JANUARY 2013 | ISSUE 68 GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS

In this issue The Genetics Society News is edited • New Honorary Members by David Hosken and items for future • Our New President issues can be sent to the editor, by email to [email protected]. • Meetings The Newsletter is published twice a • Summer Student and Travel Reports year, with copy dates of 1st June and 26th November.

A Genetics Society workshop ‘Communicating your science’, see page 6. The Genetics Society Medal 2012, see page 17. A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

A word from the editor

Welcome to issue 68. one of the reasons the Society is in such good shape. Welcome to another issue of the I finally want to briefly return Newsletter. We include a range of to a topic I have touched on in interesting articles, student reports, previous Editorials, Athena SWAN meeting reports and so on, and I and women in science (or the would like to point out that Mike lack of women in science to be Bruford has taken from Roger more accurate). My department Butlin as Editor in Chief of our is currently in the midst of an journal, Heredity. A huge thanks to Athena SWAN drive and I am Roger for all his efforts over the last pleased to report that we are few years. He did a fantastic job and discovering some relatively simple I am sure we all wish him well in his ways to support and hopefully “retirement”, and Mike all the best to facilitate the retention of our in his new role. young female, and male, scientists. I also want to offer a Newsletter Provision of good mentoring welcome to Enrico Coen in his ladders is a recurring request and (relatively) new position as the their implementation across the President of the Society and thank board could help redress the sexual Veronica for all of her grand efforts inequality that permeates the during the past few years when she sciences. I will keep you all posted. filled that post. The calibre of our Best wishes Presidents is truly outstanding and David Hosken

The calibre of Genetic Society Presidents is truly outstanding and one of the reasons the Society is in such good shape.

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For more details please contact: The Genetics Society C/O Portland Customer Services Commerce Way, Colchester CO2 8HP CONTENTS Switchboard: +44 (0)1206 796 351 Fax: +44 (0)1206 798 650 Email: [email protected] Web: www.genetics.org.uk Meeting Announcements 4 - 8 The Genetics Society Journals Heredity 2013 Spring Meeting www.nature.com/hdy 2013 Autumn Meeting Managing Editor: Professor Michael Bruford Heredity Editorial Office, Cardiff University, Cathays Park, Communicating your science workshop Cardiff, CF103AX, Wales External Meetings Diary

Genes and Development www.genesdev.org Sectional Interest Groups 9 Editor: T. Grodzicker, Genes & Development, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 500 Sunnyside Boulevard, Genetics Society Business 10 - 21 Woodbury, New York, 11797, USA

President Genetics Society Meeting Reports 22 - 23 Prof Enrico Coen, John Innes Centre, Norwich 25 years of Genes & Development

Vice-Presidents Dr Chris Smith, University of Cambridge Genetics Society Sponsored Events 24 - 31 Prof Rebekka Oakey, King’s College London 4th Quantitative Genetics Meeting & Prof Elizabeth Fisher, University College London Postgraduate Symposium Honorary Secretary European Plant Science PhD Retreat Prof Tanya Whitfield, University of Sheffield

Honorary Treasurer Features 32 - 35 Dr Hiro Ohkura, University of Edinburgh 2012 Medalist Speaks Scientific Meetings Secretary Award for Naked Science Prof Dirk-Jan de Koning, Swedish University of Agricultural Book Review Unix& Perl Sciences, Uppsala

Newsletter Editor Travel Reports 36 - 50 Prof David Hosken, University of Exeter Evolutionary Genomics Postgraduate Representative Zebrafish Adam Hargraves, Bangor University SMBE Ordinary Committee Members Evolutionary Biology Prof Anne Donaldson, University of Aberdeen Dr Colum Walsh, University of Ulster EED Prof Chris Ponting, University of Oxford Sticklebacks Prof Jane Rogers, The Genome Analysis Centre, Norwich Speciation Prof Julian Lewis, CRUK London Laboratories Dr Ian Henderson, University of Cambridge Xenopus Prof Jon Slate, University of Sheffield Ecology Dr Matthew Hurles, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute Cancer Prof Judith Mank, University College London Prof John Whittaker, GlaxoSmithKline, Harlow Genomes Dominique Kleyn, BioIndustry Association

Design and Print Fieldwork Reports 51 - 52 Round & Red Creative . 15 Poole Road Shrews Woking . Surrey . GU21 6BB Tel: 01483 596 226 . www.roundandred.com Training Grants 53 Molecular Biology Advertising in Genetics Society News represents an opportunity to reach a large community of professional Studentship Reports 54 - 65 geneticists. For rates please email Photoreceptors [email protected] Frigida Meiosis Wild yeast B in Brassica Ageing markers Arabidopsis stress Spacemakers Wing discs

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2013 Spring Meeting

A joint meeting held by the Genetics Society and BSHG Genomics for Health and Society

19 April. The Royal Society, London

Genomics promises to revolutionize medicine and health Speakers care, with the potential for highly personalised treatments Kate Bushby University of Newcastle for the very first time. This meeting will focus on these Sir John Burn University of Newcastle and related issues, with presentations on clinical and Jim Lupski Baylor College of Medicine, Houston societal issues that arise from these new horizons. Mark Henderson Head of Communications, Wellcome Trust Jane Kaye University of Oxford This meeting is jointly organised by the Genetics Mark Jobling University of Leicester Society and the British Society of Human Genetics, and Sir Alec Jeffreys University of Leicester brings together experts in diverse domains, from DNA fingerprinting to consumer genomics, from genealogy A full list of speakers will be available soon on to genomic medicine, from the legal implications of the Genetics Society web site. genomics to the therapeutic opportunities. Scientific Organisers Matt Hurles, Chris Ponting and Bill Newman

for registration, visit www.genetics.org.uk 2013 Autumn Meeting From Genes to Shape

Thursday 7 – Friday 8 November. The Royal Society, London

How does digital information in a linear DNA sequence lead to Speakers include the dynamic shape of individual cells, such as pollen tubes and Anja Geitmann Université de Montréal neurons, and growing multicellular structures such as flowers Ray Goldstein University of Cambridge or wings? Recent advances in genetics, imaging, cell biology, Verônica Grieneisen John Innes Centre, Norwich biophysics and computational biology are being used to address Max Heiman Harvard Medical School this problem at a mechanistic level for the first time. Frank Jülicher Max Planck Institut, Dresden Stan Leibler Princeton and Rockefeller Universities This two-day meeting brings together scientists working at Sophie Martin University of Lausanne the interface of these disciplines to unravel the mechanisms Benedicte Sanson University of Cambridge underlying shape generation from the subcellular to the tissue James Sharpe EMBL-CRG, Barcelona scale. Topics include cytoskeleton dynamics, cell polarity, growth Jan Traas ENS, Lyon and deformation of cell sheets and formation of primordia and appendages. The meeting will highlight unifying principles by Meeting organisers ranging over microbial, plant and animal systems. Enrico Coen and Buzz Baum

for registration, visit www.genetics.org.uk A Genetics Society Workshop Communicating Your Science A Genetics Society Workshop for PhD students and postdocs

April 23rd – 25th 2013, Chicheley Hall, Chicheley Road, Newport Pagnell, Chicheley

An important part of science is getting your results and Tutors and Speakers include ideas across to others, through papers, presentations, Armand Leroi (author, broadcaster and professor of Evolutionary theses, grant proposals, conversations and interviews. and Developmental Biology, Imperial College, London) Your audience may include specialists in the field, those Ana Marques (expert in experimental and computational from other disciplines, industry, or the general public. genomics, Oxford University) Mark Patterson (expert in scientific publishing, Managing How can you best communicate your science? Executive Editor of eLife, Cambridge) This workshop brings together experts in different Chris Smith (broadcaster, medical doctor, lecturer in Virology, fields - writers, broadcasters, publishers, industrialists, Cambridge University) computer scientists, and presenters - to help you Rebecca Stott (novelist, historian and professor of English explore and develop your communication skills. Literature and Creative Writing, University of East Anglia) Working together with others on the course you will learn how to structure presentations, develop writing Organisers skills, bridge disciplines and have hands-on experience Enrico Coen, Dominique Kleyn, Chris Ponting, of broadcasting. Jon Slate and Chris Smith

The Genetics Society will cover costs of travel, accommodation and meals for successful applicants.

The course is open to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working in genetics and related areas

The deadline for applications is 3rd March 2013. You can apply online at: www.genetics.org.uk/Events.aspx 7 EXTERNAL MEETINGS DIARY

We will happily include any announcements for genetics-based meetings in this section. Please send any items to the editor.

Gordon Conference, Mammalian DNA Repair Joint Conference of HGM 2013 and 21st 10-15 February 2013 Ventura, USA International Congress of Genetics www.grc.org/programs. 13-18 April 2013, Singapore aspx?year=2013&program=mammdna www.hgm2013-icg.org/

Genomics in Medicine EMBO Conference Series, Chromatin and 11-12 February 2013 San Francisco, USA Epigenetics www.triconference.com/genomics-personalized- 8-12 May 2013,Heidelberg, Germany medicine www.embl.de/training/events/2013/CHR13-01/ index.html The 27th Fungal Genetics Conference 12-17 March 2013, Asilomar, USA Exploring Human Host-Microbiome Interactions www.fgsc.net/27thFGC/index.htm in Health & Disease 2013 8-10 July 2013, Cambridge, UK 4th TECHGENE Knowledge Network Meeting on https://registration.hinxton.wellcome.ac.uk/ Next Generation Sequencing: Bioinformatics and display_info.asp?id=330 Data Analysis 12-13 March 2013, Oxford, UK 8th European Zebrafish Meeting http://lpmhealthcare.com/NGS2013/NGSHome.htm 9-13 July 2013, Barcelona www.zebrafish2013.org/ Noncoding RNAs in Development and Cancer 20-25 March 2013, Vancouver, Canada 14th Congress of the European Society for www.keystonesymposia.org/index.cfm?e=web. Evolutionary Biology Meeting.Program&meetingid=1196 19-24 August 2013, Lisbon, Portugal www.eseb2013.com/ 57th meeting of the Ecological Genetics Group 2-4 April 2013, Belfast, Ireland Functional Genomics and Systems Biology 2013 www.qub.ac.uk/sites/ 21-23 November 2013, Cambridge, UK EcologicalGeneticsGroup2013/ https://registration.hinxton.wellcome.ac.uk/ display_info.asp?id=333 Drosophila Genetics: 54th Annual Drosophila Research Conference 3-7 April, 2013 Washington DC, USA www.dros-conf.org/2013/

Genomic Disorders 2013: From 60 years of DNA to human genomes in the clinic 10-12 April 2013, Cambridge, UK www.genetics.org.uk/Events/tabid/84/MeetingNo/ WTSC/view/Conference/Default.aspx

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Student Evolutionary Biology Conference comes to the UK

The 19th European Meeting of PhD Students in Evolutionary Biology (EMPSEB) will be hosted by PhD students from the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus, near Falmouth, UK, from the 3rd-7th September, 2013.

EMPSEB provides a platform for PhD students students are welcome to present the background studying Evolutionary Biology to present their to their PhD and research goals in lieu of research work and meet peers from all over Europe without results. Registration will remain open until March the pressure often associated with larger meetings. 1st 2013, and a limited number of travel grants will Whilst delegates will primarily be PhD students, a be available. selection of senior academics from across Europe will give plenary talks, run workshops, and provide Please visit www.empseb19.com or to email guidance on starting a scientific career. Delegates [email protected] for further details. may be at any stage of their PhD, and first year

8 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . Issue 68 9 SECTIONAL INTEREST GROUPS

The Genetics Society helps support several sectional interest groups by providing meeting sponsorship. We currently have 11 groups who organise sectional interest meetings with the organizers and dates of any forthcoming meetings are listed below. If you are interested in any of these areas, please contact the relevant organiser. Groups who wish to be considered for sectional interest group status should see the Society website for further details.

Arabidopsis London Fly meetings Organiser: Ruth Bastow Organisers: Manolis Fanto and Nic Tapon ([email protected]) ([email protected]) and www.garnetcommunity.org.uk ([email protected])

Archaea group Mammalian Genetics & Development Organiser: Thorston Allers Organisers: Elizabeth M. Fisher and Nick Greene ([email protected]) ([email protected])

British Yeast Group Mammalian Genes, Development and Disease Organiser: Alistair Goldman Organisers: Rosalind M John and David Tosh ([email protected]) ([email protected])

C. elegans Population Genetics Group Organiser: Stephen Nurrish Organiser: Lori Lawson Handley ([email protected]) ([email protected])

Ecological Genetics Group The Zebrafish Forum Organiser: Paul Ashton Organiser: Rachel Ashworth ([email protected]), ([email protected]) Caroline Brennan ([email protected]), Corinne Houart ([email protected]). Genetics Society Pombe Club Organiser: Jacky Hayles There are meetings at 5:30pm-8.00pm on the first ([email protected]) Thursday of every other month. Room G12, New Hunt’s House, King’s College - London SE1 1UL

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Honorary Secretary’s Notices Tanya Whitfield . Honorary Secretary, University of Sheffield The Genetics Society Annual General Meeting

he 2013 Annual General Provisional Agenda TMeeting of the Genetics Society 1. Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting will take place on Friday, 19th April (Friday, 20 April 2012); matters arising 2013, in the context of the Society’s 2. President’s Report Spring Meeting on “Genomics for 3. Honorary Treasurer’s Report Health and Society” at the Royal 4. Honorary Secretary’s Report and Business for Transaction Society, London. a. Balfour Lecture 2014 The business includes the b. Genetics Society Medal 2014 election of new members to the c. JBS Haldane Lecture 2014 Society, and of new members d. Applications for new membership to the Society’s Committee and e. Election of new Executive sub-Committee officers: Executive sub-Committee. Treasurer (from 2014, with a shadowing year from 2013) f. Election of new Ordinary Committee members: Nominations for Committee and Postgraduate Representative Executive sub-Committee vacancies Newsletter Editor will be proposed by the Society and Area ‘A’ (Gene structure, function and regulation) publicised at a later date by emails Area ‘B’ (Genomics) to members, and on the Society’s Area ‘C’ (Cell and developmental genetics) website www.genetics.org.uk. Area ‘D’ (Applied and quantitative genetics) Important Note g. Election of new Honorary Members The 2013 AGM will allow advance 5. AOB voting on the Society’s website Committee Vacancies for those unable to attend in Six Committee posts will be falling vacant as of 1st May 2013: person. Members will be notified 1. Postgraduate Representative by email of the motions to be 2. Newsletter Editor voted on in this way, and of the 3. Ordinary Committee Member: Area ‘A’ (Gene structure, function and mechanisms for online voting. regulation) To ensure your involvement in 4. Ordinary Committee Member: Area ‘B’ (Genomics) the AGM by this mechanism, 5. Ordinary Committee Member: Area ‘C’ (Cell and developmental genetics) please check that the Society has 6. Ordinary Committee Member: Area ‘D’ (Applied and quantitative genetics) your correct email address. The nomination deadline is Friday 1 March 2013. Members of the Committee Minutes of the April 2012 AGM can will nominate a ballot of candidates; however, all members in good standing be found on the Society’s website. are welcome to nominate individuals for these upcoming vacancies from Current Committee members are members of the Society. Nominations should be sent to the Honorary listed in this Newsletter and can also Secretary, Tanya Whitfield ([email protected]) by Friday 1 March be found on the Society’s website. 2013. Nominations must be made with the nominee’s consent.

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Medal Announcement 2013 Mendel Medal

Professor Leibler started to apply in a genetically homogeneous his mind to biological problems in population to survive a stress such 1992 when he moved to Princeton as exposure to antibiotics. Unlike University. He asked himself how resistant mutants, cells regrown multiple gene products could interact from such persistent bacteria to produce the robust phenotypic remain sensitive to the antibiotic. outcomes observed in nature. Using Leibler showed through quantitative a combination of theoretical and measurements that bacterial experimental approaches, he showed persistence could be accounted for by that network architecture played a a simple mathematical description in critical role in robustness, using the which cells have defined probabilities processes of bacterial chemotaxis of switching between a fast growing to illustrate his point. He went on form and a less susceptible slow to show how an understanding of growing form. genetic networks could be used to This switching behaviour may confer engineer particular phenotypes such a selective advantage in fluctuating as logical circuits or oscillators. environments, an example of bet- These findings both clarified and hedging. Leibler went on to address validated our notions of gene further evolutionary problems, e are delighted to announce interaction, and were landmark such as the basis of cooperation Wthat Professor Stanislas Leibler studies in the growing fields of between individuals, using an of the Institute of Advanced Study Systems and Synthetic Biology. elegant combination of microbial Princeton and The Rockefeller After the turn of the century gene engineering and mathematical University New York, has been Professor Leibler’s work started analysis. In recognition of his awarded the 2013 Mendel Medal, and to take a more statistical and seminal contributions to our will deliver a lecture at the Genetics evolutionary slant as he became understanding of gene action, Society Autumn meeting on Nov 7-8, intrigued by the problem of bacterial Professor Leibler joins a list of 2013 at the Royal Society of London. persistence. This problem refers to illustrious Genetics Society Mendel The field of genetics has greatly the ability of a fraction of bacteria Lecturers going back to 1958. benefited from scientists who were originally trained in physics, such as Gregor Mendel and Francis Crick. Life Membership in the Genetics Society Their physics background led them to formulate biological questions ave you reached the age of remain eligible to vote in the Society from a fresh perspective, and gave Hretirement (65), but wish to AGM, but will not be required to pay them a deep appreciation of how continue with your involvement further subscriptions. Recipients of mathematical concepts could be in the Society? If so, and you are the Genetics Society Medal will also applied to experimental problems. an ordinary member who has be offered Life Membership. Should This approach also underlies the discharged any arrears the might be you require additional information work of Stanislas Leibler who due to the Society, then you might about becoming a Life Member, obtained a PhD in theoretical physics consider applying to become a Life please contact The Genetics Society in 1981 and a second PhD in physics Member of the Society. Life members Office ([email protected]). in 1984 at the University of Paris. will continue to receive notices and

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Honorary Members

he Genetics Society is delighted to announce that two former Nobel Prize winners, Professor TChristiane Nüsslein-Volhard FRS and Professor Sydney Brenner FRS,have been elected as Honorary Members of the Society. Both past Genetics Society Mendel Medal winners, they also both started their scientific careers as molecular biologists, pioneered genetic studies in invertebrate model organisms, and applied this expertise to establish teleost fish at the forefront of genetic model organism research today. Their biographies are featured next in this Newsletter, and on the website.

Professor Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard FRS

The Genetics Society is delighted of this screen were hugely important to announce that Professor and influential: they established Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard FRS the genetic logic underlying has been elected to an Honorary segmentation of the fly embryo, in Membership, in recognition of her the form of the maternal/gap/pair outstanding contributions to the rule/segment polarity cascade that is study of genetics. now taught in every developmental Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard biology undergraduate course. It is completed her PhD in molecular now appreciated that many of the biology at the University of genes required for fly segmentation Tübingen, and started working have counterparts in vertebrates on the fly Drosophila as a postdoc that are important in establishing with Walter Gehring in Basel the vertebrate body plan.In 1995, and later with Klaus Sander in Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, Eric Freiburg. She then set up her own Wieschaus and Edward Lewis lab at the European Molecular were awarded the Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine, “for their Honorary Member Professor Christiane Biology Laboratory (EMBL) at Nüsslein-Volhard FRS Heidelberg, where, together with discoveries concerning the genetic Eric Wieschaus, she completed a control of early development”. Miescher-Laboratory at the Max systematic genetic screen for zygotic In 1981, Christiane Nüsslein- Planck Institut in Tübingen. Here, mutants in Drosophila. The results Volhard moved to the Friedrich- she completed a maternal screen

Professor Nüsslein-Volhard has recently written about the experience in a Spotlight article for Development, which gives a real flavour of the challenges, rewards and frustrations of directing such a large-scale project.

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of Drosophila, identifying the key embryonic phenotypes. The findings and frustrations of directing such a genes involved in axial patterning from this work were a driving force large-scale project. of the embryo, including bicoid. in the explosion of interest in the Professor Nüsslein-Volhard has In the mid-1980s, she turned her zebrafish as a genetic model system received numerous awards in attention to the zebrafish as a for developmental biology and recognition of her contributions genetically tractable vertebrate, disease modelling, which continues to genetic research, including the building on the pioneering work today. Professor Nüsslein-Volhard Prix Louis Jeantet de Médecine, Sir of George Streisinger. By 1992, she has recently written about the Hans Krebs Medal and the Albert had assembled the infrastructure experience in a Spotlight article Lasker Award. She is also a past and a team of people to begin a for Development, which gives a real winner of our Genetics Society mutagenesis screen of zebrafish flavour of the challenges, rewards Mendel Medal (1992).

Professor Sydney Brenner FRS

The Genetics Society is delighted the early 1960s, an exciting time for Genome Project and sequencing to announce that Professor Sydney the burgeoning field of molecular of the Fugu (puffer fish) genome, Brenner FRS has been elected to an biology. Professor Brenner proposed which has been instrumental in our Honorary Membership, in recognition some of the fundamental concepts understanding of the conservation of his outstanding contributions to in this new science, including mRNA of regulatory elements and genomic the study of genetics. and the triplet code for translation. evolution. Sydney Brenner completed his Professor Brenner then moved from Since the 1990s, Professor Brenner PhD in bacterial resistance to molecular biology to developmental has enjoyed an increasingly bacteriophage, working with Sir Cyril genetics, using the nematode worm international career, holding Hinshelwood at Oxford University. C. elegans to study development of positions of scientific leadership in During this time, Professor Brenner the nervous system. This work led the USA, Singapore and Japan. He visited Cambridge to view the famous to the award of the Nobel Prize in has won many additional prizes and Watson-Crick model of the structure Physiology or Medicine in 2002, which accolades for his contributions to of DNA, describing this moment as a he shared with H. Robert Horvitz and science, including the Albert Lasker watershed in his scientific life. After John Sulston, “for their discoveries Award, Krebs Medal, Ciba Medal, visiting various laboratories in the concerning genetic regulation of organ King Faisal International Prize US and working for a brief time in his development and programmed cell and the A*STAR National Science native South Africa, he established death”. Sydney Brenner also made and Technology Medal. He is also a a lab at the MRC Unit for Molecular numerous contributions to the field past winner of our Genetics Society Biology in Cambridge. This was in of genomics, including the Human Mendel Medal (1970).

