The evolution of developmental gene expression programs in mammalian organs
Save as calendar entryA major goal in biology is to understand the molecular basis of phenotypic evolution, in particular that of humans and other mammals. Gene expression changes, due to regulatory mutations, are thought to underlie much of phenotypic innovation. Transcriptome studies from us and others based on RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data for adult organs previously provided initial insights into mammalian gene expression evolution and its phenotypic implications. However, phenotypic evolution is thought to be largely founded on developmental regulatory changes, which determine species-specific tissue morphologies and thus lay the foundation for their typical physiological properties. We therefore added the developmental dimension to our endeavors by generating and analyzing RNA-seq data for more than 2,500 pre- and post-natal developmental samples (ranging from early organogenesis to adulthood) from various organs across representative mammals and an avian outgroup. Based on these data, we have analyzed the evolutionary dynamics of gene expression and phenotypic ramifications for various major aspects of the transcriptome in several projects that include protein-coding gene expression levels, alternative splicing, long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs and sex-biased expression. Overall, these projects provide fundamental novel insights into gene expression evolution and its contribution to the specific organ biology of different mammals, including that of our own species. I will present selected highlights of our endeavors.
Referent
Henrik Kaessmann
ZMBH Research Group Leader, Heidelberg
Journey Description
Map
E - Main Entrance/Reception
1 - Managing Board; sections: Infection Biology Unit, Unit of Infection Models, Laboratory Animal Science Unit, Primate Genetics Laboratory, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, Cognitive Ethology Laboratory, Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Coordination, Public Relations, Information Technology, Administration, Technical Support, Library.
2 - Material Delivery/Purchase
3 - Platform Degenerative Diseases
4 - Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory
5 - Animal Husbandry
6 - Imaging Center, Functional Imaging Laboratory
Arrival by car
Leave the interstate A7 at exit "Göttingen Nord". Follow the B27 straight ahead in the direction of "Braunlage". After the third traffic light intersection turn right towards "Kliniken". Afterwards turn left onto "Robert-Koch-Straße" direction "Universität Nordbereich/Polizei". At the end of "Robert-Koch-Straße" turn right onto "Otto-Hahn-Straße", direction "Nikolausberg". The first street on the left turn onto "Kellnerweg", follow the signs "Deutsches Primatenzentrum".
Arrival by bus
The footpath from the bus stop "Kellnerweg" to the Main Entrance/Reception:
From Bus stop "Kellnerweg" (line 21/22 and 23) Cross the road, go in the direction of the bus. At the mailbox, turn left into the footpath and proceed to the end. Turn right into the Kellnerweg. The main entrance of the DPZ is on the left side.
Date and Time 11.01.18 - 16:15 - 17:15 Signup is not required
Location
DPZ
Kellnerweg 4
37077 Göttingen
Old Lecture Hall
<div class="person-data person-function">Sekretärin</div>
<p class="person-data person-department">Degenerative Erkrankungen</p></div>
<div class="contact-data-left"><p class="person-data person-phone">Tel: +49 551 3851-402</p>
<p class="person-data person-email">E-Mail: <a >KZaft@dpz.eu</a></p></div>