materials available on eCampus
Syllabus and Powerpoint slides


imageHome
imageSearch by Faculty
imageSearch by teacher
imageSearch by course code and title

Students and Studies Administration - Academic Affairs - Contact : Monique Marcourt, General Director for Education and Training - Developed by SEGI