https://www.pmgenomics.ca/hoffmanlab/

In this project, you will use single-molecule techniques to label mRNA and DNA in (live and fixed) Drosophila embryos and fixed embryonic bodies. You will also use super-resolution microscopy to visualize protein condensates. Co-localization dynamics reflecting DNA-protein bindings and DNA looping events will be detected, analyzed, and used to test computational models of gene transcription.

Qualification:
MSc degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biophysics, or Bioengineering

Experience in one or more of these areas: (1) molecular cloning, (2) imaging, (3) image analysis (using Matlab/Python/Java), (4) microfluidics, and (5) computational modeling.

How to Apply?
Send (1) your CV, (2) summary of research experience, and (3) email addresses of at least 2 references to ezzat.el-sherif@fau.de. Title your email ‘Transcription PhD Position’.

salary Grade.: E13
Total Time: 3 Jahre
Start: 01.01.2020.
End: 31.3.2020.

Address:
Dr. El-Sherif, Ezzat
Department Biologie
Professur für Zoologie (Entwicklungsbiologie) (Prof. Dr. Klingler)
Telefon 09131/85-28068, Fax 09131/85-28040, E-Mail: ezzat.el-sherif@fau.de

Protein-protein and protein-DNA/RNA docking based on a hybrid algorithm of template-based modeling and ab initio free docking.

The HDOCK server distinguishes itself from similar docking servers in its ability to support amino acid sequences as input and a hybrid docking strategy in which experimental information about the protein–protein binding site and small-angle X-ray scattering can be incorporated during the docking and post-docking processes.

Address of the bookmark: http://hdock.phys.hust.edu.cn/

Key Components

1. Sample Collection: Meta-transcriptomics begins with the collection of environmental samples. These samples are often complex, containing a wide range of microorganisms.

2. RNA Extraction: RNA is extracted from the sample, which includes mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, and other non-coding RNAs. This step is crucial as it determines the quality and representativeness of the data.

3. Sequencing: High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technologies are used to obtain sequences of the RNA transcripts. This step provides a vast amount of data on the RNA molecules present in the sample.

4. Data Analysis: Computational tools and bioinformatics methods are employed to process and analyze the sequencing data. This involves mapping RNA sequences to reference genomes or transcriptomes, identifying expressed genes, and quantifying their abundance.

5. Functional Annotation: The functional roles of identified transcripts are inferred based on known gene functions, allowing researchers to understand the metabolic and ecological functions of the microbial community.

Applications

1. Environmental Monitoring: Meta-transcriptomics can be used to monitor the health and functional status of ecosystems. For example, it can help assess the impact of pollution on microbial communities by revealing changes in gene expression related to stress response and degradation processes.

2. Microbiome Research: In human health, meta-transcriptomics offers insights into the gut microbiome’s functional state. It helps in understanding how microbial communities interact with their host, how they respond to dietary changes, and their role in health and disease.

3. Biotechnology: The technique can aid in the discovery of novel enzymes and bioactive compounds by profiling microbial communities in extreme environments or industrial processes.

4. Disease Pathogenesis: By analyzing RNA profiles from disease-associated environments, researchers can uncover pathogen-host interactions and identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Challenges

1. Complexity of Data: The sheer volume and complexity of data generated by meta-transcriptomics can be overwhelming. Effective data management and advanced computational tools are required to extract meaningful insights.

2. Sampling Bias: Environmental samples can be heterogeneous, and RNA extraction methods may introduce biases, potentially affecting the accuracy of the results.

3. Reference Databases: Incomplete or biased reference databases can hinder the accurate functional annotation of transcripts, especially when studying novel or poorly characterized organisms.

Future Directions

Meta-transcriptomics is a rapidly evolving field, with ongoing advancements in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics. Future research may focus on improving data integration, developing more comprehensive reference databases, and enhancing our understanding of microbial community dynamics in various environments. As these challenges are addressed, meta-transcriptomics will continue to provide valuable insights into the functional roles of microorganisms and their interactions within ecosystems.

Conclusion

Meta-transcriptomics represents a powerful tool for exploring the functional aspects of microbial communities in their natural environments. By capturing a snapshot of gene expression and metabolic activities, this approach offers a deeper understanding of ecological interactions, health implications, and biotechnological potentials. As technology and methodologies advance, meta-transcriptomics is poised to make significant contributions to our knowledge of the microbial world.

Is this available, or still under trial mode? 

https://www.nanoporetech.com/

https://www.nanoporetech.com/technology/the-minion-device-a-miniaturised-sensing-system/the-minion-device-a-miniaturised-sensing-system

H. contortus is a member of the superfamily trichostrongyloidea (Strongylida) which contains most of the economically important parasitic nematodes of grazing livestock. These parasites cost the global livestock industry billions of dollars per annum in lost production and drug costs. A common type of clover may be a preventative or palliative for the disease. However, some particular breeds of sheep, such as the Gulf Coast Native from the Southern United States, have been shown to have developed special resistance to H. contortus.

Getting the full genome can help to tackle the problem and understand the resistance mechanism with an ease. Moreover, the genome could now provide a comprehensive understanding of how treatments against parasitic worms work and point to further new treatments and vaccines. By comparing the genome of the barber's pole worm with those of worms that have acquired drug resistance, researchers expect to reveal information about how and why resistance has occurred. Till now, researchers have uncovered essential information in the fight against drug resistance in worms.

Reference:

http://www.fwi.co.uk/articles/28/08/2013/140758/researchers-close-in-on-worm-resistance-in-sheep.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130828103351.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fplants_animals+(ScienceDaily%3A+Plants+%26+Animals+News)

Image source: Wikipedia

Link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/science/two-surprises-in-dna-of-boy-found-buried-in-siberia.html?_r=0

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature12736.html

“In humans and most vertebrates the duplication events were older so there are fewer duplicated genes still present. Most of the duplicated genes get lost or modified so much that they are no longer recognizable as duplicates over time. In the trout and salmon we can see an earlier stage in the process and many duplicated genes are still present,” said Dr Gary Thorgaard of Washington State University, a co-author of the paper published in the journal Nature Communications.

Source:

http://www.sci-news.com/genetics/science-genome-rainbow-trout-01877.html