Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:41 Page 1

JULYJULLYY 2010 | ISSUEISSUE 63 GENETICSGENNETICSS SOCIETYSOCIEETY NENEWSEWS

In this issue The Society NewsNewws is edited by U Genetics Society Pr Presidentesident HonourHonoureded ProfProf David Hosken and items ittems for future future issues can be sent to thee editor,editor, preferably preferably U Mouse Genetics Meeting by email to [email protected],D.J.Hosken@@exeter.ac.uk, or U SponsorSponsoreded MeetiMeetingsngs hardhard copy to Chair in Evolutionary Evoolutionary BiologyBiology,, UniversityUniversity of Exeter,Exeter, CorCornwallnnwall Campus, U The JBS Haldane Lectur Lecturee Tremough,Tremough, Penryn, TR10 0 9EZ UK.UK. The U Schools Evolutionn ConferConferenceence Newsletter is published twicet a year,year, with copy dates of 1st June andand 26th November.November. U TTaxiaxi Drivers

The British YeastYeaste Group Group descend on Oxford Oxford for their 2010 meeting: m see the reportreport on page 35. 3 Image © Georgina McLoughlin Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:41 Page 2

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

A word from the editor

Welcome to issue 63. In this issue we announce a UK is recognised with the award of a CBE in the new Genetics Society Prize to Queen’s Birthday Honours, tells us about one of Welcome to my last issue as join the medals and lectures we her favourite papers by , the 2010 editor of award. The JBS Haldane Mendel Lecturer. Somewhat unusually we have a News, after 3 years in the hot Lecture will be awarded couple of Taxi Drivers in this issue – Brian and seat and a total of 8 years on annually to recognise are not so happy about the committee it is time to excellence in communicating the way that the print media deals with some move on before I really outstay aspects of genetics research to scientific issues and Chris Ponting bemoans the my welcome! It has been a the public. As we are all aware, lack of error correction in biological databases. pleasure to be a part of the justifying our research and We also have a couple of articles by the new Genetics Society and to work communicating the benefits Chief Executive of the Society of , Mark with the various committee that it brings to the society that Downs, outlining the goals of the Society and a members over the years. I shall pays for it is becoming view on science funding. While these were certainly miss being involved increasingly important; prepared before the General Election, the with the society, which I believe recognising that some Society’s perspective on science funding remains does a fantastic job of scientists put in a tremendous very relevant, especially as I sit and type this on supporting Genetics in the UK, amount of work into a Budget Day that is unlikely to shower riches on and I will definitely feel communicating with the public anyone (just before nipping down the pub to somewhat deprived without the we hope the JBS Haldane watch Bafana Bafana v France and grab a pint committee meetings. Lecture will go a little way to before the price goes up). acknowledging this vital skill. In the first issue I edited in On the subject of I am very pleased to introduce the new Genetics Spring 2007 (57) I wrote about communication, we have a Society News Editor, Prof DJ Hosken from the Project Steve, the tongue-in- report of a very successful Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of cheek effort by the National Genetics Society sponsored Exeter. Hopefully DJ will have as much fun as I Center for Science Education Schools Conference focused on have had as editor, it honestly is a pleasure to (http://ncse.com/) to counter Darwin and held in read the meeting and student reports submitted the efforts of creationists. The Edinburgh at the end of last to the GS News. Finally I would like to thank all Steve-o-meter now stands at year. The Society is keen to of the members of the society who have 1139 scientists named Steve (or fund further such ventures and contributed articles and reports to the issues I Esteban, Stephanie, Etienne anyone who reads the article have edited and, last but certainly not least, to etc) and I recently received my and is inspired to organise a Dave Moxey the graphic designer at Round&Red 1’000 Steve’s T-shirt. Keep up Schools event in their area Creative who puts the issues together in such an the good work. In my last should get in touch with the attractive way. editorial (issue 62) I highlighted office. I am happy to see so Cheers the campaign to reform the UK many meeting reports from Libel laws. I hope readers share sectional interest groups and my relief that the libel case GS-sponsored meetings; it is against the journalist and heartening to see Society science writer Simon Singh was funding contributing to the dropped in April after he won vibrant genetics community in his appeal at the Royal Courts the UK. of Justice. Press your MP, sign the petition: Free Speech is Not Veronica, our President who’s Steve Russell For Sale (www.libelreform.org). contributions to genetics in the University of

2 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 63 Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:41 Page 3

Issue 63 . July 2010 NEWS . FEATURES . REPORTS . LISTINGS

For more details please contact: The Genetics Society . Roslin BioCentre CONTENTS Wallace Building . Roslin . Midlothian . EH25 9PP Tel: 0131 200 6391 . Fax: 0131 200 6394 Email: [email protected] Website: www.genetics.org.uk

The Genetics Society Journals Heredity (www.nature.com/hdy/) Managing Editor: Professor Roger Butlin Heredity Editorial Office, The University of Sheffield, REGULARS Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN Genes and Development (http://genesdev.cshlp.org/) Meeting Announcements 4 - 8 Editor: T. Grodzicker, Genes & Development, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 500 Sunnyside Boulevard, Woodbury, New York, Transposable elements 11797, USA Epigentics & Disease Mammalian Genetics & Development President Prof. Veronica van Heyningen, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh External meetings Diary

Vice-Presidents Sectional Interest Groups 9 - 10 Prof. J. Steve Jones, University College London Prof. John Brookfield, University of Nottingham Prof. Ian Jackson, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh Genetics Society Business 11 - 22 Committee Changes Honorary Secretary Prof. Patricia E Kuwabara, University of Bristol Committee Vacancies Life Membership Honorary Treasurer Lecture and Medal nominations Prof Josephine Pemberton, Awards and announcements Honorary Treasurer Elect Postgraduate Representative Dr Hiro Ohkura, University of Edinburgh Society of Biology

Scientific Meetings Officer Dr Andrew Ward, University of Bath Genetics Society Meeting Reports 23 - 26 Mouse Genetics Newsletter Editor Prof David Hosken, University of Exeter Genetics Society Sponsored Events 27 - 39 Postgraduate Representative Mammalian Genetics & Development Lynne Harris, University of Edinburgh Ecological Genetics Ordinary Committee Members Mammalian Genetics, Development & Disease Dr. Anne Donaldson, University of Aberdeen Scottish Fly Prof Adam Eyre-Walker, University of Sussex Prof Anne Ferguson-Smith, Arabidopsis Dr Ian Henderson, University of Cambridge British Yeast Group Dr Matthew Hurles, The Sanger Institute Archaea Dr DJ de Koning, Roslin Institute, Midlothian Dr Julian Lewis, CRUK London Laboratories Language Prof Gilean McVean, London Fly Prof Chris Ponting, University of Oxford Pombe Club Dr Jane Rogers, The Analysis Centre, Dr Tom Weaver, MRC Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Prof John Whittaker, GlaxoSmithKline, Harlow Features 40 - 49 Schools Evolution Conference Design and Print Round & Red Creative . 15 Poole Road Alan Durant Obituary Woking . Surrey . GU21 6BB My Favourite Paper Tel: 01483 596 226 . www.roundandred.com Taxi Drivers

The Genetics Society News is printed on FSC approved paper. Student Travel Reports 50 - 51 SUMO & Ubiquitin

Fieldwork and Studentship Reports 52 - 53 Snail Chirality

Advertising in Genetics Society News represents an opportunity to reach a large community of professional geneticists. For rates please email [email protected]

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2010 Autumn Meeting Lessons from Cancer for Biology and Genetics

Friday 12th November 2010. The Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, London.

Genetics has become one of the most widely used tools to study a wide range of biological phenomena. Studies in genetics require the presence of variation to compare and contrast the same system in different states opening the way to deciphering broader biological mechanisms. Cancer studies use the same principle of comparing the functioning of perturbed and “normal” tissues. Over the past three decades since the advent of , we have learnt a great deal about developmental control and the functioning of normal cells from the study of aberrant cancers. Our hopes for better cancer treatments are also based on our improved understanding of how malignant transformation and progression might be reverted to normal control.

Speakers Scientific Organisers Terry Rabbitts Andrew Feinberg Veronica van Heyningen Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh UK Anne Ridley Terry Rabbitts Ken Kinzler King’s College London, UK Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Peter Ratcliffe Andrew Ward USA. Oxford, UK University of Bath Ashok Venkitaraman Stuart Orkin Cambridge Cancer Centre, UK Harvard, USA The meeting will include the 2010 Mendel Hans Clevers Lecture to be delivered by Susan Lindquist, Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK Hubrecht Laboratory, Utrecht, The Netherlands Whitehead Institute, MIT.