Professor Brenner has made numerous contributions to the field of genomics, including the Human Genome Project and sequencing of the Fugu (puffer fish) genome, which has been instrumental in our understanding of the conservation of regulatory elements and genomic evolution.”

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Balfour Lecture 2015 Call for Nominations

he Balfour Lecture, named Tafter the Genetics Society’s first President, is an award to mark the contributions to genetics of an outstanding young investigator. The Balfour Lecturer is elected by the Society’s Committee on the basis of nominations made by any individual member of the Society. The only conditions are that the recipient of the award must normally have less than 10 years’ postdoctoral research experience at the time of nomination. Any nomination must be made with the consent of the The Genetics Society Medal nominee. Those making nominations must be members of the Genetics Society, but there is no requirement Genetics Society Medal 2015 for the nominee to be a member, nor any restriction on nationality Call for Nominations or residence. Dr Simon Myers will present the 2013 Balfour Lecture he Genetics Society Medal present the Genetics Society Medal at the Genetics Society Spring Tis an award that recognises lecture for 2013 at the Genetics meeting, 2013, at The Royal Society. outstanding research contributions Society Autumn meeting, 2013, at The recipient of the 2014 Balfour to genetics. The Medal recipient, The Royal Society. The recipient of Lecture will be announced in the July who should still be active in the 2014 Genetics Society Medal will newsletter and on the website. research at the time the Medal is be announced in the July newsletter Nominations are now being invited awarded, will be elected annually and on the website. for the 2015 Balfour Lecture. Note by the Committee on the basis Nominations are now being invited that there is no restriction on of nominations made by any for the 2015 Genetics Society the subject matter of the Balfour individual member of the Society. Medal. To make a nomination, Lecture. To make a nomination, Those making nominations must be please confirm that your candidate please confirm that your candidate members of the Genetics Society, is willing to be nominated, and is willing to be nominated, and but there is no requirement for then forward a two-page CV of then forward a two-page CV of the nominee to be a member, nor the candidate, together with a list the candidate, together with a list any restriction on nationality or of his or her ten most important of his or her ten most important residence. Neither current members publications, plus a one-page letter publications, plus a one-page letter of the Committee nor those who of recommendation outlining why of recommendation outlining why have retired from office in the past you feel their contributions to the you feel their contributions to the four years may be nominated for field have been outstanding. These field have been outstanding. These the award. The recipient will be documents must be submitted documents must be submitted invited to deliver a lecture at a electronically to the Honorary electronically to the Honorary Genetics Society meeting, where Secretary of the Genetics Society, Secretary of the Society, Tanya the medal will be awarded, in the Tanya Whitfield, by Friday, Whitfield, by Friday, November 29, year following his/her election. November 29, 2013. 2013, at [email protected]. Professor Robin Allshire FRS will

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The Sir Kenneth Mather Memorial Prize Call for Nominations

e are seeking nominations and November 1st 2013 through the B15 2TT, clearly labelled as a Wfor this annual prize, of local Head of Department or School nomination for “The Sir Kenneth £150, to reward a BSc, MSc or PhD of the nominee. Nominations Mather Memorial Prize”. student of any UK University should consist of no more than one Nominations will be assessed or Research Institution who has page of A4, setting out the case for by a panel of two people with shown outstanding performance the nomination, including relevant experience in the area of in the area of quantitative or comparison with other students quantitative/population genetics, population genetics. The winner of where possible. one from the University of the 2013 prize will be announced in Nominations should be sent Birmingham, and the other the July newsletter. to the Head of School, School nominated by the Genetics Society. Nominations for the 2014 prize of Biosciences, The University Decisions will be announced in should be made between July 1st of Birmingham, Birmingham, December 2013.

The JBS Haldane Lecture 2015 Call for Nominations

he JBS Haldane Lecture The recipient of the JBS Haldane working in the UK. To make a Trecognises an individual for Lecture 2013 is Mark Henderson nomination, please confirm that your outstanding ability to communicate (Head of Communications, The candidate is willing to be nominated, topical subjects in genetics research, Wellcome Trust). The recipient of and then submit both a two-page CV widely interpreted, to an interested the JBS Haldane Lecture 2014 will be and a short explanation of how the lay audience. This speaker will have announced in the July newsletter and candidate meets the criteria above. a flair for conveying the relevance on the website. These documents should be and excitement of recent advances Nominations are now being invited submitted electronically to the in genetics in an informative and for the 2015 JBS Haldane Lecture. Honorary Secretary of the Society, engaging way. The recipient will be selected by a Tanya Whitfield, by Friday, The annual open lecture will be committee chaired by the Genetics November 29, 2013, at delivered on a topic, and in a place, Society’s Vice President for the [email protected]. agreed with the Genetics Society. In Public Understanding of Genetics addition to delivering the Lecture, (Chris Smith) from nominations the recipient will receive an made by Society members. Nominees honorarium of £1000 and a three- need not be members of the Society, year membership of the Society. but should be active researchers

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New Genetics Society President Professor Enrico Coen John Innes Centre, Norwich

t is with great pleasure that I scales. This scale-spanning property Itake over as the new President of means that whatever level we study the Genetics Society. The Genetics organisms, molecular, cellular, organ, Society was founded almost 100 years individual or population, genetics ago, in 1919, by William Bateson, can be seen to play a role. the first director of the John Innes A distinction is sometimes made Institute, where I work. Genetics between reductionism, in which was then a newly forming and we wish to take a process apart somewhat esoteric field, from which and study its components, and it has grown to occupy the centre holism in which we look at the stage of biology today. In taking up system as a whole. Genetics defies the Presidency, I asked myself why this division because it spans both the field of genetics has proved so approaches: it is both reductionist enduring and pervasive. and holistic as Mendel’s work so Perhaps the primary answer is that beautifully illustrates. That is genes are the conduit of evolutionary why the sequencing of numerous change and so are fundamental genomes has not signalled the end of to all living processes. Variations genetics, but spurred on its growth without a genetic component are as we now ask how all of this genetic The new President Enrico Coen ephemeral from an evolutionary information relates to phenotypes at perspective. There is also another, many different levels. with two journals, Heredity and related, explanation for why genetics Genetics is as exciting today as it Genes and Development, which are has proved to be so central. When was to its pioneers of a hundred its main source of income. Gregor Mendel carried out his pea years ago, but the range and I feel proud and greatly honoured experiments, he inferred principles of depth of questions has become to act as President of the Genetics gene behaviour simply by counting vastly expanded. The Genetics Society and hope to continue and the proportion of plants with traits Society aims to foster research and build upon the great work done by like flower colour or seed shape. communication across these broad the previous President, Veronica Working with entire living plants areas covered by genetics. It does van Heyningen. Veronica has been a metre or so in size, he arrived this through funding two major very helpful in introducing me to the at properties that reflected the meetings each year, workshops, workings of the Society, as have all behaviour of DNA, a molecule that travel grants, awards and summer the other committee members who is a few billionths of a metre wide. studentships. As a new venture, do a fantastic job of ensuring that it Of course Mendel did not appreciate next year it will also be supporting runs so effectively. I look forward to the molecular basis of the hereditary a science communication workshop some exciting science, meetings and units he discovered, but his work for PhD students and postdocs and a workshops in the coming years and nevertheless illustrates the way workshop for summer students.The hopefully to seeing you at some of genetics can span vastly different Genetics Society is also associated these events.

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The Departing President Veronica van Heyningen

he Genetics Society has been one Committee members were to leave so that the appropriate venue can be Tof my favourite organisations office, it became clear that a more booked and busy speakers reserved ever since I joined in the early central office would be needed by the well in advance of the meeting 1970s. Its broad focus is close to my incoming officers, including the new – usually 18 months before the heart. So, when Brian Charlesworth President who is in Norwich at the meeting. Organising these meetings asked me to become President Elect John Innes Institute. is a pleasure. All the proposers need from May 2008, I made only token As a result of careful research and to do is to draw up a speaker wish- protestations, voicing the concern expert negotiation by Ian Jackson list which is generally checked and that too many of the Society’s and Josephine Pemberton, Vice- approved by the Committee. officers were Edinburgh based. It President for Corporate Affairs and The initial approach is probably was an exciting challenge to join Treasurer respectively, we made a best made by the organisers, who the committee and the Executive, smooth and successful transition to are usually well-established in the both charged with maintaining run the GS under the administrative field, but the burden of subsequent the high standard of meetings and umbrella of Portland Customer follow-up and the making of practical safeguarding the society’s security Services (PCS), which is an offshoot arrangements is carried by the office and stability. of the Biochemical Society. staff. I want to thank all the people Having been GS Treasurer about It was the hard work of the who worked in the Roslin office and a decade earlier, it was interesting Committee, officers and office subsequently our new administrators to see how much more professional staff that delivered the many at PCS for managing our excellent the organisation had become. This successful meetings held during the meetings. There were brilliant had been necessary to make the load course of my presidency from May prize lectures delivered at most of for the Executive tenable. Meetings 2009 to April 2012. Topics for two the meetings: the young Balfour administration, membership and meetings each year are mostly, but Lecturers provided insights into financial management had required by no means always, proposed by novel areas, while the winners of the the setting up of an office with two committee members. Input from the long-established Mendel Medal were part-time people at Edinburgh’s broader general membership has truly inspiring venerable pin-ups who Roslin Institute. always been greatly appreciated and are still pushing the frontiers. A year or so before the several encouraged. It is important to plan The relatively new Genetics Society Edinburgh-based Executive two and a half to three years ahead Medal has honoured outstanding UK

There were brilliant prize lectures delivered at most of the meetings: the young Balfour Lecturers provided insights into novel areas, while the winners of the long-established Mendel Medal were truly inspiring venerable pin-ups who are still pushing the frontiers.

www.genetics.org.uk . 17 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS

18

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Visit www.nature.com/hdy and discover more: discover and www.nature.com/hdy Visit Past President Veronica van Heyningen more: discover and www.nature.com/hdy Visit geneticists. To recognise the skill of Edinburgh, the cradle of quantitative meetings and in some cases other individuals with outstanding ability genetics. GS was one of the major relevant meetings. to communicate topical subjects in sponsors of this event. All these activities would not be genetics research we established the To extend the reach of our fast possible without the financial

Haldane Lecture. moving subject even further into support afforded by our two major

The breadth and variety of topics the public arena, we set up a new publications: Heredity (wholly perspective evolutionary covered at GS meetings is a source pilot scheme, Naked Genetics, in owned) and Genes and Development perspective evolutionary

of pride and joy. These conferences, the form of monthly broadcasts, (co-founded and with a part-share). an with research

sometimes co-organised with also available as podcasts. This It was a privilege to serve as GS an with research

other societies, deliver a wonderful new venture was set in motion President for three years. I could not genetics latest education and important new through the energetic activities of have done it without the talented genetics latest

insights even to successful practising the Naked Scientist, Christopher and diligent contributions of the scientists. In addition to the official Smith, whom we were lucky enough the about informed Executive officers who served with the about informed

GS meetings, the Society supports to attract as Vice-President for the me. We have handed over to a new

a numbersectional interest groups Public Understanding of Genetics, cohort who are now working hard readers keeping and sponsors many other meetings in succession to Steve Jones. It alongside the new President, my readers keeping

following clearly presented was recently announced that Chris very distinguished and multi-skilled geneticists, for applications. Smith, who is a clinical virologist, successor Enrico Coen. Floreat the geneticists, for

In June 2012, although no longer is this year’s winner of the Society Genetics Society.

President, I was lucky enough to of Biology Science Communication resource essential The stand in for Enrico Coen at the very Award to an established scientist. resource essential The successful 4th International Congress Generous support is offered to of Quantitative Genetics held in younger members to attend GS

Published on behalf of The Genetics Society Genetics The of behalf on Published It was a privilege to serve as GS President for three years. I could not have done Society Genetics The of behalf on Published it without the talented and diligent contributions of the Executive officers who served with me.

18 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . Issue 68

Published on behalf of The Genetics Society

Published on behalf of The Genetics Society www.nature.com/hdy Published on behalf of The Genetics Society www.nature.com/hdy Published on behalf of The Genetics Society The essential resource forThe geneticists, essential resource

Thefor geneticists, essential resource • submit your research paper research your submit • keepingfor geneticists, readers paper research your submit •

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informedkeeping readers aboutpapers of the Publication Online Advance weekly •

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Local Representatives

The Local Representative acts as a key liaison between the membership and the Society’s Office and Committee by helping to recruit new members, publicising the Society’s scientific meetings and other activities, and in providing feedback from the membership on matters of professional concern. The Society normally appoints only one local representative per company, institution or department, but exceptions can be made when there are semi-autonomous sub-divisions containing a substantial number of members or potential members. We seek to fill vacancies and to update our database of Local Representatives on a yearly basis. Should you wish to volunteer as a local representative or if existing representatives wish to update their contact details, please contact the Honorary Secretary, Tanya Whitfield by e-mail at [email protected].

SEE FULL LIST ON PAGE 21

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Genetics Society Local Representatives Location Local representative Institute Aberdeen Prof. Anne Donaldson University of Aberdeen Aberystwyth Dr Glyn Jenkins University of Wales Bath Dr Steve Dorus University of Bath Birmingham Prof FCH Franklin University of Birmingham Brighton Dr Felicity Z Watts University of Sussex Bristol Prof Patty Kuwabara University of Bristol (SOMs) Bristol Dr Colin M Lazarus University of Bristol (Biol. Sci) Cardiff Dr Timothy Bowen University of Wales College of Medicine Cardiff Dr William Davies University of Cardiff Coventry Dr Peter Glen Walley University of Warwick Dundee Prof Micahel JR Stark University of Dundee Edinburgh Dr David Burt Roslin Institute Edinburgh Dr Veronica van Heyningen MRC Human Genetics Unit Exeter Sarah E. Flanagan PhD University of Exeter Glasgow Dr Iain L Johnstone University of Glasgow Glasgow Dr K O’Dell University of Glasgow Guildford Dr Peter G Sanders University of Surrey Hull Heather Sealy-Lewis University of Hull Kent Prof Mick F Tuite University of Kent Leeds Elizabeth Valleley University of Leeds, St. James’s University Hospital Leicester Dr Ed Hollox University of Leicester London Prof EMC Fisher Nat’l Hosp for Neurology & Neurosurgery London Dr Kevin M O’Hare Imperial College London Dr Richard A Nichols Queen Mary and Westfield College London Dr Stephen Ansell The Natural History Museum London Dr Francesca Mackenzie University College London London Dr Claire Russell Royal Veterinary College Newcastle Dr Kirsten Wolff University of Newcastle (Biol Sci) Nottingham Dr John FY Brookfield University of Nottingham (University Park campus) Nottingham Dr Richard D. Emes University of Nottingham (Sutton Bonnington) Oxford Dr SE Kearsey University of Oxford (Zoology) Oxford Prof Liam Dolan Dept of plant sciences Oxford Prof Andrew OM Wilkie University of Oxford (John Radcliffe Hosp) Plymouth Dr David J Price University of Plymouth Reading Dr Louise Johnson University of Reading Sheffield Dr Jon Slate University of Sheffield Southampton Dr Richard Edwards University of Southampton St Andrews Prof Mike Ritchie University of St Andrews Stirling Dr Mario Vallejo-Marin University of Stirling Swansea Dr George E Johnson Swansea University Ulster Dr Colum Walsh University of Ulster Warwick Dr. Jose Gutierrez-Marcos University of Warwick York Dr Gonzola Blanco University of York Ascot Vacant Imperial College Belfast Vacant Queen’s University of Belfast Cambridge Vacant University of Cambridge Dublin Vacant University of Dublin London Vacant Imperial College (Hammersmith) Manchester Vacant University of Manchester Norwich Vacant University of East Anglia Norwich Vacant John Innes Centre Richmond Vacant Royal Botanic Gardens Kew www.genetics.org.uk . 21 GENETICS SOCIETY MEETING REPORTS 22

The Genetics Society Autumn Meeting 25 Years of Genes and Development 8th – 9th November 2012 The Royal Society, London

Dr Kat Arney . Naked Genetics Podcast

or two crisp autumnal days, conventional view of signalling to “two hit” hypothesis of tumour Fthe Royal Society played host chromatin as being a one-way street development. Although Elledge’s to a meeting celebrating quarter of - from the cell to chromatin, to effect ideas are controversial, they fit a century of the journal Genes & changes in gene activity – to being more neatly with our growing Development. The impressive lineup more of a two-way process. understanding of cancer as a disease of UK and international speakers – Next came Stephen Smale from driven by clonal evolution. many of whom have graced the pages UCLA, who is using RNA-sequencing The day was rounded off with a of G&D over the years – presented technology to uncover the couple of Steves - Jackson and West talks covering a wealth of topics intricacies of gene activity as the - talking about how cells sense and including chromatin, transcription, immune response kicks into action, repair DNA damage. Steve Jackson DNA repair, RNA biology, cancer, revealing the possible existence of a (Cambridge University) took us stem cells and cell fate, ranging from complicated set of “quality control” on a grand tour of DNA repair, broad-brush stories to highly detailed steps that help to ensure messenger highlighting the importance of presentations. And, of course, there RNA is properly processed before SUMOylation and ubiquitinylation was plenty of praise for a journal it heads off into the cytoplasm. In in DNA damage signalling, and that has clearly stood the test of the final talk before lunch, Jerry pointing out that we should also time in publishing high-quality, Workman (Stowers Institute for think about how signalling pathways groundbreaking science. Medical Research) gave an insight get switched off as well as on. Then In the first session, chaired by into the dynamic world of histones, Steve West (Cancer Research UK G&D editor Terri Grodzicker, showing how they are swapped in London Research Institute), winner ORC-father and president of Cold and out of chromatin to help control of the 2012 Genetics Society medal, Spring Harbor Laboratory Bruce transcription, and particularly gave a highly enjoyable explanation Stillman presented an insight into suppress unwanted gene activity. of how BRCA2 - a “beast of a protein” his current understanding of how The first afternoon session was due - gets involved in DNA repair. He also the replication machinery assembles to feature Rockefeller University’s revealed new insights into how the on DNA. In a nice example of Titia de Lange, who was sadly unable cell’s molecular ‘knives’ resolve the moving from the molecular level to to fly over due to illness. Session complex four-way junctions found in the human world, he showed how chair Winship Herr (Université homologous DNA repair. President faults in one component – Orc1 – de Lausanne) stepped in to tell a of the Genetics Society, Enrico Coen, are implicated in the hereditary biological ‘detective story’, figuring presented Dr West with his medal, condition Meier-Gorlin Syndrome. out how Herpes viruses hijack the proving that even biochemists can be Following Stillman, Sharon Dent transcription machinery to serve welcomed into the genetics fold. (MD Anderson Cancer Centre) gave their own ends. He was followed by On the second day our attention was a very detailed talk focusing on a riveting talk from Steve Elledge turned to the RNA world, with Rudi the histone acetyltransferase Gcn5 (Harvard Medical School), whose Grosschedl (Max Planck Institute and other chromatin modifying discovery that haploinsufficiency of Immunobiology and Epigenetics) and signalling enzymes. It was of regions with clusters of “stop” chairing a stellar lineup of speakers. particularly interesting to see how genes could be a key driver of Susan Gottesman (Cold Spring new results are challenging the cancer, contradicting the well-worn Harbor Laboratory), highlighting

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the importance of small RNAs in The final afternoon was packed Taking a deeper look at the issue regulating gene activity in bacteria, with talks covering cancer, stem of reprogramming - switching claimed “You give me a pathway, and cells, and cancer stem cells - with cells from one fate to another - Ken there’ll be small RNAs involved.” She some bacteria thrown in - chaired Zaret (University of Pennsylvania) was followed by Seoul University’s by DavorSolter from the Singapore explained how “pioneer factors” Narry Kim, who revealed the secret Institute of Medical Biology. Eileen such as Oct4 and Sox2 can switch life of Lin28, a protein that binds White (The Cancer Institute of on silent genes and kick-start the to RNA and helps to control the New Jersey) explained how hungry reprogramming process. He also production of small RNAs. cancer cells eat themselves - a revealed an important role for Elisa Izarralde (Max-Planck process known as autophagy. histone methylation in helping to Institute for Developmental Biology) This gets rid of faulty mitochondria, keep important genes switched off, continued this theme, explaining and is activated in parts of tumours providing some useful clues as to how the workings of the complex with low oxygen levels. Switching to make the reprogramming process machinery that helps to shepherd off autophagy can actually switch more efficient in future. mRNA through to its destruction. cancers from one type to another, Nick Hastie, Director of the MRC After her, Jim Manley (University of highlighting the importance of this Human Genetics Unit, presented Columbia) addressed the question process in tumour development impressive new data exploring the of polyadenylation - the poly-A tail and the potential for therapeutic origins of visceral white fat - the that gets put onto messenger RNA interventions. wobbly stuff around your tummy to make it fit for transcription. He Hans Clevers (Hubrecht Institute) and internal organs that makes some also revealed new links between produced an impressive display of people shaped like “apples” rather RNA processing and the motor animations and beautiful fluorescent than “pears”. His story focused on neurone disease Amyotrophic Lateral images, revealing the natural history a protein called WT1, more famous Sclerosis (a.k.a. “Lou Gehrig’s of bowel stem cells and their rogue, for its role in the childhood kidney disease”), showing that disruption cancerous counterparts. His talk cancer Wilms’ tumour, which seems in RNA “quality control” can lead to also highlighted the progress that’s to be involved in generating white motor neurone problems. being made in tissue culture, growing fat as well as other mesenchymal Yale University’s Joan Steitz gave “organoids” from various tissues cell types. And finally, Rich Losick the final talk before lunch, holding in the lab. And his almost comedic (Harvard University) drew the our attention with a fascinating video of paneth cells chasing bowel meeting to a close by returning to glimpse into the world of triple stem cells round a Petri dish was the earth, with a look at how soil helix formation in viral RNAs. She better than a million cat videos on bacteria decide whether to go it alone described how a specific element YouTube... Next came Elaine Fuchs or gang up with their fellows to form in large viral transcripts grabs (Rockefeller University) to discuss a community. hold of the RNA’s poly-A tail, the role of stem cells in the skin, Overall, the Autumn Meeting forming a highly stable triple helix. focusing in particular on the search provided a great overview of some of Intriguingly, structural homologues for sweat gland and hair follicle the hottest topics in genetics research (rather than sequence homologues) stem cells. Her quest to understand today. And while some of the talks are found elsewhere in other viruses, skin generation has implications for were perhaps a little too technical for suggesting this type of regulation cancer and wound repair, as well as a broad audience, it was an extremely may be more widespread than the slightly less life-and-death “Holy enjoyable and informative two days. previously thought. Grail” of a cure for baldness.