Cancer cell showing specific translocation

for registration, visit www.genetics.org.uk Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:41 Page 5

2011 Spring Meeting TransposableTranspposable elements:elementts: their functionalfunctional and evolutionarye y biologygy

Friday 1st April2011. University of EEdinburgh

The important contributionconttribution SpeakersSpeakeers Casey Bergman of transposable elementselements University of ManchesterManchester,ter, UK Mark BaBatzeratzer Hugo Dooner (TEs) to revealed reevealed LouisianaLouisiana State University University,y,, USA Rutgers UniversityUniversity,, USAA by sequencing prprojects,ojects, and Adam Eyre-WalkerEEyre-Walker Dixie Mager new insights into thethhe rolerole of UniversityUniversitty of Sussex, UK British Columbia CancCancercer CentrCentre,e, Canada Alain BBuchetonucheton TToTomom Eickbush smallll iinterfering f i RNAsRNNANAs iin the h Institute for Human Genetics, MontpelierMontpelier,r, France University of RochesterRochester,r, USA rregulationegulation of their aactivityactivity,y,, CarolinaCarolinaa Bartolomé LaurLaurenceence Hurst have generated an upsurge of UniversityUniversitty of Santiago de Compostela, Spainpain University of Bath, UK rresearchesearch into the functional fuunctional and evolutionary biologybiiology of ScientiScientificific Organisers Featuring Brian CCharlesworthharlesworth and LaurLaurenceence Hurst TEs. A meeting to rrevieweview rrecentecent David FFinnegan University of Bath prprogressogress is therthereforeeforre timelytimely.. UniversitUniversityty of Edinburgh The 2010 Genetics Societyciety Medal LecturLecturee

for registration,registrattion, visit www.genetics.org.ukwww.genetiics.org.uk Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:42 Page 6

2011 Autumnn Meeting PhenotypePhenottype and the flexiflexibleble genogenome:ome: the rolerole of epigenetic e processes processes in development developmment and human disease

Friday 11th NovemberNovvember 2011. The RoyalRooyal Society,Societyy,, London

Epigenetics refersrefers to the e study of SpeakeSpeakersers heritable changes in genomegenome function PrProfessorofessor Azim Surani Dr AndrAndrewew WWardard that occur without a changechange in primary UniversitUniversityty of Cambridge University of Bath DNA sequence. EpigeneticsEpigeneetics is emerging PrProfessorofessor Emma Whitelaw Dr Dietmar Spenglerr as a critical areaarea of modern moddern research research QueenslQueenslandand Institute of Medical ResearResearchch Max Planck Institute off Psychiatry and therethere have been rapid rapid advances Dr MiriaMiriamam Hemberger PrProfessorofessor Barry KeveKeverneerne in our understanding off the functional The BabBabrahamraham Institute Cambridge University consequences of alterationsalterattions in epigenetic PrProfessorofessor Alan Clarke PrProfessorofessor AndrAndrewew FeFeinbergeinberg gene regulationregulation and the e response response of CarCardiffdiff UUniversity Johns Hopkins UniversUniversitysity School of Medicine epigenetic marks to environmentalenvvironmental cues. ToTo address address these exciting exciting new discoveries, we areare hosting a one day daay meeting that ScientiScientificific Organisers will focus specifically onn the phenotypic RosalinRosalindd John and consequences of alterationsalterattions in epigenetic AnthonAnthonyny Isles gene regulationregulation in mammals. mammmals.

for registration,registrattion, visit www.genetics.org.ukwww.genetiics.org.uk Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:42 Page 7

7 EXTERNAL MEETINGS DIARY

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

British Human Genetics Conference Experimental Approaches to Evolution and 6th - 8th September 2010 Ecology using Yeast University of Warwick 29th September - 3rd October 2010 www.bshg.org.uk/ EMBL Heidelberg, Germany www.embl.de/training/courses_conferences/ Personal Genomes conference/2010/ 10th - 12th September 2010 Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11th International Conference on Systems http://meetings.cshl.edu/meetings/person10.shtml Biology, 10th - 15th October 2010 Infectious Disease Genomics & Global Health Edinburgh, UK 12th - 15th September 2010 www.icsb2010.org.uk Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge http://meetings.cshl.edu/meetings/pathuk10.shtml 24th International Mammalian Genome Conference Genome Informatics 17th - 21st October 2010 15th - 19th September 2010 Heraklion, Crete Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge www.aegeanconferences.org/ http://meetings.cshl.edu/meetings/infouk10.shtml American Society of Human Genetics 14th Evolutionary Biology Meeting at Marseilles 2nd - 6th November 2010 21st - 24th September 2010 Washington, DC, United States Marseilles France www.conferencealerts.com/seeconf.mv?q= http://sites.univ-provence.fr/evol-cgr/ ca1mishs

Molecular Genetics of Aging Galton Institute Annual Conference, 28th September - 2nd October 2010 : Where Life Meets the Genome Cold Spring Harbor, New York 10th November 2010 http://meetings.cshl.edu/meetings/aging10.shtml The Royal Society, London www.galtoninstitute.org.uk Mouse Development, Genetics & Genomics 26th - 30th October 2010 Human Genetics Society of Australasia Cold Spring Harbor, New York Conference http://meetings.cshl.edu/meetings/mouse10.shtml 16th - 18th December 2010 Melbourne, Australia Molecular Genetics of Aging www.hgsa.com.au/index.cfm?pid=111979 28th September - 2nd October 2010 Cold Spring Harbor, New York http://meetings.cshl.edu/meetings/aging10.shtml

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EXTERNAL MEETINGS DIARY 8

Genomic Instability and DNA Repair 26th Fungal Genetics Meeting 30th January - 4th February 2011 March 15-20, 2011 Keystone, Colorado, USA Asilomar, California, USA www.keystonesymposia.org/Meetings/ http://www.genetics-gsa.org/pages/ conferences.shtml Quantitative Genetics & Genomics 20th - 25th February 2011 52nd Annual Drosophila Research Conference Galveston, Texas, USA 30th March - 1st April 2011 www.grc.org/programs.aspx?year=2011&program= San Diego, California, USA quantgen www.drosophila-conf.org/2011/

Evolutionary Developmental Biology 27th February - 3rd March 2011 Tahoe City, California, USA http://www.keystonesymposia.org/Meetings/

If you run an interest group and hold regular meetings, our new web site forum is the perfect place to promote your activities. Simply visit www.genetics.org.uk, log in to our forum and tell us all about it.

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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 Mammalian Genes, Development and Disease Organiser: Ruth Bastow ([email protected]) Organisers: Rosalind M John and David Tosh http://garnet.arabidopsis.info/ ([email protected])

Archaea group Population Genetics Group Organiser: Peter Lund Organiser: Ilik Saccheri ([email protected]) ([email protected])

British Yeast Group The Zebrafish Forum Organiser: Alistair Goldman Organiser: Rachel Ashworth ([email protected]), ([email protected]) Caroline Brennan ([email protected]), Corinne Houart ([email protected]). C. elegans There are meetings at 5:30pm-8.00pm on the first Organiser: Stephen Nurrish Thursday of every other month. Room G12, New ([email protected]) Hunt's House, King's College - London SE1 1UL

Drosophila Organiser: David Ish-Horowicz ([email protected]) Monthly meetings are organised by: Joe Bateman ([email protected])

Ecological Genetics Group Organiser: Paul Ashton ([email protected])

Genetics Society Pombe Club Organiser: Jacky Hayles ([email protected])

Mammalian Genetics & Development Organisers: Elizabeth M. Fisher and Nick Greene ([email protected])

Mammalian Genetics & Development Workshop 11th – 12th November 2010 Institute of Child Health, London

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SECTIONAL INTEREST GROUPS 10

The Mammalian Genetics and Development Workshop

An annual meeting of the Genetics Society Thursday 11th – Friday 12th November 2010 Institute of Child Health, UCL, 30 Guilford Street, London

he Mammalian Genetics and Development The meeting is traditionally a venue for post-docs and PhD TWorkshop is a small annual meeting that students to talk rather than laboratory heads and so is an aims to cover any aspects of the genetics and excellent training ground and friendly, informal forum for development of mammals. Meetings are based discussing new results. In keeping with this objective, we offer up on the submitted abstracts, and usually include to four prizes to individual post-graduate/post-doctoral presenters diverse topics ranging from early mammalian who, in the opinion of a panel of judges, have given an development (not exclusively human or mouse), outstanding presentation. imprinting and positional cloning of disease Further information will be posted on the Genetics Society genes to human population genetics and website (www.genetics.org.uk) or you can join the MGDW association studies. In recent years, electronic mailing list be sending an email to presentations on other model systems (such as [email protected] chick and zebrafish) have also been included where these relate to general developmental questions or disease models.

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11 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS

Life Membership Honorary in the Genetics Society

Secretary’s ave you reached the age of Hretirement (65), but wish to continue with your involvement in the Society? If Notices Patricia Kuwabara . University of Bristol so, and you are an ordinary member who has discharged any arrears the might be due to the Society, then you might Committee changes and elections consider applying to become a Life Member of the Society. t the Society’s Annual representative). We welcome the new Life members will continue to AGeneral Meeting held in Committee members and hope that they will receive notices and remain Hinxton (Cambridge) at the find their time on the Committee enjoyable eligible to vote in the Society Wellcome Trust Sanger and rewarding. We also welcome the 177 new AGM, but will not be required Institute on 23 April 2010 two members who were formally elected to the to pay further subscriptions. members were formally Society. The recruitment of new members is Recipients of the Genetics elected to the Executive sub- important in keeping the Society vibrant. Society Medal will also be Committee: Hiro Ohkura offered Life Membership. We also wish to express our gratitude to (Edinburgh, Treasurer - Please contact Christine Crees outgoing Committee members: Steve Russell Elect) and David Hosken (Executive Officer, Genetics (Newsletter Editor); Graham Moore in Area B; (Exeter, Newsletter Editor). Society) by email: Liam Dolan in Area C; Mark Beaumont in Area In addition, the term of the [email protected] E; Tanita Casci in Area F and Tom Scientific Meetings Secretary, k should you require additional Nowakowski (Postgrad representative) for Andrew Ward (Bath) was information. generously donating their time and expertise extended by one year to 2011. on behalf of the Society. The Society also Six new Committee members wishes to extend a special thanks to Steve were also formally elected: Russell who has dedicated many years of Jane Rogers in Area B service to the Society both as a Committee (Norwich, Genomics); Ian member and as the Newsletter Editor. Henderson in Area C (Cambridge, Cell and Minutes of the April 2010 AGM and a list of developmental genetics); Gil new Society and Committee members can be McVean in Area D (Oxford, found on the Society’s web site. We thank all Applied and quantitative of the Society members who participated in genetics); Matt Hurles in the AGM by voting in advance online and also Area E (Hinxton, in person. We hope that you were able to Evolutionary, ecological and negotiate the online voting system with ease. population genetics); John However, if you have experienced any Whittaker in Area F problems in participating in online voting or in (GlaxoSmithKline, Corporate receiving emails from the Genetics Society genetics and biotechnology) Office, please contact the Executive Officer and Lynne Harris Christine Crees by email at (Edinburgh, Postgraduate [email protected].

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Committee Vacancies

here will be two Executive following areas: Area A (Gene the terms of Committee Tsub-Committee posts falling structure, function and members who stepped-down vacant from May 1st 2011: Vice- regulation, to replace Anne early from post. President for the Public Ferguson-Smith); *Area B We welcome nominations for Understanding of Science (to (Genomics, to replace Jane these upcoming vacancies from replace Steve Jones) and Rogers); *Area C (Cell and members of the Society. Scientific Meetings Secretary developmental genetics, to Nominations should be sent via (to replace Andrew Ward); replace Ian Henderson) and email to the Honorary Committee member DJ de Area D (Applied and Secretary Patricia Kuwabara Koning has indicated his quantitative genetics, to replace ([email protected]) in willingness to become the next DJ de Koning). The expected time for a deadline of Friday, Meetings Secretary and is tenure of each post is normally January 14th 2011. shadowing the present four years; however, Jane Scientific Meetings Secretary. Rogers and Ian Henderson are Nominations must be made In addition there will be four eligible to stand for new 4-yr with the nominee's consent. Committee posts falling vacant terms (if they so desire) from May 1st 2011 in the because they are completing

2011 The JBS Haldane Lecture Call for Nominations

he Genetics Society selected by a committee membership of the Society. Tannounces a new prize chaired by the Genetics Documents should be lecture that will complement Society’s Vice President for the submitted electronically to the the medals and lectures it Public Understanding of Honorary Secretary of The already awards. The JBS Genetics from nominations Genetics Society, Patricia Haldane Lecture will recognise made by Society members. Kuwabara, by Friday, an individual for outstanding December 3, 2010 at Nominees need not be members ability to communicate topical [email protected]. of the Society, but should be subjects in genetics research, active researchers working in widely interpreted, to an the UK. To make a nomination, interested lay audience. please confirm that your This speaker will have a flair candidate is willing to be for conveying the relevance and nominated, then submit both a excitement of recent advances two-page CV and a short in genetics in an informative explanation of how the and engaging way. candidate meets these criteria. The annual open lecture will be In addition to delivering the delivered on a topic, and in a Lecture, the nominee will place, agreed with the Genetics receive an honorarium of J.B.S. Haldane a consummate Society. The recipient will be £1,000 and a three-year science communicator

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GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 13

2012 Balfour Lecture Call for Nominations

he Balfour Lecture, named the consent of the nominee. willing to be nominated, then Tafter the Genetics Society’s Those making nominations forward a two-page CV of the first President, is an award to must be members of the candidate, together with a list mark the contributions to Genetics Society, but there is no of his or her ten most genetics of an outstanding requirement for the nominee to important publications, plus a young investigator. be a member, nor is there any one-page letter of restriction on nationality or recommendation outlining why The Balfour Lecturer is elected residence. you feel their contributions to by the Society’s Committee on the field have been outstanding. the basis of nominations made Nominations are now being These documents must be by any individual member of invited for the 2012 Balfour submitted electronically to the the Society. The only Lecturer; the Lecture is Honorary Secretary of the conditions are that the normally delivered at the Society, Patricia Kuwabara, by recipient of the award must Society’s annual spring Friday, December 3, 2010 at normally have less than 10 meeting. Note that there is no [email protected]. years’ postdoctoral research restriction on the subject experience at the time of matter of the Balfour Lecture. nomination, and that any To make a nomination, please nomination must be made with confirm that your candidate is

2012 Genetics Society Medal Call for Nominations

he Genetics Society Medal any restriction on nationality to be nominated, then forward Tis an award that recognizes or residence. Neither current a two-page CV of the candidate, outstanding research members of the Committee nor together with a list of his or contributions to genetics. The those who have retired from her ten most important Medal recipient, who should office in the past four years publications, plus a one-page still be active in research at may be nominated for the letter of recommendation the time the Medal is awarded, award. The recipient will be outlining why you feel their will be elected annually by the invited to deliver a lecture at a contributions to the field have Committee on the basis of Genetics Society meeting, been outstanding. nominations made by any where the medal will be These documents must be individual member of the awarded, in the year following submitted electronically to the Society. his/her election. Honorary Secretary of the Those making nominations Nominations are now being Genetics Society, Patricia must be members of the invited for the 2012 Genetics Kuwabara, by Friday, Genetics Society, but there is Society Medal. To make a December 3, 2010 at no requirement for the nomination, please confirm [email protected]. nominee to be a member, nor that your candidate is willing

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GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 14

The Sir Kenneth Congratulations to our President Mather Memorial n the Queen’s Birthday Human Genetics. Prize IHonours, which were Her scientific announced on June 12th, our achievements have Call for Nominations President, Veronica van been recognised by Heyningen was made a her election as a Commander of the Order of Fellow of the Royal he Sir Kenneth Mather the British Empire (CBE). Society of TMemorial Prize is an The honour is for services to Edinburgh in 1997, annual prize of £150 to reward science, and Veronica has and a Fellow of the a BSc, MSc or PhD student of performed many of these, Royal Society in any UK University or Research including being a member of 2007. Of the several Institution who has shown Council of both the Academy affiliations that outstanding performance in of Medical Sciences and the could have been the area of quantitative or Human Genetics given, it is especially pleasing that she was population genetics. Organisation, a member of listed in the awards as “President of the the UK’s Human Genetics Genetics Society”. Many congratulations to Nominations should be made Commission and president of Veronica, who assures us we don’t have to call between July 1st and the European Society of her “Commander”. November 1st inclusive of each year through the local Head of Department or School of the 2011 Genetics Society Medal nominee. Nominations should consist of no more than one he GS medal is awarded biology of sex determination. His page of A4, setting out the case Tannually to recognise work in this area revealed both the for the nomination, including outstanding research diversity of the mechanisms relevant comparison with contributions in genetics and involved in animal sex other students where possible. the Genetics Society is delighted determination and the existence of a conserved Nominations should be sent to to announce that the winner of gene family of sexual regulators. In addition to the Head of School, School of the 2010 medal is former Society this he has contributed insights into to the Biosciences, The University of president Professor Jonathan evolution of hermaphroditism, natural variation Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 Hodgkin of the University of and many other fundamental biological processes 2TT, clearly labelled as a Oxford. Jonathan is one of the in C. elegans. In 2000 he was appointed Professor nomination for "The Sir world’s foremost experts on C. of Genetics in Oxford and with this move began Kenneth Mather Memorial elegans biology. As a graduate to develop a new research area, investigating Prize". student in Sidney Brenner’s lab innate immunity in C. elegans. Along with his he initiated the first studies of exciting and durable research achievements, Nominations will be assessed the genetics of sex deter- Jonathan contributes greatly to teaching students by a panel of two people with mination, dosage compensation, at every level, including mature converts. Finally, experience in the area of meiosis and mating behaviour in he provides a tireless service to the C. elegans quantitative/population the nematode. After a sojourn community by overseeing genetic nomenclature genetics, one from the with Myxococcus xanthus as a and by supervising and continually refining the University of Birmingham and postdoc with Dale Kaiser in genetic map. Not surprisingly, he has been widely the other nominated by the UK Stanford, he returned to C. honoured for his achievements by election to Genetics Society. Decisions elegans as an MRC staff many elite groups, including EMBO membership will be announced in December scientist with pioneering work and Fellowship of the Royal Society, and it is a each year. delving more extensively into pleasure to welcome him as the 2011 Genetics the genetics and molecular Society Medal holder.