The December 2012 Naked Genetic podcast features an interview with Dr DJ de Koning, discussing the key highlights of the Autumn meeting. nakedscientists.com/genetics

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The 4th International Conference on Quantitative Genetics: Understanding Variation in Complex Traits 17 – 22 June 2012, Edinburgh, Scotland.

hile London was bracing Thus quantitative genetics is now (h2) as calculated using family Witself for the 2012 Olympics, pervasive across genetics to the relationships. According to Peter Edinburgh played host to the elite extent that it is difficult to indicate Visscher “much of h2 is not missing performers and budding stars of its boundaries or find an area of but hiding”. Using human height quantitative genetics. The conference genetics that is void of quantitative as an example he showed that by was first held in Ames (Iowa) in 1976 genetics. This was well illustrated simultaneous modelling of all followed by a second conference in at the meeting in Edinburgh where SNPs, e.g. without imposing any Raleigh (North Carolina) in 1987. the number of attendees (670 significance thresholds’ they obtain a During the third conference in from 46 different countries) was ‘chip heritability’ of about 0.50 while Hangzhou (China) in 2007 it was almost doubled in comparison to the overall heritability for height is agreed to have the conference on a the meeting in Hangzhou. That around 0.80. Looking across traits, more regular basis and so the honour the subject has a vibrant future between 1/3 and ½ of heritability of hosting the 4th ICQG fell to was indicated by the attendance can be captured by the current SNP Edinburgh. The meeting was held in of no fewer than 165 PhD students platforms. the impressive surroundings of the who organised and presented A picture that appeared in various Edinburgh International Conference their own symposium within the forms throughout the conference Centre where delegates were conference (reported elsewhere in showed that from GWAS we have entertained between presentations this newsletter). Despite the size of many SNPs with small effects by the occasional sight through the the Conference, the decision was that have reasonably high minor plate glass windows of rain lashing taken that there would be no parallel allele frequencies (> 5%), so called down on the surrounding streets sessions with the meeting being ‘common variants’. Family-based and within the building by the polite themed by topic rather than species studies have identified loci with and attentive staff assuring that the of interest. Thus attendees with a very large effects but whose allele escalators were not overloaded. wide range of background interests frequencies are extremely low at the The conference focused on the benefitted from the broad range of population level. One view is that genetics of the majority of traits perspectives provided by 60 plenary much of the ‘missing heritability’ is of medical, evolutionary and oral presentations, both invited and due to many segregating variants commercial importance that are contributed. In addition there were that fall into the middle ground controlled by multiple genetic and 400 posters that were presented over between these very rare Mendelian environmental factors. Despite the two evenings but were on display effects and common variants of very overwhelming importance of the throughout the conference. Below we small effect. At present, there are traits tackled, over the decades, will give a flavour of the highlights very few GWAS results in this middle quantitative genetics has often been from the conference without ground. This can be attributed to subjected to predictions of inevitable attempting to be inclusive. both the design of the SNP-chips decline in the face of increasing In ‘The genetic architecture of (favouring more common SNPs) as knowledge from molecular genetics. quantitative traits’ there was still a well as the limited power of GWAS The reality is that the current era of lot of discussion about the ‘missing to detect effects with a low minor high throughput ‘omics and next- heritability’: the phenomenon allele frequency that hence explain generation sequencing has at last that the genetic variants that are little trait variance across the delivered the tools that have allowed detected in genome-wide association population as a whole. An interesting the dissection of quantitative studies (GWAS) explain only a aspect of the analysis of GWAS genetic variation to commence. proportion of the heritability data, presented in Peter Visscher’s

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talk as well as several posters, is the they derive partial sequence of the corner for epistasis in the past estimation of ‘regional heritability’ up to 384 samples simultaneously but on this occasion focused his or ‘chromosome-wide heritability’. at a cost of $10 per sample. Using presentation on the potentially Rather than estimating the effects tagging and imputation they can related topic of QTL that do not of single SNPs or haplotypes, these obtain a vast amount of genotyping (only) affect the mean value of a trait analyses model the genetic variance at very low cost. The current but (also) the variability. These so- attributable to a given region or results suggest little epistasis and called vQTL were also mentioned in chromosome. The underlying idea pleiotropy. Interestingly, plant height other talks but Örjan elaborated on is that genome organization is seems to be at least as complex as the role of vQTL in evolvability and not random and that by analyzing human height. While the variation the role of vQTL in environmental regions rather than single SNPs is striking (from 3 to 9 feet), there or genetic interactions (GxE or or haplotypes we can detect the appear to be no major loci. In the epistasis, respectively). Earlier, compound effect of gene complexes same session Eric Lander received Hugues Aschard showed a different rather than individual variants. the Mendel Medal, which is the way to detect vQTL by modelling The potential importance of this highest honour bestowed by the the quantiles of the phenotypic or other methods for grouping the Genetics Society. After receiving the distributions in a non-parametric effects of a number of rare variants medal from former Genetics Society test. In similar vein Hunter Fraser for analysis was brought home by president Veronica van Heyningen, studied QTL for genetics and Sebastian Völlner who presented Eric delivered an exciting overview phenotypic robustness. Loci that the results of a large resequencing of current human genetics, mainly buffer environmental variation (in study of genes that are potential targeting the PhD students in the gene expression) were shown to act drug targets in 14000 individuals. audience. After outlining why this on genes that were distant to the Low frequency variants were found is the most exciting time to be a QTL (in trans) while loci that buffer to be very common, with the average PhD student (didn’t we all think genetic variation usually affect individual having such a variant the same during our own PhDs?) their own expression (in cis). In at 1/5000 of non-synonymous sites. he stated that whatever you want general loci buffer either genetic or More than half these variants were to do in genetics, you can now turn environmental variation, not both. predicted to be so deleterious that it into a sequencing problem. He On the topic of epistasis, Gibran they would never be fixed. Such presented current projects that aim Hemani outlined why exhaustive variants are generally not shared to elucidate the role of the ~5% of two-dimensional searches are a between populations and so their highly conserved genome sequences better way to detect epistatic loci detection and replication will be a that are not protein-coding. He than doing conditional searches major challenge for future research suggested that transposons play on the basis of identified QTL with potentially requiring very large a major role in ‘distributing additive effects. He also illustrated sample sizes. innovations’ throughout the genome how parallel computation using As a nice contrast to the human and how epigenomics show us graphic cards (GPUs) can enable genetics, Ed Buckler presented different regulatory mechanisms in these computationally demanding an exciting overview of the large active parts of the genome. He also analyses that would otherwise take scale efforts to dissect the genetic briefly addressed the point of how ‘years’ to complete. basis of complex traits in maize. some estimates of heritability can be Alternatively, Alon Keinan presented The genetic variability among inflated in the presence of epistasis. several significant epistatic maize varieties is very large: two Another Genetics Society award interactions by selecting his SNPs varieties can share as little as 50% was made to Örjan Carlborg who on the basis of earlier GWAS results of their DNA (two humans would delivered the Balfour Lecture. The and public domain information on share > 99%) while the estimated Balfour Lecture, named after the protein interactions and pathways. effective population size is in the Genetics Society’s first President, is Patrick Phillips provided a neat order of 109. Using next generation an award to mark the contributions review of evidence and theory on sequencing they apply ’genotyping- to genetics of an outstanding young epistasis and showed nice examples by-sequencing’ approaches where investigator. Örjan has also argued of epistasis in the recovery from

www.genetics.org.uk . 25 GENETIC SOCIETY SPONSORED EVENTS 26

deleterious mutations. indicated that directional selection long-range haplotyping approaches Seemingly at the other end of the seems to be more common than that model identity by descent (IBD) spectrum from the viewpoint of stabilizing selection while Mark rather than identity-by-state (IBS). human and maize geneticists that Blows stated that selection in a Daniah Trabzuni showed much of the genetic variation is multivariate space may be away consequences of SNP variation on small genetic effects with little from where the genetic variance eQTL experiment where 5.3% of evidence of non-additivity and resides. A major limitation is that the AffymetrixGeneChip probes interactions was the work presented we can only make inferences on were affected by SNP variation by Trudy Mackay. Her group the basis of the traits that we can in the brain samples, resulting in studies the genetic architecture of measure meaning that we may false positive rates between 50 and a wide range of traits in Drosophila miss the relevant traits and make 90%! Richard Durbin expanded using both the Drosophila Genetic working inferences about the trait the concept of eQTL mapping to Reference Panel inbred lines (many we measure in relation to fitness. include specific studies for non- fully sequenced) derived from a The conference provided a coding RNA such as miRNA-QTL, recent population sample and an fascinating glimpse of the variety, tRNA-QTL, lincRNA-QTL as well as advanced intercross population quantity and complexity of data transcription factor binding QTL. derived from crosses between that is being generated by next Greg Gibson moved the focus from these lines. Using GWAS to study generation sequencing projects. eQTL to the use of whole genome recovery time after chilling in the At the DNA level this includes expression signatures in prediction. inbred lines they identified few loci the de novo sequencing of 29 Arguing that personal genomics with large individual effects but mammals (Broad Institute) to on the basis of DNA information they identified regions that were identify conserved regions in the alone was still a long way off he enriched for modest SNP effects. genome, as well as re-sequencing showed that 9 common axes of Analysis of the intercross population of 1000 and 4000 individual human variation in gene expression from showed surprisingly little overlap genomes for the 1000-genomes and a simple blood sample could be with the GWAS of the inbred lines UK10K projects, respectively (e.g. used as a molecular classification from which it was derived, which Eric Lander, Matt Hurles, Richard of ‘wellness’. Moving away from raised some question about power. Durbin), 1001 Arabidopsis genomes DNA variation, Frank Johannes By testing reciprocal epistasis (Magnus Nordborg), 5000 maize presented an Arabidopsis cross it was postulated that extensive lines (Ed Buckler) and 1000 dairy that was genetically homogeneous epistatic networks may suppress bulls (Ben Hayes). The different but segregating for different levels allelic effects in the outbred lines types of variation in genome and of methylation along the genome. suggesting that additivity is an their consequences suggested that These methylation patterns emergent property of epistasis mutation itself is a quantitative could be mapped as markers in and that traits have a population trait (or collection of traits) with their own right and associated specific genetic architecture. This unknown genetic architecture (Matt with quantitative variation. The and other presentations arguing Hurles). Because high sequencing variance caused by methylation for an important role of epistasis depth is required to reliably call differences alone showed that in trait variation provided a subject genotypes, there is also an increased such epigenetic variation could for some vigorous discussions in the interest in imputation approaches be comparable in magnitude to refreshment breaks. from low-depth WGS or SNP chips natural variation as well as having While quantitative genetics to full WGS or high density SNP polygenic-type architecture. A tools like ‘the animal model’ are coverage. Jonathan Marchini clear future challenge is to study being utilized more and more presented the next generation of the combined effects of DNA in the study of evolutionary imputation methods based on a variation and methylation in a processes in wild populations, the linearization of population-based structured way, providing further interpretation in terms of natural Hidden Markov Models while John challenges for both experimentalists selection pressures is not always Hickey showed promising results for and quantitative geneticists. As straightforward. Jarrod Hadfield combining HMM methods into the chairman of the first session of the

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The Edinburgh meeting provided a forum for discussion and exchange between the diverse strands of the subject and highlighted both common themes and the opportunities to learn from other species and approaches. conference Bruce Walsh had the quantitative genetics in the field of significant loci explained so little opportunity to point to advances genomic prediction. One component trait variation and the presentations in the subject over the previous of the green revolution in the of both Pak Sham and Isobel Stewart few years. One he highlighted was last century was the breeding of touched on this. However, Isobel, recent developments in models improved crops and livestock using in the last talk of the meeting, and analyses of indirect genetic information on traits and pedigree also explored the potential use of effects (also termed associative relationships. In the current century statistical approaches using all genetic effects). Such models and facing new challenges of climate marker information similar to explore the consequences of one change and human population those used by animal breeders for individual’s phenotype on the growth, it was demonstrated that the prediction of colorectal cancer risk phenotypes of individuals in the genomic information provided by in humans. She concluded that same environment. This can lead dense genotyping chips could further although there was much to be done to such apparently inexplicable increase the efficiency of breeding with improved methods and larger results as negative selection through increased accuracy, or sample sizes, genomic prediction response to positive selection. reduced generation time or costs, tools had the potential to improve Much of the quantitative theory depending on the circumstances. prediction to the point that it had in this area was first explored The technologies were first exploited clinical utility. by Griffing, including a paper for dairy cattle breeding, where the The Edinburgh meeting provided a published only in the proceedings of structure and expense of the current forum for discussion and exchange the first International Conference scheme gave the new approaches between the diverse strands on Quantitative Genetics in 1977. a substantial advantage and Ben of the subject and highlighted Largely ignored for many years, Hayes outlined the current status both common themes and the two of the important figures in in cattle and looked forward to the opportunities to learn from other the renaissance of the subject, Bill potential move from genotyping species and approaches. The Muir and Piter Bijma, were on the polymorphisms to whole genome consensus of the meeting would programme to discuss impacts on sequence information. have to be that quantitative genetics animal breeding and responses to There is still vigorous debate about is more pervasive across biology selection, respectively. In the event, the potential limits to the technology than ever and likely to maintain its however, Piter Bijma unfortunately and their causes and best approaches pivotal role for some time to come, had to leave the meeting early due to prediction and David Habier but there was still much research to to a family emergency and left his explored what lay within the black be done and much to learn. Informal slides to Bruce Walsh to present. box of genomic selection. Other discussion with participants and at Bruce gave a stimulating and talks from Chris Carolin-Schoen the conference dinner (held in the accessible presentation, adding his and Jose Crossa looked at genomic Our Dynamic Earth science centre own commentary to Piter’s excellent applications in grain breeding and and flanked by Arthur’s Seat, the sides and showing how the indirect Ulrike Ober explored the use of Scottish Parliament and the Palace genetic effect model unified the the tools to decipher Drosophila of Holyroodhouse) suggested that concepts of group and kin selection variation. One of the touted potential participants found the meeting as manifestations of the same fruits of the human genome project stimulating, informative and general process. was the ability to predict disease and enjoyable. It was agreed to accept an The last session of the conference optimise individual treatment. This offer to hold the next meeting in 2016 focused on the rapid recent looked a more remote possibility in Wisconsin, Madison, USA. developments in the application of when it was found that individually

www.genetics.org.uk . 27 GENETICS SOCIETY SPONSORED EVENTS 28

Diane Berry International Conference Genetic markers as instruments for Mendelian randomization studies on Quantitative Genetics: on vitamin D [email protected] Postgraduate Symposium Stefan M. Edwards Using KEGG pathways and and Ceilidh expression studies and stuff for genomic partitioning Kay Boulton . University of Edinburgh [email protected] Darren J. Fitzpatrick I am delighted to report that the remarks, and to the three not-so- Genetic Interactions in the symposium was attended by over anonymous PI’s for their impartial Human Live 200 delegates, with many prominent and helpful feedback to the students, [email protected] names in the audience. gratefully received. Roseann Peterson The seven selected postgraduate The Ceilidh (Scottish country dancing Evidence of Shared Polygenic Risk students gave excellent presentations to live music) was attended by over Among Smoking Behaviors and Body of their work, telling their own story 100 students - past and present, and Composition from their particular niche, revealing friends and family. The evening was [email protected] fascinating studies. Impressively, delightful, with everyone joining in each student kept to their allotted 12 the traditional and not-so-traditional Katrijn Peeters minute time and there were plenty of dances, and great fun was had by all. Direct and indirect genetic effects for survival in purebred and crossbred questions received from the audience. Students presenting their work: I am certain these students will have laying hens Jeremy Brawner [email protected] all made their mark in the world Markers as traits in multivariate of Quantitative Genetics and have BLUP: using REML for association S. E. McFarlane exciting careers ahead! testing and integration with breeding Maternal genetic effects set the Thanks must go to DJ de Koning value prediction potential for evolution in red squirrels for his suitably concise concluding [email protected] [email protected]

“....Dull would he be who could pass by – A sight so touching in its majesty....” Genetics Society Sponsored Events

The Genetics Society is keen to promote the study of genetics to senior school pupils. One way to do this is for Universities to run conferences for local schools. If you are a GS member and would like to run such an event in your University or institute, please contact the society’s office with an outline plan and costing.

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4th European Plant Science Retreat for PhD students Pauline Haleux, John Innes Centre.

he 4th European Plant Science in 2010. In 2011 the retreat was sessions: Structural and Functional TRetreat for PhD students (EPSR) organised in the university d’Orsay Genomics, Plant Development and was held at the John Innes Centre/ in Paris by SDV. This year’s retreat Plant-Biotic Interactions. Sainsbury laboratory (JIC/TSL), saw the inclusion of Rothamsted The first evening of the retreat was in Norwich from the 14th to 17th Research from the UK and the kicked off by a welcome dinner August 2012. Centre de Recerca en Agrigenomica followed by a traditional British This event was initiated in 2007, (CRAG) Barcelona graduate schools barn dance with local band Stookey when three European graduate in order to extend the network Blue. The meeting started the next schools in Plant Sciences (the further. day with welcome words given by Dutch Experimental Plant Sciences The plant science research fields Professors Mike Merrick (head of (EPS) Graduate School, the French covered by the graduate schools the graduate school at JIC/TSL) and Sciences du Végétal (SDV) school are related and complementary. Sophien Kamoun (director of the and the German International The idea behind the retreat is for Sainsbury Lab). Max Planck Research school students to network at the European Over the following three days the (IMPRS)) initiated an international level, exchange ideas and build talks spanned a wide range of plant collaboration to improve research, collaborations. It is also intended to science fields, from diverse topics training and education of plant enable students to learn more about as divergent as flowering time in science PhD students in Europe. the research carried out in European Arabidopsis to potato tuber quality. The outcome of this collaboration labs and prepare the next stages of All presentations were of a high was the organisation of a retreat for their career. quality, and stimulated excellent PhD students in Wageningen in 2008. This year’s event welcomed 140 questions during discussion. The success of this first event was delegates, which was a substantial Four prizes were awarded to the best built upon when two new schools increase form the previous year speakers. Geo Velikkakam James (JIC/TSL from the UK, as well as (113). Twenty-seven abstracts from the Max Planck Institute in the Belgian Vlaams Instituutvoor were selected for short talks by Germany won third best talk with Biotechnologie (VIB)) were invited selection teams in all participating an excellent computational biology to participate in the next retreat institutes. The rest of the abstracts presentation providing a user guide that took place in Cologne, Germany were divided into three poster for sequencing based mapping in Arabidopsis. Chunxu Song from Wageningen University won second place with her pleading for “the good guys” in the rizosphere, Pseudomonas Over the following three days the talks spanned fluorescens, unraveling the metabolism of the signal molecules a wide range of plant science fields, from diverse cyclic lipopeptides and their role in topics as divergent as flowering time in Arabidopsis plant-symbiote interaction. to potato tuber quality. All presentations were of Finally, Padraic Flood, also from a high quality, and stimulated excellent questions Wageningen University, won best talk with an insightful presentation during discussion.

www.genetics.org.uk . 29 GENETIC SOCIETY SPONSORED EVENTS 30

(virus-resistant crop plants). This led to a lively discussion about the future of these technologies in crop science. One of the novelties of this year’s retreat, which was very well received by the delegates, was a career session. This was an excellent way to discover alternative career paths for PhD students who do not wish to stay in academia. Stuart Dunbar, head of biochemistry at Syngenta, gave a stimulating presentation, emphasizing that industry is made Attendees at EPSR 2012 for scientists with an open mind. Barbara Fleck from the patent and about the lessons he learnt (ABA) in desiccation tolerance in trade mark attorney firm Marks from association genetics and Arabidopsis seedlings. and Clerk explained in great natural variation in Arabidopsis The highlights of the retreat were details what skills and attributes photosynthesis. The British Society the two keynote lectures given by are needed to become a successful of Plant Pathology also awarded Prof. Caroline Dean from JIC and patent attorney. Last but not least a special prize to the best plant Prof. Sir David Beaulcombe from the Jane Alfred, editor at PLoS Biology, pathology talk, which was given to University of Cambridge. Caroline unraveled her career path and Henry Creissen from the John Innes kicked off her presentation by explained the fulfillment of working Centre for his presentation about an informal Q & A session to talk for an unusual journal as the using Arabidopsis as a model for about her career choices, and then Public Library of Science (PLoS). crop varietal mixtures. went on with a fascinating talk The three presentations sparked One of the trademarks of the EPSR about the intricate transcriptional discussions ranging from salaries is a series of long poster sessions and epigenetic regulation of to agribusiness ethics and political that encourage lively discussions. vernalization by the master decisions in crop science. The choice for best poster was tough regulatory gene Flowering Locus The event was a phenomenal with more than 110 posters in this C (FLC). The unusual start of the success, providing a professional year’s competition. presentation was a great way for but relaxed environment for PhD Nora Peine from the Max Planck the students to learn more about students to present their work. Institute won the Plant Biotic the reasons that led Caroline Dean Furthermore, it was an excellent Interactions prize for her work from her initial studies of marine training opportunity for the JIC/ connecting immune receptor biology to transcriptional regulation TSL students who organised the activation to defense outputs in in plants. retreat with the help and support of plant immune response. VimalRawat Prof. Sir David Baulcombe gave the Norwich Research Park, which from Wageningen University a very engaging presentation on provided excellent facilities to hold was awarded the Structural and the history of the discovery of such an event. Functional Genomics session for RNA silencing in plants: From the The organising committee would his analysis of regulatory elements first report of transgene silencing like to thank the Genetics Society for in Arabidopsis thaliana and related in Nicotiana benthamiana to the their support in the organisation of species. Finally, Julio Maia de regulators of the silencing process, the meeting. We are looking forward Oliveira from the Max Planck and ending with the potential uses to future retreats and would like Institute won the Plant Development of RNA silencing in fundamental to thank VIB in Ghent, who have session for his innovative poster research (virus-induced gene kindly agreed to organise the EPSR about the role of Abscisic acid silencing) and applied biotechnology in 2013.