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GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 15

The 2011 Balfour Lectureship

amed youngest independent group and to the evolution of Nafter the leaders at the LMB. Madan is a factors. Currently Genetics Computational Biologist with his work has focused on Society’s first strong analytical and model- understanding how biological President, building skills, coupled with regulation is achieved at this award broad and deep knowledge of multiple levels of complexity in goes to a many aspects of organismal cellular systems and how this young biology and genetics. He is influences evolution of scientist with less than 10 amazingly inventive in the organisms and their genomes. years’ postdoctoral experience. areas that he explores, He and his colleagues are It is a pleasure to welcome Dr combining large-scale datasets dissecting regulatory processes Madan Babu as the 2011 Balfour with computational analytical in genomes at three distinct Lecturer to follow in the approaches. His work adds levels of complexity: the illustrious footsteps of his 23 tremendous value to many very molecular, systems and predecessors. Madan is the expensively obtained but genomic. A Biochemical head of the Computational frequently under-utilised high Society Early Career Award and Systems Biology Group at the throughput genome-scale an EMBO Young Investigator MRC Laboratory of Molecular studies and contributes to the Award have recognized Madan’s Biology in Cambridge. design and focus of subsequent notable scientific achievements, Following PhD work with Sarah studies. He has developed and the Genetics Society is very Teichmann in Cambridge and a fundamental concepts happy to add to this well- Postdoctoral stint at NCBI with pertaining to the structure and deserved recognition by the L Aravind, in 2006 he was evolution of gene regulatory award of the 2011 Balfour appointed as one of the networks on a genomic scale Lectureship.

Local Representatives

he Local Representative acts as a key liaison between the membership and the Society’s Office and TCommittee 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, Patricia Kuwabara by Email at [email protected].

SEE FULL LIST ON PAGE 16>

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GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 16

Genetics Society Local Representatives

Aberdeen -vacant- University of Aberdeen Aberystwyth Dr Glyn Jenkins University of Wales [email protected] Ascot -vacant- Imperial College Bath Dr Steve Dorus University of Bath [email protected] Birmingham Prof FCH Franklin University of Birmingham [email protected] Brighton -vacant- University of Sussex Bristol Prof Patty Kuwabara University of Bristol (SOMs) [email protected] Bristol Dr Colin M Lazarus University of Bristol (Biol. Sci) [email protected] Cambridge -vacant- University of Cambridge Cardiff Dr Timothy Bowen University of Wales College of Medicine [email protected] Cardiff -vacant- University of Cardiff Coventry -vacant- University of Warwick Dublin -vacant- University of Dublin Dundee Prof Micahel JR Stark University of Dundee [email protected] Edinburgh -vacant- University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Dr Veronica van Heyningen MRC Human Genetics Unit [email protected] Glasgow Dr Iain L Johnstone [email protected] Glasgow Dr K O'Dell University of Glasgow [email protected] Guildford Dr Peter G Sanders University of Surrey [email protected] Kent Prof Mick F Tuite [email protected] Leeds -vacant- Leicester Dr Ed Hollox University of Leicester [email protected] London Prof EMC Fisher Nat'l Hosp for Neurology & Neurosurgery [email protected] London -vacant- Imperial College (Hammersmith) London Dr Kevin M O'Hare Imperial College [email protected] London Dr Richard A Nichols Queen Mary and Westfield College [email protected] London Dr Stephen Ansell The Natural History Museum [email protected] London Dr Francesca Mackenzie University College London [email protected] Manchester -vacant- University of Manchester Newcastle Trevor Jackson University of Newcastle [email protected] Newcastle Dr Kirsten Wolff University of Newcastle (Biol Sci) [email protected] Norwich -vacant- University of East Anglia Norwich -vacant- Nottingham Dr John FY Brookfield University of Nottingham (Genetics) [email protected] Nottingham Dr Richard D. Emes University of Nottingham [email protected] Oxford Dr SE Kearsey University of Oxford () [email protected] Oxford Prof Liam Dolan Dept of plant sciences [email protected] Oxford Prof Andrew OM Wilkie University of Oxford (John Radcliffe Hosp) [email protected] Plymouth Dr David J Price University of Plymouth [email protected] Reading Dr Louise Johnson University of Reading [email protected] Richmond -vacant- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Sheffield -vacant- University of Sheffield Southampton Dr Chris Franks University of Southampton [email protected] St Andrews Prof Mike Ritchie University of St Andrews [email protected] Stirling Dr Cecile Bacles University of Stirling [email protected] Swansea Dr George E Johnson Swansea University [email protected] Ulster Dr Colum Walsh University of Ulster [email protected] Warwick Dr. Jose Gutierrez-Marcos University of Warwick [email protected] York Prof John C. Sparrow University of York [email protected]

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Postgraduate Representative

he Genetics Society Postgraduate Rep I’m here to page on facebook. The Twelcomes Lynne Harris, provide a voice at the facebook group provides University of Edinburgh as committee level for information about upcoming the new Postgraduate postgraduate student members events that may of interest to Reprosentative. of the society. If you have any society members in addition to ideas of further ways in which promoting informal discussion I would like to introduce the society can support its amongst all those who share myself to you all as the new postgraduate student members an interest in genetics. This Postgraduate Representative of please do get in touch with me. group is organised by students the Genetics Society. I am a for students/junior scientists PhD student based at the I would like to take this and is therefore particularly Institute of Immunology and opportunity to thank Mr. relevant to postgraduate Infection Research at the Tomasz Nowakowski for all his student members of the University of Edinburgh, hard work representing society. where my research focuses on postgraduate student members the human immune response over the last two years. Of to Plasmodium falciparum particular note, Tomasz has set infection. As the Society’s up an active Genetics Society

Get involved! The Genetics Society is now on facebook. The facebook group provides information about upcoming events that may be of interest to members in addition to promoting informal discussion amongst all those who share an interest in genetics. The group may be of particular interest to postgraduate student members of the Genetics Society, with a wide variety of postgraduate events and opportunities currently being publicised on the group.

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Take a closer look at the latest 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 Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:42 Page 19

GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 19

Both of the following articles by Mark Downs were written before the general election. I leave them as is since the issues remain the same (The Editor).

Society of Biology – the first months

Dr Mark Downs PhD FSB . Chief Executive, Society of Biology

s most readers will be shape the way we work. But, The Society now has over 70 aware, the Society of to do that we need to Organisational Members and ABiology formally came understand what matters to nearly 12,000 individual into existence on 1st October our members, how you will members. This represents 2009 following the judge if we are delivering for 80,000 biologists, giving us the unification of the you and how best to involve legitimacy to speak with Biosciences Federation and you. Any member of the team authority in all our work. the Institute of Biology. here would be delighted to Although we plan to build on hear your thoughts and, as the Our Council have identified the heritage of these two newest recruit, I am four priority areas for 2010: important bodies it is particularly keen to learn Firstly, practical biology. No important for all of us to see about the way your matter which biological the Society as a new organisation would like to be discipline undergraduates or organisation with a different represented by us. postgraduates follow there outlook and approach to its needs to be the opportunity to organisational parents. For The Society of Biology is a practise science at the bench the first time we have one single unified voice for biology: or in the field. It is simply not body to represent the • advising Government and tenable to expand interests of all biologists in influencing policy; undergraduate science the UK creating a single education without additional powerful voice to advise and • advancing education and resource to facilitate hands-on inform Governments and professional development; experience of designing real make a difference. That experiments and interpreting aspiration can only be • supporting our members, the results. As , realised if we are a nimble Professor of Molecular Biology organisation, quick to • and engaging and at Oxford University and respond to opportunities, encouraging public interest Council member of the Society capable of learning from our in the life sciences. mistakes and willing to work in partnership. We also need to be truly proactive to really Although we plan to build on the heritage of these two drive the policy agenda. important bodies it is important for all of us to see the At the time of reading this article we will be less than six Society as a new organisation with a different outlook months old and there will still be plenty of opportunity to and approach to its organisational parents

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of Biology said in a recent the Office for Life Sciences. content, experimental design, interview to the Standard, The Government has asked us opportunity for hands-on responding to Lord to look at ways in which some experimentation and Mandelson’s announcement on biological science degrees can intellectual rigour. It is spending cuts, “A perfect be accredited to give greater certainly not about accrediting Storm is gathering. Our next confidence to students and individuals or asking for generation of scientists will employers that they provide coverage of specific training need to look very carefully at the solid grounding needed for tasks or a defined list of the quality of degrees on offer. employment. There is no techniques. For sure, biology If we want top scientists – to doubt that the topic arouses is more diverse than chemistry innovate, to find out strong views. or engineering, but by starting fundamental truths and to get in specific areas real benefit us out of recession – this is The academic community can accrue, along with simply not good enough.” (sic). doesn’t want to be forced into a experience. To find out more There has to be the resource to corner with no room for visit www.societyofbiology.org properly fund practical biology innovation in their degree both in schools and in the programmes or to become a Finally, we will be talking to higher education sector. We surrogate for technical all the parties in the run up to will be pushing this message at training programmes, whilst the General Election, forcing every opportunity, especially in industry bemoans the lack of them to focus on their science the run up to the election. hands-on laboratory skills of agenda and representing the many graduates. I am interests of biology, raising its Secondly, the impact of convinced there is a route to profile and using our work on biology, a central theme in the delivery of a solution that “impact “ to argue for recent consultation on the meets the needs of both camps. investment. Research Excellence A lot rests with the Framework. Most biologists terminology used. The Society will also be accept that the public have a working on many wider right to know that the money Any accreditation programme education, science policy and they spend on research is being we take forward will benefit public understanding of spent wisely. Its impact on our from wider consultation and science issues and, of course, economy, health care system, will certainly not be trying to evolve new services environment and society is compulsory. It is likely to to benefit our members. We important to recognise. But it focus on core requirements for welcome your suggestions for has to be a sophisticated biological science courses to be the Society. measurement. We plan to accredited, such as numerical build on existing work and present a consistent and clear case around the impact of biology from blue sky research to the most applied. Case The academic community doesn’t want to be studies will be an important part of that. If you have data forced into a corner with no room for innovation or views to share please email me at markdowns@ in their degree programmes or to become a societyofbiology.org. surrogate for technical training programmes, Thirdly, we will continue to whilst industry bemoans the lack of hands-on work on a pilot accreditation programme to report back to laboratory skills of many graduates

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Science funding the need for common purpose

Dr Mark Downs PhD FSB . Chief Executive, Society of Biology

hatever flavour of new The scientific community will need to support WGovernment emerges from the general election one these members and nurture an empathy with thing is certain: they will not be over endowed with others to ensure the importance of science to scientific expertise. Partly as a fall out from the expenses our economy, health, the environment and scandal, the number of parliamentarians standing social infrastructure is not lost. down at this election is significant. The result, however the electorate votes, will mean at least 300 new need to avoid the trap of The Society is taking every MPs. Only a handful has any special pleading. The new opportunity to lobby. We have background in science. Government, and back- written to each parliamentary benchers alike, need to hear a candidate to raise the profile of The scientific community will simple and consistent message biology and the role of the need to support these members about the value of science. Society but with a clear focus on and nurture an empathy with The science budget must the bigger picture. others to ensure the continue to be ring fenced and importance of science to our the amount within it at least We are highlighting three key economy, health, the maintained. messages: environment and social 1. Recognition of the central infrastructure is not lost. If we can win the wider argument, biology has a strong role of science in the They will need to be engaged heritage to call on to ensure economy, by maintaining or in the issues rather than the life sciences are not increasing funding for basic lectured to and above all, we undervalued. and applied research in real

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We will develop a range of case studies on the impact of biology to support the detailed arguments and we welcome your input. But the more MPs hear the same message the more likely it is that we will succeed. We encourage you to write to your local MP with these messages and stand ready to offer support wherever possible.

terms. We are calling on the responsibilities. We more of the detail, focussing new Government to develop recommend inclusion of on biology. But, they at least a new 10-year funding principles guaranteeing have a good overview of the framework for science, to academic freedom of issues. It will be the lack of underpin the UK’s position scientific advisers in the science understanding across as a world-leading scientific ministerial code. key ministerial posts and nation. parliamentary committees that There are further, more is likely to lead to 2. The importance of practical detailed arguments to make misunderstanding or lack of as well as theoretical skills about equality of funding urgency. in the training of scientists. between the sciences, pointing This will require financial out the absolute necessity of The Society will be working support for a significant ensuring UK biology is funded hard to build relationships hands-on practical skills in a way that enables us to with MPs and Peers post element, including lab and retain our world-leading election, pushing them on their field skills in courses at position. But it would be a science policy and seeking to school and university. mistake to lead the debate with represent biology on behalf of School teachers should be special pleading for the our membership. We will enabled and supported to biosciences. We need new develop a range of case studies provide high quality parliamentarians to more fully on the impact of biology to laboratory and outdoor understand the wide value of support the detailed arguments practical science teaching at pubic financial support for UK and we welcome your input. all levels. We argue that science as a whole. But the more MPs hear the particular attention is paid same message the more likely to this in forthcoming The recent Question Time style it is that we will succeed. We curriculum reviews. debate organised by the Royal encourage you to write to your Society of Chemistry in local MP with these messages 3. The need to intensify efforts partnership with the Society and stand ready to offer to ensure that scientific and others, between the support wherever possible. evidence is well used and science spokesmen for the commu-nicated across three main parties - Adam government. This is Afriyie (Cons), Lord Drayson necessary to improve policy (Lab) and Evan Harris (Lib development and delivery Dem) - did highlight some where issues cross policy differences. And it is traditional departmental right to provide them with

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23 GENETICS SOCIETY MEETING REPORTS

The Genetics Society Spring Meeting Mouse Genetics: Think Globally, Act Locally 23rd April 2010, Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Hinxton

Ian J. Jackson . MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh Elizabeth J. Radford . Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge

he aim of this meeting, participation was clearly is the ability to target genetic Theld on a sunny St brought home to the modifications to its genome via George’s Day at the Wellcome organisers when the volcanic manipulation of ES cells. Bill Trust Conference Centre, ash from Eyjafjallajokull Skarnes (Wellcome Trust Hinxton, was to highlight the closed UK airspace for 5 days Sanger Institute) summarised large scale, global projects in leading up to the meeting. progress in a large mouse genetics and genomics Cancellation of flights meant international programme and show how these that speakers from USA and which aims to make a resources have been used at Australia could not attend. knockout ES cell line for every the local level to advance Luckily for the organisers (but gene in the mouse genome. research. The choice of perhaps not for those stranded) The International Mouse venue was deliberate. The the flight problems meant that Knockout Consortium is a Conference Centre is on the several speakers from another collaboration between North Hinxton Genome Campus, conference a week earlier were American and European site of the European still in the UK and so we were institutions and to date there Bioinformatics Institute and most grateful that Lee are knockout ES cells available of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Niswander (University of for over 14,000 genes, well over Institute. The latter has Colorado, Denver) kindly half the gene complement. generated a substantial agreed to give a talk. Two Information on this amount of mouse genomic prize lectures were also community resource, the sequence data, and is presented at the meeting: strategies and access to the developing large resources in Andrew Jackson (MRC Human cells can be found at mouse mutagenesis, whilst Genetics Unit, Edinburgh) www.knockoutmouse.org. the former collaborates to gave the Balfour Lecture and Knockout cells are generated deliver much of this data to Steve Brown (MRC Mammalian very rapidly via automated local users via, among others, Genetics Unit, Harwell) gave design of vectors, and the Ensembl genome browser. the Genetics Society Medal multiwell-format vector The timing of the meeting, on Lecture. construction and cell the other hand, turned out to targeting. The vector design be not ideal. The contrast One advantage of the mouse as used by the Skarnes-directed between global and local a model mammalian organism project cleverly results in a