30 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 68 GENETIC SOCIETY SPONSORED EVENTS Join the 31online debate

Keep in touch with your colleagues via the Genetics Society Group on LinkedIn

e have added another way to This prevents a lot of indiscriminate Wkeep in touch with society postings from online recruiters that and your colleagues by creating a have affected some of the Genetics Genetics Society group on LinkedIn. related groups. As a member of the In order to ensure that all content LinkedIn group you will be updated on that group is meaningful to you, on our activities but you can also we have set this up as a moderated comment and add you own events. group. This means that when you If you are not already on LinkedIn join the group this needs to be please consider joining. Especially formally approved, but as long as we young scientists hunting for a job can see you are active in a genetics outside academia do well to build up related area this is not a problem. their profile on LinkedIn.

www.genetics.org.uk . 31 FEATURES 32

A word from The Genetics Heredity Society Genetics Medal Podcasts Winner 2012 Stephen.C.West FRS FMedSci

f course it was a great honour to that we live in today. The research Obe awarded the Genetics Medal carried out in my lab, defining mech- at the recent “the Genetics Society anisms of recombination and DNA Autumn meeting: 25 years of Genes repair, requires skill sets from genet- and Development” which took place ics, biochemistry, structural biology at the Royal Society. When I saw the and cell biology - and in this regard list of past winners of the medal, I must thank the excellent post- he free Heredity podcasts who are a very distinguished group, docs and students that have come Tprovide the latest research news I was a little taken aback that the through my lab in recent years and from Heredity, in the words of the Genetics Society could actually give taught me so much. Their insights, researchers themselves. the medal to an old biochemist who intellectual contributions, and the Informal interviews are used to isn’t so well known for their genetic occasional discovery, make science make the science in Heredity more skills! But perhaps this ‘thinking such fun. The Genetics Medal will accessible. The authors explain the outside of the box’ shown by the have special place on my desk, espe- basic foundations of their topic, Society is indicative of the current cially since its design features some and draw out the key findings of state of cross-boundary and multi- rather beautiful chromosomes that their paper. disciplinary research that is needed appear to be busy recombining. Or is The podcasts have proved popular for success in the scientific world that just my wishful thinking? with biology undergraduates and professionals alike, and have drawn subscribers from Brazil to Japan and from Finland to New Zealand. You can listen by Award for the • entering ‘heredity podcast’ into your search engine • clicking the link on the heredity Naked Scientist(s) home page http://www.nature. com/hdy/ or by The Genetics Society’s Dr Chris Smith was awarded the Society of • subscribing on iTunes to Biology science communication award. The quality of entries was receive the latest episodes exceptional, but Chris won out and received his award at Charles Darwin automatically (search for House in October. To listen to some of his outstanding work in science ‘heredity podcast’). communication go to: www.thenakedscientists.com For more information, please And for a more genetics focus see: contact the podcast editor www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/genetics/show/20121114/ [email protected]

32 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . Issue 68 FEATURES 33

Book Review Unix and Perl to the Rescue! A field guide for the Life Sciences (and other data-rich pursuits) by Keith Bradnam and Ian Korf (ISBN-10: 0521169828)

Dr MD Sharma . University of Exeter

re you a budding (or pure pleasure to read. The book is experience in either programming Aexperienced) scientist, divided into seven parts and if you or Unix, I strongly recommend overwhelmed by mountains of data, chose to read them in sequence, they bookmarking the companion website and do not know where to start? will help you make a transition from http://unixandperl.com. This book, Are you wondering if Unix with a a computer user to a programmer. together with the content on the scripting language could be the tool- However, if you are inclined to take companion website and The Unix set you need but are afraid to explore a plunge and would rather read & Perl primer written by this books the world of programming for the ahead, for exampleleaping to the authors (http://korflab.ucdavis.edu/ first time? Well, then “Unix and Perl fundamentals of Perl or advanced Unix_and_Perl/) will undoubtedly to the Rescue! A field guide for the Unix, then you can easily do so help you learn the basics of Unix Life Sciences (and other data-rich without losing context. All chapters and Perl, irrespective of your pursuits)” is a great place to start. are easy to read with a touch of light background. Note that this book is The book makes no assumptions humour that makes learning the exactly what it says on the cover - a about prior knowledge and gently dark art of programming fun (e.g.you field guide, so do not expect answers guides you through key concepts might need to read this section to all your questions. If you know the - one at a time. Some may find the over and over again… De bug is in basics, have read this book, and are pace slow to begin with, but then, as de computer..and several others). stuck trying to find programming the authors say, learning to program Every section has brief code snippets examples relevant to your datasets, is a journey and it takes time and supplemented with explanations and or if you would simply like to venture effort. I have been programming the advanced chapters have example beyond what this book covers, then for about 16 years now and have problems to work through as well. complement your programming recently started harnessing the Examples with biological relevance experience with Beginning Perl for power of Unix, Perl, Python etc. are lacking until you get to the more Bioinformatics (James Tisdall) and in the field of bioinformatics and advanced sections, however;this is Python for Bioinformatics I have to say that this book was a by design. If you have had no prior (Sebastian Bassi). “Unix and Perl to the Rescue! A field guide for the Life Sciences (and other This book, together with the content on the data-rich pursuits)” is a book I highly companion website and The Unix & Perl primer recommend for all those students, written by this books authors (http://korflab. post-docs and academics who are scared of programming but can ucdavis.edu/Unix_and_Perl/) will undoubtedly benefit immensely from the power help you learn the basics of Unix and Perl, of Unix and scripting languages. It’s irrespective of your background. time to come out of your shell.

www.genetics.org.uk . 33 Download & discover.

Go in search of bighorn sheep’s ‘horny’ genes; cross paths with a hybrid Go in search of bighorn sheep’s ‘horny’ genes; cross paths with a hybrid Oxford Ragwort, and catch up with Heredity’s Editor Richard Nichols Oxford Ragwort, and catch up with Heredity’s Editor Richard Nichols who is reporting from a meeting of the ‘ConGRESS’ Network. who is reporting from a meeting of the ‘ConGRESS’ Network.

Corresponding papers from the Heredity: Corresponding papers from the Heredity: QTL mapping for sexually dimorphic fitness-related traits in wild bighorn sheep QTLJ Poissant, mapping C S for Davis, sexually R M Malenfant,dimorphic fitness-relatedJ T Hogg and D traitsW Coltman in wild bighorn sheep JHeredity Poissant, (17 C AugustS Davis, 2011) R M Malenfant,| doi:10.1038/hdy.2011.69 J T Hogg and D W Coltman Heredity (17 August 2011) | doi:10.1038/hdy.2011.69 Genetic and phenotypic divergence of homoploid hybrid species from parental species GeneticB L Gross and phenotypic divergence of homoploid hybrid species from parental species BHeredity L Gross advance online publication 14 September 2011 | doi: 10.1038/hdy.2011.80 Heredity advance online publication 14 September 2011 | doi: 10.1038/hdy.2011.80 Molecular genetic and quantitative trait divergence associated with recent homoploid hybrid speciation: Moleculara study of Seneciogenetic andsqualidus quantitative (Asteraceae) trait divergence associated with recent homoploid hybrid speciation: aA studyC Brennan, of Senecio D Barker, squalidus S J Hiscock (Asteraceae) and R J Abbott AHeredity C Brennan, (10 August D Barker, 2011) S J |Hiscock doi:10.1038/hdy.2011.46 and R J Abbott Heredity (10 August 2011) | doi:10.1038/hdy.2011.46

Download Download& discover. Download& the discov free app forer your. Downloadphone at http://gettag.mobi the free app for your Get the free mobile app for your phone http://gettag.mobi phone at http://gettag.mobi Get the free mobileDon’t app have for your a smart phone phone? Download the podcast here: www.nature.com/hdy/podcast http://gettag.mobiDon’t have a smart phone? Download the podcast here: www.nature.com/hdy/podcast 20375-13_HDY_Sept_podcast.indd 1 12/10/2011 17:31

20375-13_HDY_Sept_podcast.indd 1 12/10/2011 17:31 FEATURES 35

ResearchGATE and The Genetics Society

esearchGate was founded by scientific community as well the Rthe virologist Ijad Madisch, opportunity to establish a credible who wanted to create an online professional profile by uploading platform to facilitate research and pre and post-print publications. collaboration. Since its beginning Members can keep updated on in 2008, ResearchGate is now the the latest scientific developments largest professional network for through the ResearchGate blog, scientists and researchers with and also browse through the largest over 1.2 million members. You can science specific conference and job ask questions and get answers from boards with hundreds of genetic over 6000 geneticists by joining the conferences and jobs listed and genetics topic discussions. everything is updated daily. ResearchGate provides the perfect Sign up to ResearchGate at platform to share research data www.researchgate.net and start and negative results with the wider networking with other geneticists.

www.genetics.org.uk . 35 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 36

Theoretical and Empirical Advances in Evolutionary Genomics March 31 – April 4 2012, Roscoff, France

James Buckley . University of Glasgow

arlier this year, the Jacques on human genetic diversity (Evelyne example included identifying EMonod conference series Heyer, Paris, France) and the role genomic evidence for selection for brought together a broad group of of spatial processes of population reduced N-usage in Nitrogen poor international researchers to explore expansion and colonization in habitats (Karl Schmid, Stuttgart, recent theoretical and empirical shaping current patterns of human Germany). Another talk by Joanna advances in the field of evolutionary genetic diversity. The breadth of Schmitt (Providence, USA) used genomics. topics at this conference provided a Genome-wide Association Mapping The meeting was set in the beautiful great opportunity to hear and learn to explore the genomic basis of coastal town of Roscoff in France, from researchers working on distinct adaptation to local environments and had an extensive programme of research fields to my own. at four common gardens across talks covering three major themes: As my current focus is on Arabidopsis Europe. These data have begun to ‘Population genomics’, ‘Evolutionary lyrataI was particularly interested provide answers to key questions genomics’ and ‘From molecular by talks discussing the use of in ecological genetics such as biology to population genetics’. the extensive genomic resources the number of loci involved in The talks covered a diverse range available for the model plant and local adaptation to particular of interesting topics and study close relative, Arabidopsis thaliana. environments and whether the loci systems including the genomics Marcus Nordborg (Vienna, Austria) implicated in local adaptation differ of Influenza A evolution (Michael discussed the 1001 Arabidopsis among populations. Lässig, Cologne, Germany), hybrid genomes project and a novel use Advances made possible by high incompatibilities in protein-protein of these data to study variation in throughput sequencing featured in interactions in Saccharomyces estimates of genome size length. most of the talks across all three (Christian Landry, Laval, Canada), Another interesting theme was the of the major conference themes. understanding the type of selective use of model systems in genomics Julien Dutheil (Marburg, Germany) sweeps associated with recent (particularly A. thaliana), for showed that using a small number of Drosophila pesticide resistance advancing our understanding of whole genome sequences can reveal (Dmitri Petrov, Stanford, USA), the the genetics of adaptation to the further insights into the evolution impact of social organization and diet environment. One interesting of Primates and emphasized the importance of considering incomplete lineage sorting when The quality of all the posters was really high and inferring ancestral phylogenetic once again represented a diverse range of study relationships. In addition to genome sequencing, a number of talks systems and important questions in evolutionary presented exciting developments genetics. Presenting a poster at one of these sessions resulting from high throughput was particularly useful for me to gather useful transcriptome sequencing. Henrik Kaessmann (Lausanne, Switzerland) feedback on my plans for further developing my used transcriptomic data for current project. mammals representing all major

36 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . Issue 68 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 37

lineages, as well as germline/somatic tissues within each organism, to 10th International conference investigate questions associated with transcriptome evolution, such as the evolution of protein-coding Zebrafish Development gene expression levels and dosage compensation effects on the sex and Genetics chromosomes. Another talk by Chris Wheat (Helsinki, Finland) detailed 20 – 24 June2012, Madison, Wisconsin his research using high throughput RNA sequencing to characterize Alifiya Kapasi . University of Glasgow the genomic basis of variation in dispersal propensity in the Glanville he 10th international zebrafish David’s research combines Fritillary Butterfly. Tconference held in the beautiful behavioural phenotyping with high The poster sessions were another city of Madison, USA was a throughput chemical screening highlight, as there were multiple great success. The conference technologies to identify novel sessions to explore all the posters brought together experts, whose drugs. Well done David! and discuss research in detail with contributions have shaped zebrafish The keynote lecture was given the authors. The quality of all the research. The meeting took place in by Professor Rudolph Jaenisch posters was really high and once two locations, the Overture Centre (Whitehead Institute, MA). again represented a diverse range for the Arts, and Memorial Union. Professor Jaenisch was one of of study systems and important The 4 day programme was divided the first scientists to make a questions in evolutionary genetics. into presentation and poster transgenic mouse model and has Presenting a poster at one of these sessions covering diverse aspects of made significant contributions to sessions was particularly useful Development and Genetics. the field of epigenetics. He gave for me to gather useful feedback on This year the zebrafish research an interesting and enthusiastic my plans for further developing my community and Genetics Society talk about nuclear reprogramming current project. of America established the Chi-Bin and induced pluripotent stem cells The congress closed with a great Chien Award in memory of Dr.Chi- (iPS). The lecture covered aspects seafood banquet and some closing Bin Chien (1965-2011). Chi-Bin of how stem cells are regulated by remarks form the organisers – Xavier was a professor of Neurobiology transcriptional factors, and how Vekemans (Villeneuve d’Ascq, and Anatomy at the University of Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog contribute France) and Juliette deMeaux Utah, and was one of the leading to pluripotency and self-renewal (Münster, Germany)– emphasising scientists in zebrafish research. His of embryonic stem cells. Professor what an exciting time this is for research focussed on the wiring of Jaenisch also talked about all researchers with interests in the central nervous system and he molecular mechanisms established Evolutionary biology. was one of the pioneering scientists to reprogramme mouse and human As a first year Postdoc at the in discovering gateway cloning. somatic cells, and investigating beginning of a project with a strong This award celebrates Chi-Bin’s major human disease by the use of emphasis on evolutionary genetics, legacy of his extraordinary work. patient-specific iPS. this meeting was really informative As the first recipient of this award, The plenary session on Neural and helped me develop many useful the zebrafish international research Development started with a talk ideas for using high throughput data community awarded David Kokel, from Kelly Radtke (University to answer questions relevant to my Ph.D, a postdoctoral researcher at of New South Wales, Australia) research. I am very grateful to the Massachusetts General Hospital on how morphogen gradients Genetics Society Junior Travel Grant and Harvard Medical School, for his of retinoic acid influence the for providing the funds for me to research involved with behaviour- patterning of the rhombomeres attend this exciting meeting. based neuroactive drug discovery. in the zebrafish hindbrain. This

www.genetics.org.uk . 37 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 38

involves calcium movement between intracellular stores in vivo. A fantastic talk by Dr Feng (University of Boston) used a transgenic zebrafish model to conduct a genetic screen to identify genes whose mutation delays the onset of leukemia. Using this approach they identified a gene encoding dihydrolioamide S-succinyltransferase (DLST), whose heterozygous loss delays the onset of leukemia. In the Morphogenesis and Cell Migration session, excellent talks were given on the roles of E-caherin on cell division in the zebrafish lens epithelium, PCP proteins regulating ECM organisation during gastrulation, and how non-muscle myosins regulate changes at the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB). was followed by a talk by Hazel Interesting talks and workshops Additionally, great talks were Sive (Massachusetts Institute of focussed on emerging technologies given in the other sessions of Technology) demonstrating how in Genetics and Genomics. J.Joanna Cancer and Growth Control, Retinal Binding Protein 4 may Yeh (Harvard Medical School) and Cardiovascular Development, act in cerebral spinal fluid to Jarryd M. Campbell (University Haematopoiesis, and Chemical promote cell survival. Y.Nishiwaki of Minnesota) both gave talks on Biology. from the Institution of Science transcription activator-like effector A range of exhibitors were present and Technology Graduate nucleases (TALENs) technology. throughout the 4 days. These University, Japan, showed genetic Adam Miller from the Moens lab included a range of companies mutations residing in β-soluble in Seattle talked about developing involved in maintaining specialised N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor a rapid mutant mapping approach systems for aquatic organisms, attached protein (β-SNAP) causes that utilises RNA-seq. antibody manufacturers, apoptotic death of photoreceptors Yona Goldshmit, a post-doc specialised microscope in zebrafish. from the Currie lab (Australian technologies, and zebrafish Furthermore, the study showed Regenerative Medicine Institute) database resources. that this apoptotic death was began the plenary session Overall, the 10th International dependent on BH-3 proteins, which on Physiology and Disease. Zebrafish conference was enjoyable regulates the balance between pro She presented data to show and highly valuable. All the talks and anti-apoptotic signals. During overactivation of FGF signalling and posters presented were very the Neural Degeneration and accelerates glia formation and interesting and displayed a high Regeneration session, there were bridging after injury to the spinal quality of scientific research. The eloquent talks about photoreceptor cord, and loss of FGF signalling zebrafish research committee regeneration, models of spinal inhibits this process. Robert thank the platinum sponsors, muscular atrophy, and the Esterberg from the University Aquatic Habitats, Techniplast, influences of Hedgehog signalling of Washington demonstrated Aquaneering Inc, and the Genetics in the hypothalamus. that drug-induced hair cell death Society of America.

38 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . Issue 68 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 39

The Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE) 2012 meeting 23 – 26 June 2012, Dublin, Ireland

Athanasios Kousathanas & Sophie Marion de Procé . University of Edinburgh

2012 was the 20th anniversary of Several labs presented work that investigated the SMBE Annual Conference, which was set in Dublin, Ireland. topics in evolutionary genomics at an The SMBE meeting is always a big unprecedented scale, raising our hopes that success but this year, with over long-standing questions regarding the origin 1300 delegates, approximately 1500 abstracts and 790 posters, it of life, the nature of adaptation, the function was the biggest conference in the of non-coding DNA and the causes of human society’s history. The venue was disease will soon be answered. the impressive Conference Centre of Dublin (CCD), the highlight of which for me was the enormous, state-of-the-art Auditorium, with its Newcastle) who presented the Arguably the best part of the very comfortable seats, tablets and current hypotheses on the origin conference, were the student talks electric sockets to charge laptops. of eukaryotes and evidence from for the Walter M. Fitch Symposium To accommodate the unprecedented his lab’s work that supports an on the last day. The students were number of participants, there were archaeobacterial origin. Other confident and presented cutting-edge five simultaneous sessions and even plenary speakers included Hopi research very clearly. two consecutive poster sessions. This Hoekstra (Harvard University) who The winner of the Walter M. required a good sense of priority spoke about the evolution of cryptic Fitch prize was Elizabeth Perry to choose the talks you were most coloration in mice and Belinda (University Of Oregon) who interested in, as you were bound to Chang (University of Toronto) who investigated the repeatability of miss four talks at any one time. I am presented her work on the evolution evolution at different biological grateful for the ecological decision of visual pigment function. scales (from biological pathways of the organizing committee not to The Masotashi Nei lecture was to genes, codons, and nucleotides) print the abstracts. given on the second evening by the in replicate communities of It would not have been convenient to President of the SMBE, Charles bacteria and bacteriophage and carry a thousand-page book around “Chip” Aquadro, on the molecular found a surprisingly high degree for the whole three days! evolution of germline stem cell of repeatability which varied genes. Research from his group depending on the scale, the organism The meeting started on the 23rd of suggests that positive selection and the nature of selection. Prizes June with the welcome reception. driving amino-acid diversification for the best undergraduate, graduate The delegates had time to register, on these reproductive genes in the and postdoctoral posters were also get their badges and then have a Drosophila melanogaster subgroup awarded. The conference ended with drink while meeting old and new cannot be explained only by a talk by the President of the society friends and colleagues. male-female conflict and sperm- who thanked us for participating The first day of presentations competition, but could also be due to in the biggest conference in the featured a plenary talk by pathogens such as the maternally- society’s history and invited us to Martin Embley (University of inherited bacteria Wolbachia. take part in a traditional Irish night

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event at the Trinity College Dublin. selection on synonymous mutations raising our hopes that long-standing The next year’s meeting (2013) will which, counter-intuitively, can questions regarding the origin of take place in Chicago, USA. increase as the effective size of a life, the nature of adaptation, the Another highlight was the ‘adaptive population decreases. function of non-coding DNA and the vs. non-adaptive’ evolution The symposium ended with the causes of human disease will soon symposium, basically a debate on contribution of Brian Charlesworth be answered. the contribution of adaptive and (University of Edinburgh) who Overall, we found that the non-adaptive forces to molecular presented a theoretical treatment of conference was well organised and evolution. John Capra (University the forces that limit the effectiveness I highly enjoyed the talks and the of California, San Francisco) of selection. During the conference poster presentations. We also had emphasised the role of biased a large proportion of oral and poster the chance to meet many new people gene conversion in shaping fast presentations highlighted the role and get very useful feedback for my evolving regions of the genome and of next-generation sequencing on research. We would like to thank producing patterns that resemble accelerating our research progress. the Genetics Society for providing positive selection. Laurence Hurst Several labs presented work that me with funding to attend the (University of Bath) presented investigated topics in evolutionary conference. results regarding the strength of genomics at an unprecedented scale, First Joint Congress on Evolutionary Biology July 6 – 10, 2012, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Dilrini De Silva . Queen Mary University of London

he First Joint Congress on Society for the Study of Evolution characterising the evolution of TEvolutionary Biology or (SSE), and the Society of Systematic conserved noncoding elements “Evolution 2012” was held at the Biologists (SSB). (CNEs – putative cis-regulatory award winning Ottawa Convention Approximately 1500 scientists from elements) both at the interspecific Centre (a piece of sophisticated around the world specialising in and intraspecific level. architecture focused on being as evolution and ecology attended Jeff Wall spoke about archaic eco friendly as possible) on one of the meeting, which consisted admixture in human populations the sunniest weeks in Ottawa this of 16 parallel sessions on each and posed a question about what summer. day. The joint nature of the genetic contributions archaic The congress was unique in the congress allowed me to listen to hominids have made to the modern sense that it brought together for phylogeneticists and population gene pool. They discovered that the the first time the American Society geneticists as well as systems average proportion of Neanderthal of Naturalists (ASN), the Canadian biologists in one meeting. DNA is surprisingly higher in East Society for Ecology and Evolution This combination reflects the Asia than in Europe. (CSEE), the European Society for interdisciplinary nature of Joseph Lachance from Sarah Evolutionary Biology (ESEB), the my project, which involves Tishkoff’s lab spoke about their

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Approximately 1500 scientists from around the world specialising in evolution and ecology attended the meeting, which consisted of 16 parallel sessions on each day. The joint nature of the congress allowed me to listen to phylogeneticists and population geneticists as well as systems biologists in one meeting.