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knockout event initially, but high-throughput sequencing genetic interaction in the which can be easily converted technology has, in conjunction pathway. The Fbxo11 protein is to a conditional allele, which is with traditional mapping and a ubiquitin ligase which functional until Cre- techniques such as exome neddylates resulting in its recombinase is co-expressed capture, which enriches for stabilisation and consequent when it becomes inactivated. exonic and near-exon downregulation of Smad2. It These conditional alleles are sequences, increased the ease appears in the mutant lines invaluable for exploring cell- and speed of identifying the that there is overstimulation of specific effects of culprit mutation. the TGF-beta pathway. In which often cannot be addition the hypoxic otherwise studied if, for Steve Brown has been a long- environment of the inflamed example, the constitutive time advocate of phenotype- middle ear induces the HIF-1 knockout has a lethal driven genetic screens. In his pathway. These are now novel phenotype. Genetics Society Medal lecture, therapeutic targets which may began with mutant mice be exploited in treatment of With the refinement of genetic identified as part of a large otitis media; a nice example of targeting technology, reverse scale mutagenesis experiment how identification of mutant genetic studies can which commenced over a mice can lead to drug predominate the field. decade ago under his direction development. However, Lee Niswander at MRC Harwell. In searching argued persuasively for the for mutants that were deaf Another major advantage importance and power of they identified two lines which which laboratory mice have forward genetic screens to had dominant otitis media over most other mammalian identify in an unbiased fashion leading to conductive deafness. models is the existence of those genes most critical to Otitis media is a common many inbred strains, within developmental processes. Lee cause of impaired hearing in which each individual is has used N-ethyl N- children and treatment for the essentially genetically nitrosourea (ENU) disease has only variable identical. The strains differ mutagenesis to identify success. The identification of with respect to many recessive that affect the genes affected in the two phenotypic characteristics, and mouse embryogenesis. mutant lines as Evi1 and these differences must be due Although potentially Fbxo11, implicates TGF-beta to the genetic strain laborious, if the phenotypic signalling pathway. Evi1 differences. David Adams screen is well designed ENU represses this pathway, and (Welcome Trust Sanger screens can be very effective at Smad2, a mediator of TGF-beta Institute) presented the work identifying the key genetic signalling, is upregulated in of the Mouse Genomes Project, players in a wide range of the Fbxo11 mutant epithelia. through which the DNA developmental phenotypes. Double heterozygotes of sequence of individual mice ENU causes point mutations Smad2 and Fbxo11 have the from 17 different inbred strains and the majority of phenotypic same phenotype as Fbxo11 has been determined. The hits map to exons or near-exon homozygotes, suggesting a sequences are all available at intronic sequences, resulting in truncations, miss-splicing and loss or gain of function alleles. Generating a range of Another major advantage which laboratory mice such alleles for a given locus is often key to delineating the have over most other mammalian models is the critical functional region of existence of many inbred strains, within which the protein in question. The increasing accessibility of each individual is essentially genetically identical.

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http://www.sanger.ac.uk outbred mouse stocks for identifying and mapping a /resources/mouse/genomes/ genetic diversity using SNP trait locus to identifying the where the sequences can be markers. They find a underlying base change a lot viewed, aligned to the surprising range with some easier. reference C57Bl6/J sequence actually having rather little and queried for variation, diversity within the stock. Human populations, of course, including the functional Diversity can be generated in are better studied and effects, by gene or by mouse stocks by deliberate generally have more diversity, chromosomal location. This breeding and the HS, or and the Balfour Lecture by resource will be invaluable in Heterogeneous Stock, mice clinical geneticist Andrew tracking down the genetic have been bred from eight Jackson reminded us that cause of strain differences in a inbred parental lines to human patients are a rich wide range of medically achieve just that. Mice with source of mutations which important phenotypes. Most this genetic composition have lead us to discover new and laboratory strains are a been used to map genetic interesting processes. Aicardi- mixture of two mouse factors involved in a wide Goutieres Syndrome (AGS) is a subspecies, Mus musculus range of behavioural and other rare and unusual genetic domesticus and Mus musculus traits. HS mice are each disease in which infants musculus which were unique, so measurements must display the symptoms of a presumably bred together be applied to each individual, congenital viral infection in when mice were first kept as and each must be genetically absence of any virus. pets. The project, however, has typed for contribution of the Inflammation of the brain in also sequenced inbred strains parental SNPs. In contrast a patients is due to mutations in derived from wild mice, two new genetic resource is about genes encoding nucleases corresponding to the to become available; the TREX1 and RNASEH2 that subspecies which make up the Collaborative Cross (or CC) process single-stranded DNA laboratory populations and mice are recombinant inbred and RNA:DNA hybrid two others. One is another strains generated by controlled molecules. It appears that subspecies commonly used in breeding of eight parental reduced activity of the the laboratory, Mus musculus strains chosen to give wide enzymes leads to accumulation castaneus and the fourth is diversity. The first 50 of these of these nucleic acids, another species, Mus spretus, inbred lines will be available in triggering an innate immune also used in the lab and which early 2011, and more than 200 reaction which leads to auto- has a higher resistance to will be ready in a year or two. inflammation. Surprisingly cancer and infectious diseases. Each strain need only be the function of RNASEH2 is genotyped once and then not fully understood, but it In order to fully exploit the represents a fixed resource. may be necessary for the genetic differences between Furthermore, phenotyping can removal of the RNA primers of inbred strains, and to identify be more detailed as there are Okazaki fragments during the genes responsible, crosses many individuals of each DNA replication. are needed to map the factors genotype, and data collection causing the differences. can be distributed as strains Lizzy Fisher (Institute of Richard Mott (Wellcome Trust can be supplied to whoever Neurology, UCL, London) Centre for Human Genetics, requires them. The parental described her long-standing Oxford) described the various strains that are contributing to project to generate and analyse crosses that are underway or both the HS and the CC mouse a mouse model of the complex already exist that will allow resources have had their human disorder, Down’s this mapping. In collaboration genomes sequenced in the Syndrome. Modelling human with Jonathan Flint’s group Mouse Genomes Project which trisomy 21 in mice is not they have analysed available should make the step from simple; the genes on human

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21 are located expansion of the hypertrophic across 3 mouse chromosomes zone and ultimately so a mouse trisomy doesn’t chondrodysplastic skeletal accurately replicate the abnormalities. However, such karyotype. To overcome this ER stress is not associated she, in collaboration with with a significant increase in Victor Tybulewicz at MRC . Instead the NIMR, introduced a human hypertrophic chondrocytes chromosome 21 into the mouse appear to adapt by reverting to germline via ES cells. The an earlier differentiation state. human 21 is freely segregating This work demonstrates how a in mitosis and meiosis and is specific phenotype can result inherited. The team have from the cellular stress made this mouse widely response to an aberrant Ian Jackson presents Steve Brown with the Genetics Society Medal. available to colleagues with a protein, rather than the loss of range of expertise and function of that protein itself, together they have found that and sheds light on the mice carrying this extra, molecular pathophysiology of foreign, chromosome have other chondrodysplasias. many of the features of human Down’s patients including Finally, whilst most laboratory behavioural, cardiac and mice live in tightly controlled craniofacial defects. Some caged environments, those human disease characteristics kept by Jane Hurst (University are not seen in the mouse of Liverpool) live in large model, however, which could outdoor enclosures that more be due to developmental and accurately mimic their natural physiological differences environment. She studies between the species, or could mouse behaviour in these be due to the documented environments and at this Anne Ferguson-Smith congratulates Andrew Jackson after he delivered absence of some human genes meeting described work on the 2010 Genetics Society Balfour Lecture from the additional what mediates individual chromosome in the mouse recognition. Earlier work in model. laboratory mice suggested that have considerable diversity. the major histocompatability This serves as a valuable Kathy Cheah (University of complex (MHC) was the main reminder that most lab mice Hong Kong) described her indicator of identity, in terms sample only a part of the work unravelling the of mate choice and avoidance genetic and phenotypic paradoxical effect of a 13 base of inbreeding, for example. diversity within the overall pair deletion of Collagen X However, she has mouse population. which results in a more severe demonstrated that in wild phenotype than a complete mice the MHC plays no role in The day ended with a drinks knockout of the gene. In the individual recognition, rather reception, with the Hinxton hypertrophic chondrocytes of it is the major urinary proteins campus still basking in spring growth plates abnormal (MUPs) that serve this sunshine. Thanks to our folding of the mutant collagen purpose. Although the MUP sponsors Perkin Elmer and the impairs secretion of the genes form a large family, Edinburgh Mouse Atlas of nascent protein from the laboratory mice have little for endoplasmic reticulum, polymorphism within the contributing to this exciting resulting in ER stress, family, unlike wild mice which and stimulating meeting.

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27 GENETICS SOCIETY SPONSORED EVENTS

The Genetics Society’s 20th Mammalian Genetics and Development Workshop, 19th - 20th November 2009, UCL Institute of Child Health, London,

Nick Greene . Institute of Child Health, London Andrew Ward . Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bath

he 2009 MGDW, determination of left-right transgenics for modelling Tsponsored by the asymmetry (Daniel Grimes, aspects of Alzheimer’s disease Genetics Society and MRC Harwell). The morning (Giusi Manfredi, University of Mammalian Genome, session continued with a Bath) and novel functions of brought together scientists focus on the planar cell an E3 ubiquitin ligase, from across the UK for two polarity pathway, both in Arkadia2C, in motor neurons days of talks and human neural tube defects (Claire Kelly, Imperial College discussion under the broad (Alexis Robinson, UCL London). The focus on theme of mammalian Institute of Child Health), neuronal biology was genetics and development. and in lung development continued with a talk on This annual meeting has (Laura Yates, MRC Harwell). Sprouty gene function in traditionally provided an We returned to canonical Wnt cranial nerve morphology opportunity for PhD signalling, and the role in (Subreena Simrick, King’s students and Post-Docs to salivary gland development to College London). The present, and for many round off the morning (Nisha scientific sessions for the first people is their first talk Patel, King’s College London). day were concluded by a external to their own beautifully illustrated talk department. This year the The afternoon began with a from Laura Pastorelli quality of both the session on imprinting, (Wellcome Trust), showing a research and the including talks on the selection of the material presentations was again imprinted mouse genes Grb10 available at Wellcome Images. most impressive, and the and Dlk1 (Marta Madon, Discussions (scientific and abstracts are published in University of Bath), the Gnas otherwise!) continued at the Genetics Research. cluster (Sally Eaton, MRC wine reception. Harwell), and a cluster of The meeting began with a imprinted genes that affects Friday began with another series of talks covering a metabolic regulation and session focussing on range of areas including the body temperature (Marika imprinting and gene role of Wnt signalling in skull Charalambous, Cambridge regulation including possible osteogenesis (Heather Szabo- University). The afternoon antisense regulation of the Rogers, King’s College continued with several talks DIRAS3 locus (Joanna London), imaging of in which knockout and Huddleston, Cancer Research melanoblast migration transgenic mouse models UK, Cambridge), evolution of (Richard Mort, MRC Human were being used to analyse imprinted retrogenes (Ruth Genetics Unit, Edinburgh), gene function. Topics McCole, King’s College functional studies of RASSF7 included the role of thymosin London) and variable in regulation (Asha 4 in endothelial development methylation of the imprinted Recino, University of Bath) β(Alex Rossdeutsch UCL SNRPN gene (Shih-Han Lee, and the identification of a Institute of Child Health), use Nottingham University). The function for Pkd11 in of DKK1 and GPCRX molecular basis of impaired

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fertility in XY females was Three prizes were awarded for The 2010 Mammalian Genetics the subject of the next talk by the best presentations, in the and Development Workshop Shantha Mahadevaiah opinion of the judging panel, will be held at UCL Institute (NIMR). Developmental and we are very grateful to of Child Health on 11-12th functions of hedgehog our sponsors for supporting November. All presentations signalling and cilia were the these awards. Fiona Bangs will be in lecture format (15 topic of the next two talks (Department of Biology & or 30 minutes), chosen from covering interesting mouse , University of abstracts submitted prior to mutants for Tulp3 (Victoria Bath) was the winner of the the meeting. Abstracts are Patterson, MRC Harwell) and Mammalian Genome Prize. published (with permission) Talpid3 (Fiona Bangs, Additional prizes (sponsored in Genetics Research. If you University of Bath). Michael by the Genetics Society) were would like to present a paper Baron (UCL Institute of Child awarded to Michael Baron at the 2010 Workshop, please Health) then described (UCL Institute of Child send your abstract by e-mail progress being made towards Health) and Daniel Grimes to the following address: transplantation of retinal (Mammalian Genetics Unit, [email protected]. photoreceptor precursors, and MRC Harwell). Queries can also be addressed the meeting was closed with Congratulations to the to [email protected]. an informative guide to the winners – and to all the UniProt Knowledgebase (WM speakers who made the job of Chan, European the judges very difficult. Bioinformatics Institute).

54th Ecological Genetics Group 6-8th May 2010, Stirling, Scotland.

Paul Ashton . Edge Hill University

After a break of twelve years Prizewinners from left the Ecological Genetics Group to right: Penelope (EGG) returned to Scotland, Whitehorn, Aline holding its 54th annual Finger, Cecile Bacles (Organiser), Karin meeting in Stirling, which was Kalijund and Sabrina expertly organised by Dr. Reignoux Cecile Bacles. EGG always features an eclectic mix of speakers and subjects, nevertheless 2010 proved to be a vintage year with 65 delegates from seven countries and speakers ranging from postgraduates through to senior academics. Perhaps the most senior (though EGG regulars prefer the more technical term ‘old lags’) was conference by outlining how (groundsels and ragworts) was Prof. Richard Abbott (St. his extensive work on placed into the broader context Andrews) who closed the introgression on Senecio of current work in the area.

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Oxford University press and Roberts and Co publishers.

In addition to the typical pattern of presentations, EGG meetings frequently include a discussion topic. On this occasion Will Goodall- Copestake (British Antarctic Survey) generated a lively debate on the possible advantages and problems of archiving data. Opportunity to discuss this presentation and others were provided on Delegates enjoy a demonstration of finding bumble bee nests with a the field excursion and at the trained dog at Vane Farm. conference dinner. The excursion was to the RSPB Richard was the second of our After much deliberation the Vane farm reserve, part of guest speakers, the first being old lags’ jury concluded the Loch Leven NNR. It is also Prof. Bill Amos (Cambridge) best talks to be given by Aline host to a partnership initiative who opened the conference Finger (ETH Zurich; between Bumblebee with his excellent talk entitled Conservation genetics of the Conservation Trust and the ‘From molecules to organisms: jellyfish tree, a Seychelles RSPB, where creation of a using the life history of one to flagship species) and Penelope species rich grassland followed infer aspects of the other’. Whitehorn (Stirling; Does by sympathetic management These two speakers also inbreeding in bumblebees has been undertaken to contributed to the overall compromise immunity?) with improve habitat quality for success of the meeting with best poster prizes going to bumblebees. The bee link was their general involvement Sabrina Reignoux (Edinburgh, further developed when throughout. Two new species of fungal delegates enjoyed a endophyte colonies in Pinus demonstration of using a In between the two guest sylvestris needles in Scotland) sniffer dog to detect bee nests. speakers delegates were and Karin Kalijund (Estonian treated to a variety of talks University of Life Sciences; Thanks are due to Cecile and covering a breadth of subjects Genetic diversity in her team for organising such a such as genetic structure, fragmented semi-natural great meeting (including the glacial history, pollination and populations of Medicago sativa weather on the field visit!) and gene flow, mating systems and ssp. falcata). Prizes for these to all the speakers for their inbreeding effects. The awards were sponsored by excellent contributions. organisms under study were similarly wide ranging and included vascular plants, seaweeds, fungi and animals. The poster session on the first the guest speakers delegates were treated to a variety evening was equally diverse of talks covering a breadth of subjects such as genetic and of comparably high quality. This made the prizes structure, glacial history, pollination and gene flow, for best student poster and talks very difficult to allocate. mating systems and inbreeding effects.