ongoing work on African hunter- taxa) effectively. The software evolution of an alternative male gatherers where they sequenced demonstration was fascinating as mating strategy: Socialising with the whole genomes of Pygmy, the visualisation worked somewhat less attractive rivals” and a link to Hadza and Sandawe individuals akin to Google Streetview, which the video can be found here: http:// to explore how their genomic allows you to ‘travel’ along a clade vimeo.com/44808911. “Lessons diversity has been shaped by in the phylogenetic tree, zooming from Evolution - Dating with geography and language. An in and out as you proceed. Darwin” by Amber Teacher and important observation they Several talks were focused on Megan Head (video: http://vimeo. made during their sequencing studying patterns of adaptation com/44796728) came a close second. efforts is that there was a small in stickleback species; however, The conference dinner was proportion of discordant base Felicity Jones delivered one that held at the Canadian Museum calls when sequencing the same interested me especially in the SSE of Civilization – an impressive genome twice. This raises some symposium, which highlighted how building located by the Ottawa concern about base calls made by adaptive evolution was brought River. Dinner was followed by standard sequencing where the about predominantly by changes in dancing at ‘Club Evo’ – a part same individual is not sequenced regulatory regions in three-spine of the museum converted into multiple times. sticklebacks. Interestingly, they a nightclub for us scientists to Pleuni Pennings presented her observed that each population continue the party into the early work on selective sweeps in HIV of stickleback was deleting the hours of the morning. and concluded that when they regulatory mutation independently I also took the opportunity to do occur, nonsynonymous sites giving rise to parallel evolution of participate in the white water recover (diversity) faster than the same phenotype. rafting tour organised for the synonymous sites (primarily) On the third day of the meeting I conference participants, which because diversity is lower at presented my work in the form of took us into Quebec to enjoy a nonsynonymous sites to begin an oral presentation after an initial fun-filled day hitting the rapids with. The signature of a sweep hiccup when I accidentally logged of the mighty Ottawa River. I am is then seen as a reduction in myself off the presentation window grateful for the Genetics Society diversity at synonymous sites. thereby losing precious minutes. for sponsoring my travel to An interesting presentation An entertaining event at the Ottawa, Canada without which my that attracted a large audience congress was an evolution-themed participation at the congress would (to the point that the audience NESCent short film festival where have been impossible. spilled out of the room and into we were invited to judge the the corridor) was made by James entries over refreshing lemonade. Rosindell where he presented The hilarious entry by Cedric Tan his new software ‘One Zoom’ to (rightfully) won the competition. visualise large-scale phylogenetic His short film was titled “The trees (in the range of millions of

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The fourth meeting of the European Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology (EED) July 10 – 13, 2012, Lisbon, Portugal

Nathan Kenny . University of Oxford

ith the kind support of a Paula Rudall of the Royal Botanic very fruitful. This was my second WGenetics Society Junior Gardens, the second keynote speaker, Euro EvoDevo conference, having Scientist Grant, I recently found kept the worldwide theme going previously attended the Paris myself whisked from the rain and with a talk on the development meeting in 2010 as an undergraduate drizzle of the English summer to and phylogenetic relationships of student, and the opportunity to see sunny Portugal, to immerse myself early divergent angiosperms, using how projects had matured and taken in a week of the latest news and models (Hydatellaceae) from Oceania advantage of new technologies was in research from the world of EvoDevo. and India, which will have many itself a useful learning experience. While there was little time to enjoy implications for our understanding Symposia details are too numerous the weather, the Faculty of Sciences of the evolution of early seed plants. to detail, but are available, along of the University of Lisbon and the The third plenary speaker, Gerd with abstracts, on the Euro Society Committee were excellent Müller of the University of Vienna, EvoDevo website (http://evodevo. hosts, and the meeting was a great spoke on the theoretical contribution eu/conferences/2012). The “Next opportunity to immerse myself in that EvoDevo has made to more generation models to understand current movements in this field. recent evolutionary theory. The animal phylogeny and regulatory Giving lie to its name, the ‘Euro’ conference was rounded off with an evolution” symposium was a EvoDevo Conference attracted excellent talk by Moisés Mallo of particular highlight for myself, speakers from as far away as New the Gulbenkian Institute of Science, with next-generation sequencing in Zealand, and as such provided an whose talk noted the exact cause of particular allowing the consideration ideal opportunity to meet and hear key anatomical changes in vertebrate of questions from models far outside from speakers from around the evolution, via detailed examination the ‘Big Six’ which have never before world. For instance, the conference of the role of Hox genes in forming been feasible to ask. A few topics was opened with a plenary from the vertebral pattern of the skeleton were, perhaps, underrepresented, Armin Moczek of Indiana University, in a variety of species. probably by dint of their emerging who spoke of his work with horned Interspersed among the keynote nature. There was little seen in beetle evolution – an interesting talks, of course, were a variety of the way of epigenetics, broad scale contrast with more traditional model symposia, poster sessions and more genomic evolution or the role of organisms. The chance to obtain a informal chances to discuss with non-coding RNAs in the regulation global perspective, both in terms colleagues. I was able to present of development. However, I am sure of speakers and metazoan models, two posters, and the links and that these topics will be tackled with was a key part of what made this potential collaborations forged by gusto in years to come. conference worthwhile. my discussions will hopefully be The Euro EvoDevo conference was again a fantastic experience, and I thank the Genetics Society for their the conference was opened with a plenary from Armin support in my attendance. The next Moczek of Indiana University, who spoke of his work conference is to be held in Vienna in 2014, and I hope to see you there with horned beetle evolution – an interesting contrast – hopefully the weather, discussions with more traditional model organisms. and science will be just as good!

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Seventh International Conference on Stickleback Behavior and Evolution 29 July – 3 August, 2012, Bainbridge Island, Seattle, US

Gil Smith . University of St Andrews

he stickleback meetings are held meeting, with talks lasting just 15 Tevery three years and in August minutes, allowing more than 20 to 2012 around 150 people descended on be squeezed into a day. Although Bainbridge Island near Seattle, in exhausting it proved to be a very the northwest state of Washington, enriching experience for someone, USA. The stickleback fish are a group like me, who is new to the system. I of marine and freshwater species was very impressed with the quality that display a remarkable level of of research being carried out with biological diversity. Sticklebacks stickleback fish, as well as with Felicity Jones (HHMI and Stanford adapt rapidly and exhibit different the quality of the talks themselves. University) gave a fascinating talk phenotypes according to a range Highlights included presentations on the genomic changes during of environmental regimes, with by two eminent researchers, Tom adaptation and Patrick Nosil multiple populations responding Reimchen (University of Victoria) (University of Sheffield) gave an to selection in parallel. This makes and Mike Bell (Stony Brook exciting overview of our growing the fish particularly attractive University), covering stickleback knowledge on the genomic basis of to ecologists and evolutionary ecology and contemporary evolution. ecological adaptation and speciation. biologists interested in adaptation. Frank von Hippel (University of Such studies are now uncovering the Although the group includes several Alaska Anchorage) gave a fascinating various genomic rearrangements, species, the threespine stickleback talk on chemical contamination in changes in regulatory regions (Gasterosteus aculeatus) has come Alaska, for which he collected data and gene functions underlying to the fore as an important model with the indigenous people and with adaptation, and highlight the species in many aspects of biological whom he collaborates and shares all different ways in which we can utilize research, and this was reflected in his data. this genomic information. the broad range of symposium topics The reducing costs and increasing Stickleback 2012 was an exciting at the 2012 meeting. These included utility of high-throughput (next demonstration of our increasing behaviour, ecology, adaptation, generation) sequencing has led knowledge in the field of speciation, sexual selection, genetics to a surge of studies producing evolutionary genetics and I am and genomics, sex chromosome sequencing data. The stickleback already looking forward to seeing the evolution, developmental genetics, genome was recently sequenced advances made by the next meeting ecotoxicology, physiology and host- and many researchers are taking at Stony Brook University, New York. parasite evolution. The stickleback advantage of this. The running I would like to thank Katie Peichel conference is a great opportunity for theme of both Evolution 2012 and (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research researchers working on these very Stickleback 2012 seemed to be Center, Seattle) who did a fantastic different questions to come together ‘genome scans’. This technique job of organizing the meeting, and and share their work, and possibly can be used to examine population the Genetics Society for the funding learn something new about the differentiation at the genomic that allowed me to attend. system. level in order to identify divergent The conference schedule was genetic regions and characterize surprisingly intense for a small the underlying genetic architecture.

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Frontiers of Speciation Research (FROSpects) Summer School 28 – 30 August 2012, Průhonice Castle Conference Centre, Czech Republic Lyndsey Holland . University of Exeter

his August saw 35 graduate geographic scale) may highlight several types of molecular markers Tstudents, post-docs, scientists loci diagnostic of speciation as examples – from next-generation and instructors convene or selection pressure, and how and SNP data, to not-so-next at Průhonice Castle in the modelling outlying loci can detect generation markers (e.g, allozymes Czech Republic for the annual divergent areas of the genome. and microsatellites). Each lecturer FROSpects Methods on Speciation On day two, Dr. Gilles Guillot also highlighted considerable Research workshop. This year, (Technical University of Denmark) relevant literature, and lectures the theme of the workshop was described benefits and caveats of were made available for students ‘population genetics approaches’ some spatial modelling approaches, after the workshop so that they and participants came from all and we heard about limits to could be shared with our own lab over Europe to learn about and speciation, for example along groups. discuss theoretical and practical ecological gradients (Dr. Jitka My work uses multi-locus approaches to studying genes Polechová, IST Austria and Dr. codominant genotyping to assess or genomes under selection or Jon Bridle, University of Bristol). population structure in temperate involved in speciation processes. Students had the opportunity to marine invertebrates; luckily The workshop was structured with present their research and we for me, Beate Nürnberger has a program of lectures, software- had time to explore the extensive also worked extensively on coral specific practicals and student grounds of the castle. connectivity, and I also met other talks over three days, followed by a On the final day, Prof. Jody students with experience of marine banquet on the final evening. Hey (Rutgers University) and invertebrate population structure Prof. Nick Barton (IST Austria), Dr. Claudia Bank (University research in the NE Atlantic. The Dr. Stuart Baird (CIBIO, University of Geneva) led tutorials on beautiful surroundings, informal of Porto) and Prof. Roger isolation-with-migration atmosphere, regular coffee breaks Butlin (University of Sheffield) models and Dobzhansky-Muller and shared appreciation of kicked off the lectures with incompatibilities, respectively (i.e., Czech beer facilitated plenty of considerations of speciation accounting for gene flow in the networking opportunities and the under allopatric, parapatric and case of scenarios akin to parapatric workshop proved productive and sympatric scenarios, including speciation). Many examples and informative – I would definitely complications arising from, for case studies with divergent taxa recommend it! The majority example, linkage disequilibrium, were used to illustrate key concepts of funding for the course was balancing selection, hybrid zones of the lectures, from house mice provided by the European Science and selective processes on hybrids, (Václav Janoušek) to fire-bellied Foundation; however, travel was and secondary contact. We also toads (Dr. Beate Nürnberger and not covered, so I am grateful to the learned about how shifts in genetic Prof. Jacek Szymura). I was also Genetics Society for supporting my clines (allelic frequencies along a impressed by the inclusion of attendance at this workshop.

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14th International Xenopus Conference 9 – 13 September 2012, Giens Peninsula, France

Adam Hendry . University of East Anglia

recent successes of sequencing the X.laevis and X.tropicalis genomes. Sequencing the X.laevis genome has proven difficult due to it being allopolyploid, the result of a speciation event that occurred 40 million years ago. Despite this challenge the X.laevis genome has now been provisionally sequenced and is rightly lauded as a significant achievement that will be of great benefit to the Xenopus community as a whole. The evening session was finished in style with a fantastic keynote lecture from John Gurdon (Gurdon institute, UK), which aimed to How frog biologists relax highlight the Xenopus model’s major contributions to our understanding of vertebrate development. It began aking place in the sublime shower). Fortunately for everyone, with an overview of John’s arguably Tsetting of the French Riviera, the we got both. most famous experiment; the 14th International Xenopus meeting Housed in the magnificent Belambra creation of the first vertebrate clone was a fantastic opportunity for resort, talks focused primarily on using intact nuclei from the somatic Xenopus researchers from around the the two most commonly studied cells of a X.laevis tadpole. Focus world to congregate, share research Xenopus models, Xenopuslaevis moved quickly onto the probable and discuss their ideas. and Xenopustropicalis, but also future of Xenopus research, Given such a beautiful setting it featured work using the Axolotl with John discussing his more only seemed appropriate for my (Ambystomamexicanum). The recent work involving epigenetic fellow PhD student Vicky Hatch four-day event featured a series of regulation of DNA and intercellular and myself to make the most of exciting talks, in which speakers signalling factors involving cell this experience by cycling to the discussed their research using differentiation. As an introduction conference from Turin, Italy. Having Xenopus as a genomic tool and to Xenopus past, present and future, survived the beautiful 200-mile trip the subsequent bioinformatical John set the tone for the rest of the along the Mediterranean coast we analysis. Daniel Rokhsar (University event as a celebration of all things arrived in Giens primed and ready of California, USA) gave an excellent frog. Now it was time to challenge for some stimulating science (and a summary of the challenges and the concept of an “all you can eat”

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It has been previously shown in Xenopus that BMP explained how contact inhibition can be the driving force behind gradient disruption can lead to double axis formation, neural crest migration and and that the gradient is maintained by a number of patterning. He proposed a model regulatory factors such as Chordin. where neural crest cells cluster together via C3a signalling and chase placode cells secreting Sdf1. buffet and get some well-deserved that the early developing Xenopus In a process described by Roberto as rest for the following day. embryo undergoes anaerobic “chase and run”, placode cells only Monday talks started bright lactate metabolism as opposed migrate on contact with the neural and early, the morning sessions to aerobic glucose metabolism. crest cells, pulling the neural crest focusing on cell signalling This process, also described as cluster inan appropriate direction in early development. Rapid the “Warburg effect” in cancerous and thereby allowing them to form exutero development resulting tumours, was suggested to be structures such as the branchial in the relatively easy capacity to prominent in proliferating rather arches. This final session ended, manipulate complex cell signalling than differentiating cells. The link bringing us to another evening of pathways and subsequently to cancer may help us to understand food, wine and of course, poster developing tissues in Xenopus has how tumours continue to grow in an presentations. anaerobic environment. historically made it a popular model The combination of 3 days’ hard in the study of developmental The day’s talks were concluded science combined with the promise biology. Eddy De Robertis (HHMI, by an excellent keynote speech of a mid day excursion suggested University of California, USA) delivered by Marc Kirschner that sustained concentration displayed this emphatically by (Harvard Medical School, USA), would be a matter of willpower. providing novel insights into BMP who spoke about his recent work Fortunately, this was not the case regulation in Xenopus dorsal- in proteomics and its future as the session provided numerous ventral patterning. It has been with Xenopus. Dinner and some examples of what quality research previously shown in Xenopus that stimulating discussion over the can be done when put in the right BMP gradient disruption can lead to numerous posters on display hands. Wednesday arrived with double axis formation, and that the rounded off a fine day and another neural development as its morning gradient is maintained by a number late night. topic featuring leading experts in of regulatory factors such as Tuesday began by looking at the the field including Carole LaBonne Chordin. Eddy has shown through broad topic of tissue patterning (Northwestern University, USA) antibody staining that Chordinwas and organogenesis. Naturally this and Jean-Pierre Saint-Jeannet found to be presentduring covered a broad range of research, (New York University, USA). At gastrulation between the ectoderm including some interesting work by this point I would be remiss (and and the mesodermal layers in a Oliver Wessely (Cleveland Clinic, my supervisor beside himself) if space known as Brachet’scleft. Eddy USA) who showed the importance I did not mention the excellent hypothesised that this may well of micro RNAs towards normal talk provided by my colleague and explain how Chordincan regulate kidney development. Aaron Zorn fellow cycling buddy Vicky Hatch BMP signalling over long distances (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, (University of East Anglia, UK). and also help pattern. USA) also presented his work Presenting her work on neural crest The afternoon session consisted of in which he demonstrated the development, Vicky demonstrated talks of stem cells, regeneration and importance of BMP and WNT the potential for an additional chromatin remodelling. Bill Harris signalling in Xenopus lung layer of regulation to neural crest (University of Cambridge, UK) development. differentiation by the process of gave a talk linking the relationship The afternoon sessions delivered transcriptional elongation. between metabolism and tissue work on the cell cycle and The afternoon afforded us the growth in the early developing cell dynamics. Roberto Mayor opportunity to explore the local embryo. Bill went on to show some (University College London, UK) island of Porquerolles, a beautiful compelling data that indicated

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nature reserve that we were specification. The day ended with a transcriptome profiling of early permitted to colonise for a few hours final farewell dinner, complete with Xenopus embryos can be used to to enjoy the sun and sea before music, dancing and the consumption identify new regulators of early we were shepherded back into the of a reasonable amount of free wine. development. lecture theatre. The more responsible of us having With the conference drawing to a The next session centred on axon finally dragged our way back close it was time to say goodbye guidance, immunology, physiology to the lecture theatre, the final and begin our long cycle to the and evolution. The diversity of Thursday morning session began. Marseille airport for the flight home. subjects kept us on our toes, Nancy Papalopulu (University of Overall, the entire experience was ranging from Louis Du Pasquier’s Manchester, UK) gave an interesting an extremely positive one and the (University of Basil, Switzerland) talk on how miR-9 can control quality of the talks and location talk towards Xenopus immune ultradian oscillation during neural have set the bar extremely high system evolution, to Christine Holt’s progenitor maintenance. In addition, for the next International Xenopus (University of Cambridge, UK) Caroline Hill (The Gurdon Institute, meeting in 2014 and beyond. research regarding RNA-based axon UK) showed us how small RNA and

International Association of Landscape Ecology 4 – 6 September 2012, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh UK

Tonya Lander . Natural History Museum London

andscape ecologists, population profile policy-makers and politicians the challenges of conservation in Lbiologists, land managers, such as Steve Albon from the James areas dominated by agriculture, ecological consultants and politicians Hutton Institute, co-chair of the commercial forestry and urban from the UK and 17 other countries, Expert Panel for the recent UK development. There was lively including as far afield as Brazil and National Ecosystem Assessment, and discussion about the fact that often South Korea, gathered together in Stewart Stevenson, then Minister for reserves are small and relatively sun-drenched Edinburgh for the 19th Environment and Climate Change isolated, and more often then not annual meeting of the UK group in the Scottish Government. Both it is simply not possible to set aside of the International Association of men spoke about the urgent need land for conservation. This is partly Landscape Ecology. for land management strategies that because the resources and land The goal of the conference was address the current environmental are not available for conservation to “bring together people with crisis while balancing environmental, reserves that provide no economic relevant expertise from across economic and human needs, and return, but also because we need science, policy and practice, to learn avoiding turning the UK into a to produce food, provide homes, from each other, and identify ways ‘conservation theme-park’ while and support industry. Thus, an in which landscape ecology can exporting economic activity to over-arching theme was the need support necessary shifts in land other countries. to integrate conservation with management to deliver improved Land managers from Wilfried Laurier economic activity and find and enduring benefits to society and University in Canada, University of creative solutions for conservation the environment” (http://iale.org.uk/ Milano-Bicocca in Italy, The National problems beyond the traditional conference2012). Trust, The Forestry Commission and reserve system. With the emphasis on Forest Research, Scottish Natural Scientists working in the UK, communication between scientists, Heritage, Borders Forest Trust, Netherlands, France, Brazil, practitioners and policy makers, the The RSPB, and Wildlife Trusts Portugal, Switzerland, South Korea, conference was able to attract high from across the UK spoke about Chile, and the USA presented on

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a range of topics, from modeling the fora for communication between organism dispersal in heterogenous scientists, policy makers and land landscapes, changes in plant- managers? And do they work?’, and pollinator networks with land-use ‘How do we include the wider public change, and reconstructing historical in landscape planning?’. landscape change, to the policies The conference was a great success, that drive landscape change, green in terms of the broad and eclectic infrastructure for climate change range of oral presentations and mitigation, renewable energy posters, as well as the ample production and landscape planning opportunities for discussion and tools. With this range of interests and collaboration, all made easier and Conference participants at Holyrood expertise in the room the discussion more enjoyable by non-stop nibbles, a Park during the ‘Green Infrastructure’ ranged widely, including ‘Do we gorgeous conference dinner, and the field. Photo by Phil Baarda, Scottish need more data? Or are we suffering unforgettable deep fried haggis balls Natural Heritage Analysis Paralysis?’, ‘What do policy and ginger-whiskey cranachan. Many makers and land managers actually thanks to the Genetics Society for want or need to know?’, ‘What are supporting my attendance!

Cell Symposium: Hallmarks of Cancer October 29 – 31, 2012, San Francisco, CA, USA

Mansi Shah . University of Nottingham

he understanding of cancer translation of basic research into normal cells into immortal cells by Tprogression and the mechanism clinical treatments. This two-and- acquiring cell promoting signalling to eradicate this evolving disease a-half day conference was broken and increasing genetic instability. has made tremendous advancements down into several sessions to cover Dr. Peter Campbell (Wellcome Trust in the areas of prevention and the broad areas of tumorigenesis Sanger Institute, UK) delivered an treatment over the last decades. including ‘genomes and epigenomes’, interesting talk on interrogating the The success in the understanding ‘cell-of-origin’, ‘targeting growth architecture of the cancer genome. the process of tumorigenesis can and survival’, ‘new therapeutic In his lecture, he showed how next be attributed to the recognition strategies’, and ‘tumour-host generation sequencing can provide of key capabilities of cancer cells interactions’. insights into mutational processes to evolve. These ‘hallmarks of The conference commenced on a and predict cancer progression. cancer’ include genetic instability, Monday afternoon at 2:30pm with Using myleodysplatic syndrome resisting cell death, avoiding immune a brief introduction by Dr. Bob (MDS) as a cancer model, the DNA destruction, inducing angiogenesis, Weinberg. Absences of some speakers samples from 16 cases were barcoded evading growth suppressors and from the East coast of America into DNA sequencing libraries and sustaining proliferative signalling. were noted due to the disruption the coding exons of over 1000 genes The Hallmarks of Cancer symposium of travel from the devastation of were identified. His lab showed that aimed to highlight recent advances, hurricane Sandy that week. The genetic mutations in RNA splicing clinical implications and future first half of the session introduced machinery were identified in MDS. developments. This was achieved the different hallmarks of cancer, in The driver mutations with splice by bringing together key expert particular, how genetic perturbations variants could be grouped into three leaders in the field to facilitate could result in transformation of categories from known oncogenic,

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The first half of the session introduced the different immunodeficiency, the tumour bulk showed genetic diversity in their copy hallmarks of cancer, in particular, how genetic number aberrations (CNAs) different perturbations could result in transformation of normal to that of the patient tumour. cells into immortal cells by acquiring cell promoting Moreover, when the xenografts were transplanted into secondary signalling and increasing genetic instability. immunodeficient mice, some tumour CNAs remained the same whereas other showed a change in the possible oncogenic and variants at every CpG island, resulting in CNAs across several chromosomes. of unknown origin. In addition, GpC sequences. Using a NOMe- Interestingly, it was only the cancer- the increase in number of driver seq assay, the GpCdinucleotides initiating cells within the primary mutations correlated with poor are then artificially methylated at tumour that were able to generate patient survival and the histological locations where DNA sequences varying stable subclones. This report data overlapped the gene sequencing are not protected by nucleosomes. was remarkable as cancer is not only data. He concluded that the different Through bilsuphite sequencing, heterogeneous but also dynamic due stages of tumour progression werein the nucleosomal occupancy and to its stochastic plasticity, but this fact encoded into the genome, methylation status is detected. By has not been seen at the genomic whereby some splicing variation understanding these underlying level. Personalised medicine at the could be an early onset while others processes, researchers can use clonal and cancer stem cell level was such as mutated p53 could be late combination therapy of epigenetic therefore reiterated. onset. and immunotherapy to re-program The poster sessions proceeded on On the other side of the coin, several cancer cells by re-setting the gene Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday speakers talked about the importance expression patterns to normalcy. morning with my poster displayed of the epigenome in cancer. An early start to the second day for the audiences during the first Epigenetics is becoming a widely was nothing short of attention as session. I got to converse with several accepted field of cancer research we dived straight into the hot topics delegates interested in my research whereby gene expression is altered of cancer stem cell theory and and receive good feedback on my without changes in DNA sequences. clonal evolution. The first couple of work. It also gave me a chance to These changes are contributed talks were about the cancer stem have a look at the other delegate’s through DNA methylation, histone cell origin in breast cancer and posters and learn more about modification and mi-RNA regulation. leukaemia. Dr. John Dick (Ontario their work. I really enjoyed these Dr. Peter Jones (University of Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret poster sessions and appreciated Southern California, USA) explained Hospital, University Health Network, the diversity of new and innovative that his research interests focus Canada), who is known for the research across cancer subtypes. on chromatin remodelling through identification of leukemic cancer The final day of the conference began nucleosomal re-positioning which stem cells and their functional with an energetic roar from the causes the DNA strands to uncoil properties by developing an in San Franciscans along the Market exposing gene promoting sites vivo repopulation assay in NOD/ Street, waiting eagerly for the San for transcription and regulatory SCID mice, gave an interesting Francisco Giants baseball team after factors. He elegantly showed how presentation. Having worked on the winning their 19th World Series. a new developed method could cancer-stem cell hierarchy theory for This, however, did not deter us from simultaneously map nucleosomal over a decade, I was amazed when the conference at hand. Dr. Peter positioning and DNA methylation he showed data that supported the Friedl (Radboud University Nijmegen on individual molecules of DNA. As clonal evolution theory in leukemic Medical Centre, Netherlands) showed methylation normally occurs at CpG patient cases. It was observed that very elegant slides of tumour islands, Jones and colleagues used when different areas of the tumours invasion and metastasis in real aM.CviP enzyme to add a cytosine from patients were xenografted time by using intravital infrared nucleotide after a guanine nucleotide in mice with varying levels of multiphoton imaging.

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These images showed that I really enjoyed the conference and experience invaluable. It also gave tumour cells do not destroy the learnt a lot about cancer research me the opportunity to network with microenvironment to invade the host. and I believe we are steps closer to researchers and other delegates Infact, tumour cells follow the blood treating aggressive cancer in patients with similar research interests vessels and neuronal paths along and and increase patient survival. as myself. Finally, I would like to spread out further. I would like to thank the speakers thank the Genetics Society for their The conference closed with closing and organisers for a successful generous funding and making my remarks by Dr. Bob Weinberg on his conference. It allowed me to gain first international conference a talk of epithelial stemness and the insights into the different areas remarkable one. epithelial-mesenchymal transition. of cancer research making this

1000 Genomes Project Community Meeting 12 – 13th July 2012, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA

Andrew R Wood . University of Exeter

The 1000 Genomes Project variants. YanivErlich (Whitehead I was invited to present a talk community was held over two days Institute) presented lobSTR - a new on how 1000 Genomes-based at the University of Michigan, Ann pipeline for profiling short tandem reference panels haveenabled us to Arbor and had >300 attendees. The repeats from sequence data. Jan detect low-frequency/large effect aim of the meeting was to enable the Korbel (European Molecular Biology variants previously missed by presentation and discussion of how Laboratory) presented methods genome-wide association studies, data and methodologies derived from for structural variant calling and including a functional variant the whole-genome sequencing based compared some of the different within the SERPINA1 gene known 1000 Genomes Project is advancing methods available. to cause a dramatic decrease of a1- our understanding of human Another focus of the meeting antitrypsin levels - a big risk factor disease, either through the direct was the enhancement of existing for emphysema. Others presented use of the 1000 Genomes Project data methods of variant calling and studies where they had generated as a reference or studies that apply error detection. Erik Banks, their own imputation reference population sequencing and other developer of the sequencing panels from their own population technologies to highlight cutting pipeline ‘GATK’ presented a talk cohorts to impute other individuals edge sequencing and technologies in on the difficulty in capturing that had not been sequenced and humans. Presentations comprised indels and the improvements that demonstrated its effectiveness of whole-genome and whole- are being made to reduce the false within their own study. exome studies as well as method discovery rate (previously ~35%) There was also a small selection of development. through improvements to the posters, which were of high standard Some presentations provided an GATK package. Hyun Min Kang and which provided plenty of overview of the 1000 Genomes from the University of Michigan opportunity to network and discuss Project. Gil McVean (University of presented a talk highlighting the ideas with others. Oxford) presented a nice overview issue of contamination that can Overall I found this to be a very of the sampling design and rare occur when performing low-pass insightful meeting and would like to variation identified by the first sequencing, describing the impact of thank the organisers and presenters phase of the 1000 Genomes Project contamination on genotype calls and for making it successful and for having sequenced individuals from discussing his method of detection. providing a really nice venue in the across 14 populations. There were also presentations on nice city of Ann Arbor. Some presentations focussed on the using sequence data to generate capture and calling of structural imputation reference panels.

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Invasions and Expansions: the greater white-toothed shrew in Ireland

Dr Allan McDevitt . University College Dublin

n recent years, there has been Ia very noticeable upsurge in interest in the evolution of species/ populations undergoing range expansions. In particular, newly invading species represent ideal models with which to study the effect of range expansions on genetic diversity and adaptation of populations to new environments. Much of the work conducted so far on the effects of range expansions on genetic and adaptive diversity has been theoretical, based on simulation studies or been conducted on bacterial and yeast populations. Little to date has been published on vertebrates but this is certainly about to change. As the ongoing study on bank voles (Myodes glareolus) in Ireland shows (see Tom White’s article in the January 2012 issue of this publication), a newly invading species on an island such as Ireland represents an ideal real-time scenario to test and model theoretical predictions of a species undergoing a range expansion. Previous work on the infamous cane toad (Rhinella marinus) invasion in Australia has demonstrated that individuals have longer legs (a trait obviously associated with dispersal ability) on the expanding range edge than at initial colonization sites. In addition, it has also been demonstrated that speckled wood butterflies (Pararge aegeria) at an expanding wave front had larger wings and flight muscles. It is A greater white-toothed shrew.

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therefore clear that individuals at invasion out to the invasion front to Once the distribution range (and the front of the invasion/expansion gain insights into the evolution of edge of the range in particular) was can invest more in traits associated species during invasions and determined, a total of 240 greater with dispersal for example than range expansions. white-toothed shrews (20 per site) individuals in more stationary Fieldwork commenced in May were sampled at three points each populations. The aforementioned 2012 (supported by the Heredity along four different transects studies (amongst others) have Fieldwork Grant), using existing (heading in different directions), naturally assumed a genetic basis data from previous trapping efforts going from the centre of the invasive for these changes but none have and from bird pellet data collected range out to the invasive front. examined the changes occurring in 2008 and 2009 as a starting point Having multiple transects is vital in in the genome itself. The advent for determining the distribution this case in order to identify genomic of affordable next-generation of the species. Determining the regions under selection with more sequencing techniques now allows us edge of the range expansion was confidence. With fieldwork now to investigate these processes. paramount to our objectives so we complete, I have recently begun The greater white-toothed shrew systematically trapped outwards using Restriction-site Associated (Crocidura russula) was first over a period of three months from DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) in discovered in Ireland in late 2007 as where the species was previously Aberystwyth University in Wales skeletal remains in barn owl (Tyto found in other surveys. We conducted on the sampled populations. This alba) and kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) a more intensive trapping effort has distinct advantages over the pellets. Their presence was then than previous surveys (using more traditionally used microsatellites confirmed via live-trapping in 2008. suitable live-traps for shrews and in that we can examine thousands At present, we don’t know when the a lot of them!) and specifically of single nucleotide polymorphisms species was introduced to Ireland but targeted optimal habitat for small (SNPs) throughout the genome. Once several studies of small mammals mammal species (hedgerows along the data have been generated, I will not too far from where the species agricultural land). Our increased be estimating various demographic is now found failed to detect the trapping effort was certainly justified parameters associated with the greater white-toothed shrew in the and we found that the extent of the ongoing invasion of the species in late 1990s and early 2000s. Similarly, species’ distribution range was much Ireland. I am particularly interested the origin of the Irish population is greater than previously estimated, in genomic regions under selection unknown at present but a concurrent more than double previous estimates and differences (both adaptive and study being conducted by myself and (~5,800 km2), with the species being neutral mutations) occurring between collaborators (using mitochondrial present in seven Irish Counties as populations at the expanding wave DNA) points to a European origin opposed to only two. Cane toads are front in comparison to those at the (as opposed to northern Africa) and now rapidly expanding their range centre of the range. In addition, I also a single founding event. The species in recent years (having displayed am investigating possible phenotypic appeared to be limited to a small lower rates of range expansion in changes associated with dispersal area in the south of the country in the first few decades) and we will (in this case, size-specific foot length) Counties Tipperary and Limerick certainly continue work on this occurring at the invasion front. in 2008 and further trapping in the aspect of the invasion to get more I would like to thank the Genetics winter of 2010/2011 estimated its accurate measures of the species’ Society, Irish Research Council, range to be approximately 2,300 range expansion in Ireland. As a Vincent Wildlife Trust and Heritage km2. Given how little we know worrying aside, we also found that the Council for funding. I am extremely about this latest addition to the pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus), which grateful to Damien McDevitt, Irish mammalian community, it was was previously Ireland’s only shrew IlariaCosciaand Ruth Carden for important that we embarked on an species, has completely disappeared assistance in the field. I’d also like to intensive live-trapping campaign to within the main range of the invasive thank my collaborators Jon Yearsley, accurately determine the current greater white-toothed shrew and the Tom White, Dave Tosh, Matt Hegarty, range of the species in Ireland. This two species are only found together Stefano Mariani, Ian Montgomery and then allows us to sample appropriate on the very edge of the greater white- Jeremy Searle. transects from the epicenter of the toothed shrew’s range.

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Techniques and Applications of Molecular Biology 2 – 5 July 2012, The University of Warwick

Laura Kruitbos . University of Aberdeen

he course on Techniques and of genomes and the use of next- cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s TApplications of Molecular generation sequencing technologies. disease and Duchenne muscular Biology (2nd - 5th July 2012) held External speaker Fiona Macdonald, dystrophy. One of the highlights at The University of Warwick, a consultant clinical scientist and of the course were the oral Coventry was an engaging and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the presentations given by attendees intensive four day training event. University of Birmingham, gave taking the accredited award. These The course is geared towards a talk on the genetics of familial included talks and discussion on medical practitioners, academic cancers and about some of the ‘Is criminality genetic?’, ‘What researchers and postgraduate genetic screening services she is are tumour suppressor genes?’, students wishing to increase their involved in at the West Midlands ‘The causes of type 2 diabetes’ understanding and knowledge of Regional Genetics Laboratory. and ‘The therapeutic potential of modern advances in molecular Tutorials consisted of small groups intracellular peptide delivery’. biology. The course is approved covering analytical cell culture I am very grateful to the Genetics for CPD by the Royal College of methods, blotting techniques, Society for their generous support Physicians and is also credited by microarray technology, in situ in providing me with a training the Institute of Biomedical Science hydridisation and web-based DNA grant to attend this course. The for those wishing to study for the sequence analysis. The practical course gave me a great opportunity optional Masters level approved laboratory programme provided to network with a wide range of Postgraduate Award. Due to its useful ‘hands-on’ experience of professionals (scientists, medics, success, the course was being held cloning (isolation of plasmid DNA laboratory specialists) from for the 39th time. and transformation of E.coli), around the world and to learn The programme was split up into the use of restriction enzymes, new molecular techniques, which a series of lectures, tutorials, as well as standard PCR and gel I hope to use during my career in graphical displays and computer electrophoresis. the future. I would recommend the based illustrations covering a wide The application of these course to anyone wishing to update range of molecular applications. Of molecular technologies in themselves on recent molecular great interest and emphasis of the disease diagnostics and genetic developments and those engaged in course were DNA cloning, mutation disorders were discussed with academic or medical research. analysis, the characterization a range of examples including

The application of these molecular technologies in disease diagnostics and genetic disorders were discussed with a range of examples including cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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Photoreceptor development

Student Alina Popa . Supervisor Dr. Stephanie Halford & Dr. Suzanne Broadgate, University of Oxford

ight is the most valued out transcription by directly binding expression of INSM2 is regulated Sall the five senses, giving us to the promoter and/or enhancer by NeuroD1, a transcription 80% of the information about the regions of the target genes in factor necessary for the terminal surrounding environment. Loss of photoreceptor cells. CRX enhances differentiation of photoreceptors. vision affects behaviour, learning, the expression of photoreceptor These data suggest it is highly memory and emotions and is rated specific genes and is important likely that INSM2 plays a role in the as a top health fear. for the terminal differentiation normal development of the retina. Partial or total blindness can of rods and cones; however The purpose of this study is occur due to many factors, but CRX alone does not determine to determine whether INSM2 can include retinal degeneration specific photoreceptor cell fate. expression is regulated by CRX. such as age related macular Mutations in CRX cause several It would be interesting for further degeneration (AMD) which affects diseases ranging from more severe studies to elucidate exactly what 25% of people over the age of congenital blindness to late onset role INSM2 plays in photoreceptor 70, but also inherited retinal retinitis pigmentosa. CRX deficient development, and whether INSM2 dystrophies which affect 1 in mice are blind at birth without dysfunction can lead to abnormal 3000 people. In the vast majority detectable photoreceptor function. retinal development. of retinal diseases, the primary INSM2 is a previously The first step in determining cause of visual impairment can uncharacterised gene shown to whether CRX interacts with INSM2 be traced back to an abnormality, be expressed in the developing included the PCR amplification dysfunction or death of retinal mammalian retina and in adult of INSM2 promoter sequence. photoreceptors. photoreceptors. There are several The template DNA from which Development and maintenance of lines of evidence that suggest the product was amplified was photoreceptors require precisely INSM2 may have a role in a mouse genomic BAC clone regulated gene expression. This photoreceptor development. INSM2 bioinformatically selected using regulation is mediated by a network is expressed in the mammalian the Insm2 promoter sequence. of photoreceptor transcription eye interestingly at the time that The products obtained were run factors which determine cell fate in retinal neurogenesis begins, and on a gel to check for the correct the mammalian retina, and include its expression is maintained in the size of product. Once the optimal CRX (cone-rod homeobox), Nrl adult eye. Sequence analysis of conditions were determined the (neural retina leucine zipper) and the human INSM2 has identified a product was cloned into a PCR NeuroD1 (neuronal differentiation 1). putative promoter which contains cloning vector, pGEM T-easy. a strong consensus CRX binding CRX is a transcription factor which site. As mentioned above, CRX is The clones were sequenced to plays a major role in photoreceptor a transcription factor essential for ensure no mutations had been development. It is a trans-activator photoreceptor development and introduced during amplification. for many photoreceptor genes. It activation of photoreceptor specific We designed tagged primers to has been shown that CRX activates genes. It has been shown that generate a product that could

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There are FRIGIDA Indel several lines of evidence that Polymorphism in suggest INSM2 may have a role Arabidopsis lyrata: in photoreceptor Geographical development. distribution and be directionally cloned into the luciferase expression vector pGL3. When transfected into cells, the association with luciferase vector with INSM2 will have easily measurable changes flowering phenology in light intensity depending on its expression. It is hoped that CRX affects INSM2 expression, therefore and mating system cells transfected with CRX and the INSM2 promoter will show Student Amelia Mordas different levels of expression/light Supervisor Barbara K. Mable and James Buckley, University of Glasgow intensity compared to cells only transfected with INSM2. raits associated with the Great Lakes region of Eastern the For this project, I have cloned the Ttiming of flowering are critical North America, with highly selfing, correct sequence of INSM2 into for climatic adaptation in plants. highly outcrossing and mixed- a luciferase vector, ready to be Understanding the extent and mating populations. A. lyratais transfected and its interaction with function of variation in flowering therefore an ideal system in which CRX analysed. In the short time initiation genes will be highly to explore the genetic basis of available to me I have produced advantageous for predicting the flowering traits, as well as to test samples which will be used in effects of on-going climate change the effects of diverse life history future experiments to elucidate the on selection for these traits. Studies traits, such as mating system, on nature of the interaction between using natural ecotypes of the highly variation at genes underlying these CRX and INSM2. selfing annual plant, Arabidopsis key ecological traits. I am grateful to the Genetics thaliana, have already described Recent work by researchers in Society for giving me this extensive genetic variation in genes Scandinavia (Kuittinen et al. 2008 opportunity. It has given me the associated with ‘early’ and ‘late’ MBE25: 319-329) has demonstrated chance to develop my lab skills and flowering phenotypes. In particular, an association between a 42bp also provided me with invaluable loss-of-function mutations at the indel polymorphism at FRIGIDA insight into research. FRIGIDA locus appear to be a and days to first flowering in two I am also forever grateful to Steph, common mechanism for generating European populations grown in Suzanne and Richard for their variation in flowering phenology. common greenhouse conditions. patient teaching and guidance in Arabidopsis lyratais a close relative In this project, I tested whether the lab. of A. thaliana but with a distinct variation at FRIGIDA (including life history. A. lyratais primarily this indel polymorphism) is present outcrossing but shows striking in North American Arabidopsis variation in mating system in lyrata populations, whether it

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is associated with flowering I then tested for an association suggest that the dominant mating phenology between and within between variation in this indel system in a population did not natural North American A. lyrata polymorphism and the measures influence the amount of variation populations, and whether flowering of flowering phenology, as well as in this indel polymorphism, with time or the FRIGIDA polymorphism for differences among sites with selfing and outcrossing populations varied by mating system or contrasting mating system. showing similar variation. geographic location. All seven populations reared Instead, the patterns seen may be Seeds collected from ~20 individual in the growth cabinets showed better explained by genetic drift A. lyrata plants in the field from interesting variation in the number influencing genotype frequencies seven populations differing in of days taken to start bolting and during postglacial colonisation of mating system and geographic flowering, but this was not related this region. location were grown and kept to mating system. However, just Although preliminary, the data under controlled conditions in two of the seven populations here suggest that the FRIGIDAindel growth cabinets. Key traits related were found to contain the FRI polymorphism in these North to flowering phenology were indel polymorphism; all other American populations may not recorded, including time of bolting populations contained only short be the primary locus underlying and time of first flowering. DNA homozygous genotypes. For the two flowering time variation. Further was extracted from leaf tissue populations showing FRI3 length work is needed to determine collected from each individual. polymorphism no association with whether variation at other To amplify the FRIGIDA gene days taken to start bolting was key flowering time genes (e.g. region, I conducted PCR using seen but, since not all plants had Flowering Locus C) is associated three primer sets to produce flowered within the time period of with difference in flowering three overlapping fragments; my studentship, it was not possible phenology in this region. named FRI1, FRI2 and FRI3 to to test for an association with Thank you to the Genetics Society cover exons 1, 2 and 3 respectively. flowering time. Genes and Development summer Due to problems optimising the To examine the geographic studentship programme for their PCR and the size of the FRI2 PCR distribution of this polymorphism generous support, which made this product, only sequences at FRI1 in more detail, additional project possible. Thank you also to and FRI3 were analysed to explore populations in the Great Lakes Aileen Adam and Elizabeth Kilbride differences among individuals region, mostly from around Lake for assistance with all aspects of the and populations. This initial Michigan, were genotyped at FRI3. molecular work and Ryan Carter sequencing work confirmed the 42bp Interestingly, three of the five and Natalie Sinclair for assistance indel polymorphism identified by populations screened were also with plant maintenance and previous researchers, in addition to found to exhibit both long and phenotype scoring. a few other potentially interesting short alleles. Preliminary analyses polymorphisms. However, given the limited time available, I spent the remainder of the project focussed on exploring variation in the indel polymorphism in FRI3. Recent work by researchers in Scandinavia Every individual grown in the (Kuittinen et al. 2008 MBE25: 319-329) has growth cabinet was genotyped by running the FRI3 PCR products on a demonstrated an association between a 42bp gel to separate the length variants; indel polymorphism at FRIGIDA and days to each individual was genotyped as either long homozygous, first flowering in two European populations heterozygous or short homozygous for the FRIindel polymorphism. grown in common greenhouse conditions.

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An investigation to determine the essential genes required for correct chromosome segregation in meiosis

Student Rachael Barton . Supervisor Dr Adele Marston, Edinburgh University

eiosis is the process by which spindles. Accurate DNA replication be identified. A high throughput Meukaryotes can generate and repair is essential in order to screen has been previously spores or gametes in order to allow ensure that the genetic information carried out in Dr Marston’s lab, survival and sexual reproduction. In inherited by the daughter cells is in which S. pombe strains with humans, a diploid cell will undergo intact. However even if the DNA is each gene systematically deleted meiosis to produce 4 genetically correctly copied, if the chromosomes were forced to undergo meiosis different haploid gametes, and aren’t segregated correctly between through starvation, and then the when two of these gametes fuse a the daughter cells then the gamete chromosome segregation in the diploid zygote is produced. In order or haploid spores will be aneuploid. 4 spores generated was analysed. for a diploid cell to undergo meiosis Problems in chromosome From the screen genes which were the DNA is firstly replicated as in segregation in gametes are known essential for meiosis in S. pombe mitosis, but then recombination to cause some human diseases such were identified, and the genes which occurs between the paternal and as Down’s syndrome, in which the had the strongest mutant phenotype maternal chromosomes in order zygote has 3 copies of chromosome could then be investigated further. to create genetic diversity. Next, 21 instead of two. Aneuploidy is However the high throughput the homologous chromosomes thought to be a cause of infertility screen was carried out using strains are evenly distributed between and miscarriages. But the actual of yeast which had been generated two daughter cells, so that each genetic cause of chromosome by high-throughput techniques, and daughter cell contains two missegregation is unknown, and so so in order to verify the importance chromatids of one chromosome. the identification of genes which are of the identified genes my project After meiosis I has occurred, then essential for correct chromosome involved deleting 20 genes which meiosis II can occur. This is where segregation in meiosis could lead had some of the most interesting the sister chromatids in each of the 2 to therapies to help prevent Down’s phenotypes. In order to do this I daughter cells are then separated so syndrome and miscarriages, and designed 80bp primers which were that there is one chromatid of each which could potentially reduce homologous to the upstream and chromosome per cell; so 4 daughter infertility. downstream regions of the gene of haploid cells are produced from one interest, and used these to amplify diploid parental cell. Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) can undergo meiosis by a hygromycin resistance gene. As this is a highly complex process the same conserved pathway as This PCR product could then be many proteins are required for that which occurs in humans, and used to delete the gene of interest either, or both, of meiosis I and therefore this model organism is a in a wild type strain of yeast by meiosis II. There are proteins useful tool for studying meiosis as transformation, which relied on the involved in DNA replication, repair, it can be genetically manipulated. S. pombe undergoing recombination recombination, and chromosome By identifying genes crucial for with the PCR product that contained segregation, as well as those meiosis in S. pombe, this could allow the hygromycin resistance gene. I involved in the assembly of the homologous genes in humans to then selected for the yeast which

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could grow on hygromycin as gametes, the spores produced were caused this phenotype. Other spores this showed the PCR product had digested and individual haploid sometimes only had one or two dots integrated into the genome, and colonies were allowed to grow. present, and others had several dots then verified that it had integrated I could then select for colonies in one spore. at the correct locus by carrying out which could grow on hygromycin Therefore the project was successful a checking PCR. (therefore verifying they had the as the genes of interest identified Although the S. pombe mutants knockout) and which carried the from the high throughput screen each had the gene of interest deleted GFP-labelled chromosome. Diploids were verified as being essential there was no way of knowing if they were generated and sporulation for meiosis through deletion of were unable to undergo meiosis induced to determine the effects of the gene by transformation. As a correctly. So in order to be able to the mutation on meiosis. result of this, the gene products visualise if the yeast did have a The spores from the cross will now be further investigated to defect in chromosome segregation in could then be examined using a try to establish the exact phase in meiosis, the mutants were crossed fluorescent microscope to look at meiosis where they play a role, and to a strain of yeast containing a the distribution of the “dots” in to ultimately determine the precise fluorescent chromosome. This the spores, and also to determine pathway in which the gene product fluorescent chromosome, or “dot” the sporulation efficiency of the S. is acting. The homologous genes as it is known had been previously pombe by counting the number of may also be able to be identified in generated by integrating the mitotic cells versus spores. Of the humans, and may eventually lead bacterial lacO repeats at a locus on 20 genes I was given, I managed to increased knowledge about the the chromosome and expressing to delete 12 of the genes, and to defects which could cause Down’s LacI fused to Green Fluorescent complete the crossing and selection syndrome and infertility. protein (GFP). Binding of the LacI- process for 4 of the genes. Thank you to the Genetics Society GFP fusion protein to the lacO All of the genes that I completed Genes and Development Summer repeats creates the fluorescently the project for had a mutant Studentship for the funding to labelled chromosome. phenotype. The different phenotypes carry out the project, as it allowed To produce yeast carrying the of the spores allowed the gene to me to experience what scientific mutation of interest and the be identified as being essential research is like and I gained a lot GFP-labelled chromosome, the for meiosis I or II. For example from the experience. Thank you mutants were crossed with the some of the spores only had 3 dots also to Dr Adele Marston and Miss “dot-containing” yeast under present, with one of the spores in Julie Blyth for all their help and starvation conditions so that they the ascus appearing to not have the for all the advice they gave me over would mate and then sporulate. The fluorescent chromosome present. the 8 weeks. 4 haploid products (spores) of S. This could be seen to be a meiosis pombe meiosis remain associated, II mutant as it was the incorrect therefore, to separate individual segregation of the chromatids which

To produce yeast carrying the mutation of interest and the GFP-labelled chromosome, the mutants were crossed with the “dot-containing” yeast under starvation conditions so that they would mate and then sporulate.

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Finding wild fission yeast: Where are they?

Student Josephine Hellberg . Supervisor Dr. Daniel Jeffares, University College London

he fission yeast development for PCR detection of S. S. pombe) was superior to YES TSchizosaccharomycespombe pombe in complex field samples. (Yeast Extract with Supplements; is a primary model organism for We first designed PCR primers to rich media) in selecting against eukaryote molecular, cellular detect even minute quantities of budding yeasts, allowing the and genomic processes. Due to fission yeasts in the presence of slower-growing fission yeasts to its evolutionary distance from mixed DNA. Primers were designed compete successfully. The addition the budding yeast Saccharomyces using species-specific regions of of rapamycin (an antiproliferative cerevisiae it makes a powerful ribosomal RNA and mitochondrial immunosuppressant) to the media complementary model for cellular and genomic DNA. The approach allowed the fission yeasts to processes. Very little is however yielded at least one species- outcompete the budding yeasts, known about the natural history specific primer per species, with a and the addition of p-coumaric acid and ecology of S. pombe: we do not sensitivity of <0.1ng DNA, even in selected against other contaminant know the quality or character of complex DNA mixture. Two generic fungi, such as moulds. Ampicillin its natural substrate nor anything primers which were fission yeast- was used as an antibiotic. about its ecological abundance and specific were also produced, which Diverse environmental substrates geographical distribution. The same selectively amplify rRNA for all (flowers, fruit, nectar, insects, applies to the other three species in Schizosaccharomyces species. soil, etc.) were collected by myself the Schizosaccharomyces genus (S. To analyse field samples for fission and collaborators using sterile octosporus, S. cryophilus and technique. A total of 128 samples S. japonicus). yeasts requires media that enriches for fission yeasts while selecting were collected from throughout Although 120 strains of S. pombe against contaminants, of which Europe; England, Germany, have been collected from orchards budding yeasts were presumed the Portugal, Spain, Greece, Crete, and in association with brewing most likely. Substances tolerated France, Sweden, and Belgium. activities, no current strain by S. pombe that compromise Samples were washed using a represents a wild population as S. cerevisiae were found in the liquid wash mediaEMM + 100ng/ substrate domestication may have literature. To test the selectivity μLrapamycin + 100μg/mL ampicillin. caused secondary selection on S. of these substances we evaluated The wash was then used to set up pombe. This has been demonstrated the growth rates of the four glycerol stock for storage at -80°C, for budding yeasts, and has caused Schizosaccharomyces species against and 300μL was plated onto solid budding yeast researchers to actively four divergent Saccharomyces selective media (EMM + 100μg/mL seek wild populations of budding species (S. cerevisiae, S. paradoxus, S. rapamycin + 1mg/mL p-coumaric yeast. The aim of the project was kluyveris and S. castellii) by applying acid + 100μg/mL ampicillin) and to develop methods for finding and 5μL of each strain in serial dilutions incubated at 25°C for 7 days. Plate identifying wild S. pombe. onto replicate media plates. contents were harvested and DNA was extracted. DNA extracts were To find wild S. pombe we focused on The evaluation showed that media development for selection and analysed for fission yeasts using a EMM (Edinburgh Minimal Media, generic fission yeast-specific primer. enrichment of S. pombe, and primer specifically developed for growing

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A few samples presented with bands will be required to detect fission Having developed methods for using a generic primer. Follow- yeasts in nature if their distribution enriching environmental samples up using all four species-specific is at low density. for the presence of fission yeasts, primers failed to produce PCR The success rates of strain isolation and being able to detect even products, suggesting bands may be by Florenzano and Gomes suggest minute quantities of DNA in spurious, or correspond to unknown that S. pombe is readily present, complex mixture, means we are well species of fission yeast. The PCR suggesting that we did not assay prepared for continuing the search products will be sequenced at a later its correct substrate, or in the for wild fission yeast populations to date. These results suggest that correct locale. Confirmation supplement our knowledge of this wild S. pombe was absent from our should be possible by performing important model organism. assayed samples. a second analysis of our processed We thank the following people for We know that S. pombe is samples. However, it is unlikely collecting samples: JürgBähler, present on natural sources of that our failure to find wild Daniel Jeffares, Samuel Marguerat, glucose. That none of the 128 Schizosaccharomyces species was Laurent van Trigt, Charalampos environmental samples collected due to the methods. Although part Rallis, Martin Převorovský, for this project contained detectable of the field samples analysed were DoudaBensasson, Caroline Biagosch, fission yeasts suggests that the without positive control plates the Maria Rodriguez. Caitlin Smith Schizosaccharomyces species are not primers can detect <0.1ng DNA in provided some previous analysis for ubiquitously distributed. Only ~30% complex samples, allowing even this project. of the grapes surveyed contained minute concentrations of wild S. pombe, and the same is true for fission yeasts to be detected. More the budding yeasts for which the likely is that natural fission yeast natural habitat is known. More populations evaded the scope of our thorough environmental sampling initial survey. Finding B genome specific probes in the Brassica genus

Student Christos Kyprianou . Supervisor Prof. Pat Heslop-Harrison, University of Leicester

he Brassica genus, although not to hybridization between these would provide a powerful tool Tso much known by its scientific species: B. juncea, B. carinata and that could be used to identify name, is part of our everyday diet, B. napus with genomes AB, BC and chromosomes and chromosomal providing food from broccoli and AC, respectively. Each of the hybrid segments in newly made hybrids cabbage to oil and mustard, and species carries a diploid set of each and backcrosses for crop breeding. can be known as rape, rapeseed of the two ancestral genomes and These are very necessary to or canola. Three species, Brassica are hence called allotetraploids. improve stress resistance in rapa, B. nigra and B. oleracea are The aim of my project was to Brassica crops by giving genetic diploids and possess the genomes identify repeated DNA sequences in resistances to disease and better A, B and C respectively; all are the B genome (there is no published water usage, as well as improved derived from a common ancestor. whole genome sequence) that could quality and yield. Furthermore, Three more species that have be used as probes in cytogenetic identifying and then characterizing arisen through allopolyploidy due studies. If successful, these probes high copy number repetitive

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sequences gives us an insight into Arabidopsis thaliana sequences the processes of genome evolution are closely related to B. nigra Comparing and homogenization that are (B genome). Through literature evident in the genus. searching I found that a contig biomarkers of In this research, we began by in A. thaliana was colinear with testing previously identified 3 B. nigracontigs on 3 different ageing in transposon sequences that chromosomes through RFLP hybridize to genomes A and C. mapping. By identifying the C. elegans To test them, post-doc DrYifei sequence in the contig of A. Liu and myself collected root tips thaliana we could use the homology from each species growing in the search BLASTN and find out Student Helena Cantwell glasshouse and prepared cytological whether that sequence is found in Supervisor Dr Alison Woollard, slides for each. Those with a high the other genomes or not. However, University of Oxford number of mitotic divisions and there was very little information cells at metaphase were kept about the contig, which made it ealth-span is the amount for subsequent experiments. impossible to locate it and retrieve Hof time an individual lives Chromosomes in metaphase are the sequence. Another candidate without the severe diseases or condensed and appear as separate sequence was a transcript of disabilities characteristic of the structures, necessary for many PSR9, which was identified in B. ageing process. Understanding Fluorescent in situ Hybridization nigra. Interestingly it showed no the biological process of ageing (FISH) experiments. similarities what so ever with the is fundamental to enabling rest of the genomes. It did show biomedical research for the To produce the probes, we extracted similarity however with some A. development of ways to extend the DNA from each species and thaliana sequences, confirming health-span. The nematode worm used DNA oligonucleotide primers their close relation. We also tried C. elegans is a convenient model designed from candidate repetitive digesting the genomes to identify organism to use for studies of sequences in the species B. rapa (A polymorphisms but unfortunately ageing as it has a short lifespan, genome) and B. oleracea (C genome) the digestion failed to produce any a fully sequenced genome, and to amplify the genome specific conclusive results. shares many key biological sequences using PCR. The purified Overall, this Genetics Society pathways and processes with PCR products were then labeled humans. In order to utilise C. with both biotin and digoxygenin Genes and Development Summer Studentship was a fantastic elegans for ageing research it is conjugated nucleotides by random important to have characterised priming labeling. experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to familiarize with well-defined biomarkers of ageing Once we had the probes ready and lab equipment, protocols and in this organism. A biomarker of stored, we began FISH experiments most importantly the working ageing is defined as a biological to confirm the probes’ specificity. environment. I had a wonderful parameter that varies over the We carried out the FISH protocol time there thanks to the people in lifespan of an organism in a on slides we had prepared earlier the lab, which made this experience manner more dependent on the treating them with the appropriate even more phenomenal. I would rate of biological ageing than on its probes and we luckily got some like to thank all of them especially chronological age. Biomarkers of very good results from some of the Prof. Pat Heslop-Harrison, ageing are good predictors of future probes. These showed distinctive DrTrudeSchwarzacher for allowing functionality and life expectancy. hybridization on a subset of me to work in their lab and DrYifei Previously well-characterised chromosomes. Liu for letting me be a part of his biomarkers of ageing in the I was also involved in some post-doc project. nematode worm include tissue bioinformatics tasks, trying to deterioration in the head, slowing identify sequences that could of pharyngeal pumping and be specific for the B genome. slowing of movement. A further, less well characterised, biomarker

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of ageing is the accumulation of transcription factor mediating the However, it is possible to lipofuscin. effects of signalling through this use a microscope capable of Lipofuscin is thought to pathway; it is negatively regulated imaging live worms in order accumulate during ageing as a by DAF-2 which, via AGE-1, causes to follow the accumulation of result of incomplete lysosomal the phosphorylation of DAF-16 and autofluorescence longitudinally degradation of damaged its consequent nuclear exclusion. in individual worms over their mitochondria; it is an aggregate wrn-1 encodes a helicase which is lifespans. This eliminates consisting mainly of oxidised an ortholog of the human WRN the need to remove a sample protein and lipid degradation protein, a RecQ DNA helicase. to assess each day from the products as well as some Mutation of the WRN helicase population of each strain. carbohydrates and metals. can lead to Werner syndrome, Therefore, it prevents data The autofluorescent nature of which is characterised by a rapid obtained from being distorted by lipofuscin allows it to be observed acceleration of ageing and genomic the effect of mounting the worms by fluorescence microscopy, instability in humans. Similarly, on microscope slides on their making it a useful biomarker of mutation of wrn-1 leads to appearance and confounded ageing for use in the lab. shortened lifespan in C. elegans. by the population effect as every individual worm in the The aim of my summer project I monitored worms of known population can be monitored was to quantify the accumulation chronological age by transferring across its lifespan. Therefore, of lipofuscin in C. elegans animals worms to plates at a specific age lipofuscin accumulation, when over the course of their lifespan and preventing future offspring monitored in this type of study, in order to improve its usefulness from hatching (using the drug is an extremely useful biomarker as a biomarker of ageing for 2′-Deoxy-5-fluorouridine), therefore of ageing. use in subsequent genetic eliminating confusion with screens. I decided to compare the younger individuals. I monitored I have very much enjoyed accumulation of lipofuscin during the accumulation of lipofuscin my time spent in the lab ageing in wild type (Bristol N2) in each of the different strain this summer. It has not only worms with that in two long-lived populations by microscopy. I allowed me to develop key skills (daf-2 and age-1) mutant strains imaged worms at low power which are already proving and two worm strains, with (10x objective) with a FITC filter invaluable during my final year mutations in daf-16 or wrn-1, that and a constant exposure time. undergraduate research project, have short lifespans. This allowed me to quantify the but has also provided me with an insight into life in research DAF-2, AGE-1 and DAF-16 are accumulation of autofluorescence with age in whole worms. science that has convinced me all components of the C. elegans that this is a field that I would insulin-like signalling pathway, Additionally, I imaged the worms at higher magnification (using love to enter after graduating which has been implicated in next year. the regulation of longevity a 63x objective), allowing me to as well as several other key monitor tissue deterioration in I would like to thank the biological processes. DAF-2 is a the head, a well-characterised Genetics Society for funding receptor tyrosine kinase which biomarker of ageing, over the same this project and the Woollard is the ortholog of the insulin/ time frame, in order to correlate and Cox labs, especially Hayley IGF receptor and lies upstream it with my data on lipofuscin Lees and Karolina Chocian, for of AGE-1, the C. elegans ortholog accumulation. making me feel so welcome and of the p110 catalytic subunit My results indicate that when for all of their help and support of phosphoinositide 3-kinase. mounting individual worms over the summer. Downstream of DAF-2 and AGE-1 from a population on microscope in this signalling pathway lies slides at each time point, tissue DAF-16. DAF-16 is the only deterioration in the head is a C. elegans Forkhead Box O better biomarker of ageing than (FOXO) homologue and acts as a lipofuscin accumulation.

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Biotic and abiotic stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

Student Jana Stastna . Supervisor Dr Simon Harvey, Canterbury Christ Church University

lant parasites and pathogens and Niederzenz. This would help involved trialling infections of the Prepresent significant challenges all future studies using this panel parental isolates under various to global agriculture. With the of RILs. The additional aims environmental conditions. This continued growth of the human were to assist in screening the involved a variety of bioassays, with population and the additional RILs with variety of biotic and plants infected via different routes pressures placed on arable land abiotic stressors. As part of this, I and at different growth stages by changes in diet it is crucial undertook a preliminary screen of in both green house and growth to understand the bases of plant effects of a variety of wild isolates cabinet environments. Results were resistance to parasites and of powdery mildewon the parental however highly variable and it was pathogens. It is also important ecotypes used in the construction not possible to develop a protocol to understand how plants react of the A. thaliana RILs. I was also that allowed the production of to abiotic stress and pollutants involved in an on-going analysis of consistent results. as this can be used to maximize the RIL panel that was investigating For the copper tolerance project, productivity or even for the the effects of copper on germination I was involved in preparing and recovery of polluted habitats. and development, work part of a analysing an agar-plate based One way such biotic and abiotic collaboration with Dr Alec screen of the A. thaliana RILs at interactions can be studied is via Forsyth’s lab. a range of copper concentrations. model species such as Arabidopsis For the marker development, This involved preparing various thaliana, a species closely related candidate single nucleotide growth media, sterilising seeds, and to important crops such as rape, polymorphisms (SNPs) that setting up assays in a clean room mustard and cabbage. With differentiated the parental ecotypes under sterile conditions. Images extensive genetic and genomic (Wassilewskija and Niederzenz) of germinating seeds and growing resources available, and over 750 were identified from the TAIR seedlings were then captured using natural ecotypes, A. thaliana is database and from existing a variety of different imaging an attractive system in which to published data (e.g. Atwell et al. systems. Images were then analysed study both natural variation and to 2010). Candidate SNPs that were to assess both germination and investigate the genetic pathways located in regions of low marker root growth and the data from this underlying plant responses. For coverage within the RILs were genome-wide screen are currently instance, the various ecotypes further analysed to identify those being processed. provide abundant natural variation that changed the recognition I would like to thank the Genetics that affects specific adaptations to sites of restriction endonucleases. Society Genes and Development their environmental conditions and Primers were then designed for Summer Studentship for funding contain considerable variation in these markers and used to amplify this project. This was a great disease susceptibility. Ecotypes can the candidate regions from the opportunity for me to gain skills therefore be selected for parental ecotypes by PCR. Out and experience in experimental subsequent forward and reverse of six candidate polymorphisms, techniques and exposed me to a genetics analyses. three were confirmed by restriction research environment. I would The main aim of my studentship endonuclease as polymorphic also like to say a big thank you to project was to increase marker between the parental ecotypes. The everyone in Dr Harvey’s lab for the density in an existing panel of RILs are currently being genotyped supervision, guidance and advice A. thaliana recombinant inbred at these new markers. as well as all the technical staff for lines (RILs) developed from the The preliminary analysis of their support and help. parental ecotypes Wassilewskija the Powdery mildew isolates

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Investigating chromatin accessibility in wing imaginal discs of drosophila melanogaster larvae

Student Anna Hakes . Supervisor Dr Steve Russell, University of Cambridge

The aim of the project was to The hypersensitive regions of (presumably genomic DNA) use DNase-chip to investigate the wing imaginal discs’ genome was produced. chromatin accessibility in wing are thought to be the elements It was possible that the DNase imaginal discs of Drosophila responsible for binding trans- was inactive, or unable to cleave melanogaster larvae. Accessible regulatory factors that are critical the DNA for another reason, and regions of chromatin, which to gene expression. By comparing so RQ1 was tested on genomic correspond to gene regulatory DNase-chip data with protein DNA from embryos. When a 1:100 elements, can be identified by binding data it will be possible dilution was used, a considerable this technique because these to investigate if chromatin digestion pattern was observed. regions are generally nucleosome- accessibility denotes the binding Therefore, it was not the DNase depleted, making them susceptible of transcriptionally important that was at fault, but some other to cleavage by DNase I. This proteins. In particular, analysis of stage in the digestion protocol. technique involves a DNase Hox transcription factor binding in sensitivity assay followed by wing and haltereimaginal discs led One hypothesis was that the DNase using microarrays to map the to the suggestion that Hox binding could not get into the nuclei and hypersensitive sites. The main is primarily driven by chromatin gain access to the chromatin. The advantage for using DNase-chip accessibility and this project set digestion protocol from Thomas is the fact that it can be used on out to test this by generating a et al. (2011) was used because the a genome-wide scale, whereas DNaseI accessibility profile for the buffer for the homogenisation step the traditional labour-intensive wing imaginal disc. had a different composition (‘buffer A’) and involved a filtration step. Southern blot is not appropriate The first stage was to optimise the for this. Although this resulted in cleaner digestion protocol using nuclei nuclei, no significant digestion was Currently, there are two (i.e. chromatin) from Drosophila observed again. hypotheses for the regulation of embryos. RQ1 DNase was used for gene expression by DNA-binding these preliminary experiments. Next, the concentration of cations proteins: one is that there is Initially, embryos were collected in the digestion buffer was varied direct co-operativity between two and dechorionated and then to investigate the effect of this on factors that allows for functional frozen at -80˚C before being used the DNase activity. The buffers binding, and the other is that in the digestion protocol with tested were: there is competition between ‘homogenisation buffer’. After Buffer A + 0mM Ca2+ chromatin-associated factors (such multiple attempts, no significant Buffer B + 1.5mM Ca2+ as nucleosomes) and the proteins digestion was observed, but Buffer C + 3mM Ca2+ required for gene expression. high molecular weight DNA Buffer D + 6mM Ca2+

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Due to the logistics of collecting a large number of wing imaginal discs, they had been stored at -80˚C for use at a later date. Since it was discovered that freezing embryos rendered their chromatin indigestible, the first step was to test if freezing wing imaginal discs had the same effect.

This showed that increasing the digestion profile when compared to their chromatin indigestible, as divalent cation concentration homogenisation buffer alone. with embryos. After this initial resulted in more digestion by A final experiment was carried test, fresh wing discs were used, DNase, as would be expected, but out to compare the Bovine but due to the low amount of DNA still no significant digestion. Pancreas DNaseI with RQ1, which generated from the limited number It was suggested that RQ1 was validated the concern that RQ1 of wing discs, it was difficult to not an appropriate DNase for was not appropriate for digesting observe any definitive digestion. chromatin digestion, so a different chromatin because the Bovine DNase (Bovine Pancreas DNaseI) Pancreas DNaseI produced a much was tested. This, in combination better digestion profile. with using fresh embryos (rather Therefore, this shows that freezing than frozen), gave considerable embryos alters the chromatin digestion of chromatin. architecture and causes it to be In addition, two buffers used for indigestible, meaning that fresh homogenisation (‘homogenisation embryos are required to get buffer’ and ‘buffer A’) were significant chromatin digestion. compared because they In addition, a low concentration contained different detergents. of divalent cations is required in ‘Homogenisation buffer’ produced the initial homogenisation steps better digestion than ‘buffer A’, to maintain the chromatin in a presumably because Triton X-100 digestible state. was a more appropriate detergent. Due to the logistics of collecting However, there was still not as a large number of wing imaginal much digestion observed as was discs, they had been stored at expected. It was possible that due -80˚C for use at a later date. Since to the presence of EDTA in the it was discovered that freezing homogenisation buffer that the embryos rendered their chromatin lack of divalent cations caused indigestible, the first step was to the chromatin to be indigestible test if freezing wing imaginal discs by DNase. The addition of 5mM had the same effect. Although MgCl2 to the homogenisation difficult to visualise, it appeared buffer produced the better that freezing wing discs rendered

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See the relevant web pages and downloadable Funding Application Forms at www.genetics.org.uk

One-off Meeting Sponsorship

Purpose Sponsorship of genetic research meetings not organised by the Genetics Society.

The Genetics Society receives several requests from members each year to sponsor meetings in the field of genetics. These meetings are usually one-off meetings with an ad hoc organising committee and may be partly sponsored by another Society. The guidelines below indicate a review process for applications and the conditions that must be met for the award of Genetics Society sponsorship.

Review of applications 1) Members may make applications at any time. They should be submitted on the GS Funding Application Form and emailed to Linda Allardyce, [email protected] using message subject ‘Meeting Sponsorship’ and your surname. 2) The application will be circulated to the full committee for review. The review will cover suitability of the meeting for Genetics Society sponsorship and level of support requested. 3) The committee will be asked to respond within two weeks and the Society aims to respond to requests within four weeks.

Conditions of sponsorship 4) Several levels of sponsorship are possible: (a) single lecture: £200 (b) session: £500-1000 (c) major sponsor: £1500- 2000. 5) Genetics Society sponsorship must be mentioned in all pre-meeting publicity (e.g. posters, flyers, website) and in the meeting programme. If the Genetics Society is the major sponsor the meeting should be advertised as a “Genetics Society-sponsored meeting”. 6) Details of the programme of the meeting and registration forms should be sent as far in advance as possible to Linda Allardyce, [email protected], for inclusion in the Society’s newsletter and on the website. 7) A short report on a meeting that receives sponsorship of £1000 or more, for possible publication in the newsletter and on the website, should be sent to Linda Allardyce, [email protected] within one month of the conference taking place. 8) Genetics Society sponsorship may be used at the organiser’s discretion, but budget travel and accommodation options should normally be insisted upon. Any unused grant should be returned to the Genetics Society. The Society will not be responsible for any losses incurred by the meeting organisers. 9) An invoice for the grant awarded should be submitted to Linda Allardyce, [email protected]. The grant may be claimed in advance of the meeting and no longer than one month after the meeting. 10) The meeting organisers agree to make details of how to apply for Genetics Society membership available to non- members attending the sponsored meeting. Meetings that receive maximum sponsorship will be expected to offer a discounted registration fee to Genetics Society members to encourage non-members to join the Society at the same time. New members may then attend at the discounted rate, once confirmation of their application for membership of the Genetics Society has been received from the Society’s Office.

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New Sectional Interest Groups

Purpose Regular sponsorship of genetic research meetings on particular themes. Regular (e.g. annual) funding is available for genetics research communities who wish to run regular series of meetings. Current examples include Arabidopsis, the Population Genetics Group and the Zebrafish Forum.

Members may make applications for new Sectional Interest Groups at any time. Applications should be submitted on the GS Funding Application Form and emailed to Linda Allardyce, [email protected] using message subject ‘New Sectional Interest Group’ and your surname. The award of Genetics Society support will be subject to review of applications by the committee and subject to the following conditions.

1) The sponsorship of the Genetics Society must be mentioned in all pre-meeting publicity (e.g. posters, flyers, website). It should also be acknowledged in the meeting programme booklet. It is understood that wherever possible, the meeting should be advertised as ‘A Genetics Society Meeting’, however, where the Society’s financial contribution support is only partial, and where this formula of words would conflict with the interests of other sponsors, it is acceptable for the meeting to be advertised as a ‘Genetics Society-Sponsored Meeting’. 2) Details of the programme of the meeting should be made available to all Genetics Society members via the Society’s newsletter, and electronic copy should be sent as far in advance as possible to the newsletter editor, at the latest by the advertised copy date for the newsletter preceding the close of registrations for the meeting. The same details will appear on the Genetics Society website. This information should include the programme of speakers, the topics to be covered, plus details of how to register for the meeting. 3) A report on the meeting, once it has taken place, should be submitted for publication in the newsletter, which is the official record of the Society’s activities. This should be sent as soon as possible after the meeting to Linda Allardyce, [email protected], and should include brief factual information about it (where and when it took place, how many people attended and so on), together with a summary of the main scientific issues covered. 4) Genetics Society funds may be used to support speaker travel, accommodation, publicity or any other direct meeting costs, at the organizers’ discretion. It is understood that budget travel and accommodation options will normally be insisted upon. Any unused funds should be returned to the Society. The Society will not be liable for any financial losses incurred by the meeting organizers. Any profits should be retained solely for the support of similar, future meetings, as approved by the Society. 5) A written invoice for the agreed amount of Genetics Society sponsorship should be forwarded to Linda Allardyce [email protected], no later than one month after the meeting date. Funds may be claimed in advance of the meeting, as soon as the amount of support has been notified in writing. 6) Meeting organizers may levy a registration charge for attendance at the meeting as they see fit. However, it is understood that Genetics Society members will be offered a substantial discount, so as to encourage non- members wishing to attend to join the Society at the same time. The meeting organizers agree to make available to non-member registrants full details of how to apply for Genetics Society membership, such as appear on the website and in the newsletter, and may charge such persons the same registration fee as charged to members, upon confirmation from the Society’s Office that their application and remittance or direct debit mandate for membership fees has been received. 7) The meeting organizers are free to apply to other organizations for sponsorship of the meeting, as they see fit. However, organizations whose policies or practices conflict with those of the Genetics Society should not be approached. In cases of doubt, the officers of the Genetics Society should be consulted for advice.

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New Sectional Interest Groups (continued)

8) If the meeting is advertised on the Internet a link to the Genetics Society website (www.genetics.org.uk) should be included. 9) For those groupings holding their first such meeting with Genetics Society support, it is understood that the Society’s support for future meetings of the series will be decided on the basis of the success of the first meeting, including adherence to all of the conditions listed above. The first meeting is hence supported on a pilot basis only. 10) The meeting organizers will nominate a responsible person who will liaise with the Genetics Society on all matters relating to the meeting, and whose contact details will be supplied to the Society’s Office. This person will inform the Society if he/she resigns or passes on his/her responsibility for the meeting or series to another person, whose contact details shall also be supplied.

Junior Scientist Grants

Purpose To support attendance at genetics research meetings by junior scientists. In this section, junior scientists are defined as graduate students and postdoctoral scientists within two years of their PhD viva.

Travel and accommodation to the Genetics Society meetings Grants up to £150 are available for travel and essential overnight accommodation costs to attend all Genetics Society meetings, including the Genetics Society’s own bi-annual meetings and meetings of our Sectional Interest Groups. The cheapest form of travel should be used if possible and student railcards used if travel is by train. Airfares will only be funded under exceptional circumstances.

How to apply: for the Genetics Society’s own Spring and Autumn meetings, applications should be submitted using the meeting registration form, before the final deadline of the meeting.

For meetings of our Sectional Interest Groups (eg, Arabidopsis, Population Genetics Group, Zebrafish Forum), junior scientist travel claims should be submitted on the GS Funding Application Form at any time and emailed to [email protected] using message subject “Travel to GS meeting” and your surname.

Other conditions: applicants must have been members of the Genetics Society for at least one year. There is no limit to the maximum frequency at which the grants can be awarded for attending the Genetics Society meetings.

Travel, accommodation and registration cost at other meetings Grants of up to £750 to attend conferences in the area of Genetics that are not Genetics Society meetings (including sectional meetings) are available to junior scientists.

How to apply: applications should be submitted on the GS Funding Application Form by email in time for one of the quarterly deadlines (1st day of February, May, August and November), to [email protected] using message subject “JSTG” and your surname. Please ask your supervisor to send a very brief email in support.

Other conditions: applicants must have been members of the Genetics Society for at least one year. Recipients of these grants will be asked to write a short report that may be included in the newsletter. A maximum of one grant per individual per two years will be awarded.

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Training Grants

Purpose To support attendance at short training courses.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available to enable members to go on short training courses in the area of Genetics research. Eligible expenses include travel, accommodation, subsistence and tuition fees.

How to apply: there are two closing dates of 1st March and 1st September each year. Applications should be made on the GS Funding Application Form and should be emailed to Linda Allardyce, Linda.Allardyce@portlandpress. com using message subject ‘Training Grant’ and the applicant’s surname. Applications from PhD students should be accompanied by a very short supporting e-mail from the supervisor.

Closing date: awards will be announced within two months of the closing date. A maximum of one Training Grant per individual per three years will be awarded.

Heredity Fieldwork Grants Purpose Grants of up to £1,500 are available to cover the travel and accommodation costs associated with pursuing a field- based genetic research project or to visit another laboratory for training. The research field should be one from which results would typically be suitable for publication in the Society’s journal Heredity. The scheme is not intended to cover the costs of salaries for those engaged in fieldwork or training, or to fund attendance at conferences.

How to apply: there are two closing dates of 1st March and 1st September each year. Applications should be made on the GS Funding Application Form and should be emailed to Linda Allardyce, [email protected] using message subject ‘Heredity FW grant’ and the applicant’s surname. Applications from PhD students should be accompanied by a very short supporting e-mail from the supervisor.

A panel of members of the Genetics Society committee will review applications including both information on the student and the proposed project. Feedback on unsuccessful applications will not be provided. Awards will be announced within two months of the closing date.

Other conditions: Applicants must have been members of the Genetics Society for at least one year. Only one application from any research group will be admissible in any one year. Recipients of these grants will be asked to write a short report within two months of completion of the project that may be included in the newsletter. A maximum of one grant per individual per three years will be awarded.

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Genes and Development Summer Studentships

Purpose To support vacation research by undergraduate geneticists.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available to provide financial support for undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience in any area of genetics by carrying out a research project over the long vacation, usually prior to their final year.

Applications must be made by Principal Investigators at Universities or Research Institutes. The application must be for a named student. Studentships will only be awarded to students who have yet to complete their first degree i.e. those who will still be undergraduates during the long vacation when the studentship is undertaken. There are no restrictions concerning the nationality or membership status of the student, and the student does not have to attend a UK university.

How to apply: there is one closing date of 31st March each year. Applications should be made on the GS Funding Application Form which, along with the student’s CV, should be emailed to Linda Allardyce, Linda.Allardyce@ portlandpress.com using message subject ‘G & D studentship’ and the PI’s surname. The student’s tutor or equivalent must also send a reference. Undergraduate students who wish to do vacation research projects are encouraged to seek a PI to sponsor them and to develop a project application with the sponsor.

The studentship will consist of an award of £225 per week for up to 10 weeks to the student plus a grant of up to £750 to cover expenses incurred by the host laboratory. Both elements of cost must be justified. The award will be made to the host institution. The student will receive free membership of the Genetics Society for one year.

A panel of members of the Genetics Society committee will review applications including both information on the student and the proposed project. Feedback on unsuccessful applications will not be provided.

Other conditions: applicants must have been a member of the Genetics Society for at least one year. Recipients of these grants will be asked to write a short report within two months of completion of the project that may be included in the newsletter. A maximum of one grant per individual per three years will be awarded.

70 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . Issue 68 Personal Subscription Order Form

Please return this form to The Genetics Society, c/o Portland Customer Services, Commerce Way, Colchester CO2 8HP

The new personal subscription rate for Genes and Development for 2012 is £128, inclusive of airmail delivery. The ­subscription runs on a yearly basis from January 1st. The full subscription will be charged and back issues supplied when applications are made after January of each year.

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Payment

Payment can be made by cheque (payable to “Genetics Society”), credit card (add 3.6%) or direct debit. If you already pay by direct debit you do not need to complete a new mandate. If you wish to set up a direct debit for your Genes and Development subscription, a mandate will be sent to you on receipt of this form.

1. I enclose a cheque or Sterling Eurocheque for £128.

2. I instruct you to use my existing direct debit agreement to debit my account in January each year for my subscription to Genes and Development.

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Signed ...... GENERAL INFORMATION 72

The Genetics Society

The Genetics Society was founded­ in 1919 and is one of the world’s first societies devoted to the study of the ­mechanisms of inheritance.

Aims to these ­meetings and prizes for the animal breeding; and Genes and best contributions, plus costs for the Development, which is jointly The Genetics Society was ­founded three winners to attend the ­following owned with Cold Spring Harbor in 1919 and is one of the world’s Spring Meeting and national finals. Laboratories and which is concerned first societies ­devoted to the study with ­molecular and ­developmental of the mechanisms of inheritance. Invited lectures aspects of genetics. Famous founder ­members included The Mendel Lecture, in honour Full and student members are William Bateson, JBS Haldane of the founder of modern and AW Sutton. Membership is entitled to reduced subscriptions ­genetics, is given usually on both to these journals and also to open to anyone with an interest in ­alternate years at a London genetical research or teaching, or Genetics Research, published by Meeting by an internationally Cambridge University Press, to in the practical breeding of plants distin-guished geneticist. and ­animals. Trends in Genetics, a ­monthly journal To encourage younger ­geneticists, published by Elsevier with review Meetings the Balfour Lectureship (Named after articles of topical interest aimed at The main annual event of the our Founder President) recognises the general reader, Nature Genetics, Society is the Spring Meeting. This the ­contribution to genetics of an published by Nature Publishing has at least one major symposium outstanding young ­investigator, company (MacMillan Magazines theme with invited speakers, and a who must ­normally have less than Limited), Current Biology journals, number of contributed papers and/ ten years ­postdoctoral research BioEssays and Chromosome Research. or poster sessions. experience at the time of the lecture. A newsletter is sent out twice a year The winner gives the lecture at the to inform members about meetings, One day mini-symposia are held Spring Meeting. during the year in ­different regions symposia and other items of interest. so that members from different International links Specialist interests ­catchment areas and specialist The Society has many overseas Six specialist interest areas are groups within the ­society can be members and maintains links with informed about subjects of topical, covered by ­elected Committee genetics societies in other ­countries Members: Gene Structure, Function local and specialist interest. Like through the Inter-national Genetics the spring ­symposia these include and Regulation; Genomics; Cell & Federation, the Federation of Developmental Genetics; Applied papers both from local ­members European Genetics Societies and and from invited speakers. One of and Quantitative Genetics; through the International Union of Evolutionary, Ecological and these meetings always takes place Microbiological Societies. in London in November. Population Genetics; Corporate Publications Genetics and Biotechnology. The Young geneticists’ Committee Members are ­responsible The Society publishes two meetings for ensuring that the various local major international ­scientific and national ­meetings cover all Currently there are three ­meetings journals: Heredity, concerned with organisms within the broad spectrum devoted to talks and posters by ­cytogenetics, with ecological, of our members’ interests. students and junior postdocs. evolutionary and ­bio-metrical Promega UK is ­sponsoring travel genetics and also with plant and

72 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . Issue 68 gs the geneticssociety Membership form Membership includes free online subscription to Heredity

Please complete this form and return it, along with your cheque, Direct Debit instructions or credit card to The Genetics Society, Portland Customer Services, Commerce Way, Colchester CO2 8HP, UK. Complete this section carefully. The information you provide will help us to correspond with you efficiently and ensure that your details are accurately held on our membership database.

1. IDENTIFICATION (as data controllers we adhere to the Data Protection Act 1998)

Title: Prof. Dr. Mr. Miss. Mrs. Ms.

Last Name: First Name:

Institution:

Institution Address:

Postcode: Country:

Telephone: Fax:

Email:

Your home address should only be given when there is no alternative. Please ensure that you have included your email address.

2. AREAS OF INTERESTS (tick as appropriate)

Gene Structure, Function and Regulation Genomics

Cell and Developmental Genetics Applied and Quantitative Genetics

Evolutionary, Ecological & Population Genetics Corporate Genetics and Biotechnology

3. MEMBERSHIP FEES

Membership entitles you to reduced rate entry to meetings, discounts on journals, free Society newsletters plus free online ­access to Heredity. The annual membership charges are as follows (please tick applicable box): Full Member: *£25.00 Postgraduate Member: *£15.00 Undergraduate Member: £5.00

* there is a reduction of £5.00 from the membership charge for full and postgraduate members paying by Direct Debit

4. STUDENT MEMBERSHIP (if this section is not applicable please go to section 5)

As a student member of the Society you are eligible to apply for a grant to defray the cost of attendance at meetings organised by the Society. Full details regarding grants is available on the web site. In addition, after one year full membership you can apply for a grant for overseas travel to international meetings held outwith the Society.

If you are applying for an undergraduate membership please state year of graduation:

If you are applying for a postgraduate membership please state year of starting research degree:

Signature of Head of Department/Supervisor

Please note: After four years’ postgraduate membership you will be required to pay the full subscription fee. 5. PAYMENT

Option 1: Direct Debit (UK Bank Accounts only) Complete this membership form and a Direct Debit mandate form, which can be downlaoded from our website and send them to the address below.

I wish to pay by Direct Debit (tick box if applicable). Paying by Direct Debit entitles Full members and Postgraduates to a saving of £5.00 from the price of their membership. Direct Debit Membership Subscriptions are renewed on an annual basis.

Option 2: Cheque/Bank transfer

I enclose a cheque for the sum of £ made payable to Portland Customer Services Payment made by bank transfer to: Portland Customer Services, National Westminster Bank plc, 25 High Street, Colchester CO1 1DG, UK. Account no. 01863630 Sort Code: 60-06-06.

To facilitate identification please confirm:

Your transfer reference Date of transaction

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Option 3: Credit/Debit Card I wish to pay by Credit Card. Credit Card Type: Visa Mastercard Switch I authorise Portland Customer Services to use the credit card details below to pay my membership fees.

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6. MEMBERSHIP NOMINATION

Your application for membership of the Genetics Society will not be accepted without the signature of a FULL MEMBER nominating you for ­membership. In instances where no full member is available you must submit a copy of your CV along with a short Academic Reference. Your application will then be considered by the Committee. Alternatively, you may contact the Society by email for a list of Society Reps in your area: [email protected].

Signature of nominating FULL MEMBER Print name in block capitals Membership No.

I do not have a signature of a nominating member. I enclose a copy of my CV along with an Academic Reference for consideration by the Committee (tick box if applicable)

Please return your membership application form along with any attachments to: The Genetics Society, Portland Customer Services, Commerce Way, Colchester CO2 8HP, UK marking your envelope MEMBERSHIP­ APPLICATION.

Please note that the approval of new members is ratified at the Spring Meeting as part of our AGM. However, your membership will begin as soon as your application is processed. Notification of change of address form

If you wish to notify us of a change of address, you can use our online facility by visiting www.genetics.org.uk or by emailing us at [email protected]. Alternatively you can complete the form below and return it to: The Genetics Society, Portland Customer Services, Commerce Way, Colchester CO2 8HP, UK marking your envelope CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTIFICATION.

Note that from my new address will be:

Title: Prof. Dr. Mr. Miss. Mrs. Ms.

(Print or Type)

Last Name: First Name:

Institution:

Address:

Postcode: Country:

Telephone: Fax:

Email:

Previous address:

OFFICE USE ONLY

Date Received Date Processed The latest genetic research from Heredity

Heredity is an offi cial journal of the Genetics Society, and publishes original research in all areas of genetics, with a particular focus on population, evolutionary and quantitative aspects, animal and plant breeding and cytogenetics.

Primary research papers are complemented by Reviews covering currently developing areas and News and Commentary articles keeping researchers and students abreast of hot topics.

Discover Heredity today at www.nature.com/hdy

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