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3rd Mammalian Genetics, Development and Disease Meeting 3rd July 2009, University of Bath

Rosalind John . Cardiff University David Tosh . University of Bath

he 3rd Mammalian amenable to cell lineage TGenetics, Development analysis using cell labelling and Disease Meeting was techniques, and to dissection held at the University of of signalling pathways using Bath. On this occasion, dominant negative neural tube (dorsalisation). The mutation was Professor Jonathan Slack, approaches and transgenesis. identified in KIAA0586, which encodes a who holds the Tulloch Slack and colleagues have centrosomal protein. Conditional deletion of a Chair in Stem Cell Biology, investigated the role of the highly conserved region of the KIAA0586 Genetics, and Genomics at Wnt/beta-catenin and FGF results in polydactyly. Fiona also showed that the University of pathways in Xenopus tadpole cells of talpid3 mutant embryos lacked Minnesota, was our tail regener-ation. The data primary cilia. Dr Ben Colleypriest, a clinical Keynote speaker. Professor suggests that the Wnt fellow in the Tosh Lab (Bath), spoke about his Slack is a leading pathway lies upstream of the work developing a three-dimensional culture developmental biologist FGF activity. Expression of model for adult oesophagus. Ben showed that with an interest in trans- both Wnt and FGF he could culture oesophageal tissue for differentiation (the components was inhibited by prolonged periods and that the cultures conversion of one cell type activation of noggin, contained all the cell types expected from to another) and regener- suggesting that BMP stratified squamous epithelium. He also ation. Jonathan spoke signalling lies upstream of demonstrated that the model was accessible to about regeneration. It is both Wnt and FGF. The ectopic gene expression using adenoviral well known that while results show that the infection. Dr Anthony Dallosso (Malik Lab, some animals are able to molecular mechanism of Bristol) presented data on a genome-wide regenerate missing parts, Xenopus tadpole tail analysis of promoter hypermethylation in others cannot regenerate. regeneration is surprisingly Wilms’ tumour. Anthony identified a novel He highlighted that similar to that of the Xenopus epigenetic lesion at chromosome 5q31 that was understanding the cellular limb bud and the zebrafish hypermethylated in Wilms’ tumour. The and molecular mechanisms caudal fin, despite the methylated genes belong to alpha-, beta-, and of regeneration could have difference of anatomy. gamma-protocadherin (PCDH). In addition, important implications for Anthony showed that PCDHs may regulate regenerative medicine in There were several excellent canonical Wnt signalling. There were three humans. Jonathan and his short presentations from consecutive talks from members of Alan group are studying the early career stage Clarke’s lab in Cardiff. The first was a PhD mechanisms of researchers. Dr Fiona Bangs student, Aliaksei Holik who talked about the regeneration of the (Bath) from the Tickle lab role of BRG-1 in intestinal stem cell nervous system and the started the session off with a maintenance and cancer. This was followed by muscle in the vertebrate description of the chicken another PhD student, Emma Davies, who Xenopus tadpole tail. talpid3 mutant. These discussed the role of Pten and Kras in Xenopus is an excellent mutants exhibit a number of colorectal cancer. The third talk, from Dr Paul model system to study striking defects including Shaw, described the utility of anti-EGFR regeneration since it is polydactyly and defects in the antibodies in treating colorectal cancers. Dr

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Anthony Isles (a Principal Cardiff, gave an overview of Investigator at Cardiff the facility and the types of The Pombe Club University) described the research the technique can be functional role of a small used to address. Brenda The Pombe Club met nucleolar (sno)RNA species in Finney, a PhD student in the again on the evening of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). lab of Daniela Riccardi September 8th at CRUK One of these snoRNA (Cardiff) presented data on The London Research molecules, h/mbii-52, the role of the extracellular Institute. About 50 people negatively regulates editing calcium-sensing receptor in attended and we had 3 and alternative splicing of the branching morphogenesis in excellent talks about the serotonin 2C receptor (5htr2c) the developing mouse lung. mitotic and DNA pre-RNA. Anthony showed The imprinted theme was checkpoints, and RNAi that in a mouse model for continued in a talk from and heterochromatin. Vincent Vanoosthuyse PWS lacking expression of Matthew Van de Pette (Lab of from University of Edinburgh talked about how mbii-52, there was an increase Ros John, Cardiff). Matthew the protein phosphatase, PP1, is involved in the in editing, but not alternative described the silencing of the mitotic checkpoint. When the splicing, of the 5htr2c pre- characterization of a checkpoint complexes are phosphorylated by RNA. He also showed that transgenic mouse line which aurora kinase (Ark1) the mitotic checkpoint is this change in post- contains a single extra copy ON and the Promoting Complex transcriptional modification of the imprinted gene, (APC) is inactivate. Vincent showed that upon was associated with Cdkn1c. These mice exhibit Ark1 inactivation PP1 is required to silence the alteration in a number of changes in body fat content. mitotic checkpoint and allow activation of the 5HT2CR-related behaviours. The last talk was given by APC. Simon Janes from the University of Dr Will Davies, a research Alison Wakefield, a PhD Bangor then spoke about the DNA checkpoint fellow from Cardiff, discussed student in Richard Clarkson’s and a major checkpoint signalling component - the novel role of steroid lab (Cardiff). Alison the Rad9-Rad1-Hus1 complex. Simon has now sulfatase in Attention Deficit presented data on the role of isolated a Camptothecin resistant variant of Hyper-activity Disorder Bcl3, a cofactor for NF-kappB, Rad9 that appears to act independently of (ADHD). Benjamin in regulating cell fate in both Rad1and Hus1. Our final talk of the evening Kumpfmueller, a PhD student the normal mammary gland was from Robin Allshire also from the in the lab of Melanie Welham and in breast cancer. University of Edinburgh who talked about the (Bath), talked about the role role of RNAi and the formation of of a Zinc finger protein The meeting highlighted the heterochromatin. The RNAi pathway is known as Zscan4c in mouse significant expertise (both in required to direct the histone H3 lysine 9 embryonic stem cell terms of depth and breadth) methyltransferase Clr4 to the centromere and pluripotency. Marta Madon, a in a wide range of research this leads to the formation of heterochromatin. PhD student from Andrew topics from basic However, Robin showed that if Clr4 is tethered Ward’s lab in Bath, presented developmental biology to to euchromatin this is sufficient to generate data on the role of the more clinically relevant heterochromatin independently of the RNAi imprinted genes Grb10 and projects. Prizes of £50 were pathway. There was plenty of discussion after Dlk1 on growth, development awarded to Aliaksei Holik, each talk and during the drinks and nibbles at and metabolism. This was Alison Wakefield and Fiona the end of the evening. followed by a talk from Steve Bangs. The next meeting will Millership (Buchman Lab, be held on 2nd July 2010 in Because the Pombe Club now attracts scientists Cardiff), who discussed the Cardiff. from all over the UK we have decided to change role of g-synuclein in the its format so that there are fewer, longer development of diet-induced (www.cardiff.ac.uk/ meetings. There will now be two half-day diabetes. Dr Stephen Paisey, biosi/newsandevents/events/ meetings each year held in different places who runs the MRI facility in mgdd/ index.html). through out the UK rather than smaller evening the School of Biosciences at meetings in London.

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The First Scottish Drosophila Meeting, 11th December 2009, Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland

Mark Ditzel . Mike Williams . David Finnegan . The Organising Committee

he First Scottish Fly motility and metastasis. Drosophila to understand TMeeting was primarily Professor Frame gave a human developmental brain concerned with the use of fantastic opening lecture disorders, in particular how Drosophila as a model for focussing on tyrosine kinases in inflammation caused by the various aspects of human cancer. The lecture focussed on innate immune response can disease. Particular emphasis her labs work trying to disrupt brain development. was given to aspects of cancer understand interactions Session III: The third session biology, neurobiology and between receptor tyrosine consisted of one invited speaker innate immunity. The selected kinases, Src kinases, Focal and three short-talks presented topics were of high interest to Adhesion Kinase and integrins by applicants selected from the local scientific community, during migration and submitted abstracts. Dr. Liam indicated by turnout of metastasis. This talk was Keegan (MRC Human Genetics applicants, a total of 81 followed up by an excellent talk Unit, Edinburgh) gave an participants. This conference by Marcos Vidal (Beatson interesting presentation on the featured many of the most Institute, Glasgow). Dr. Vidal importance of RNA editing for highly recognized specialists in talked about the use of proper function of many the fields covered. The Drosophila a model for tumour proteins in both Drosophila and relatively small scale of the microenviroments, and how vertebrates. Ms Danielle meeting, the intimate and Drosophila can be used as a Mackenzie (University of aesthetic atmosphere, and the model to understand how Stirling, Stirling) gave the first excellent facilities provided by macrophage-like circulating short-talk about her work on the Royal Society of Edinburgh, immunosurvelliance cells using Drosophila as a model stimulated many in-depth (known as plasmatocytes in system to better understand the discussions and initiated future Drosophila) are attracted to biological processes that lead to collaborations. A total of seven tumours in an in vivo situation. immunosenescence. Mr. speakers were invited to give 45 Session II: In the second Christopher Sampson minute talks. In addition, three session Dr. Arno Muller (University of Aberdeen, applicants were selected from (University of Dundee, Dundee) Aberdeen) gave an eloquent submitted abstracts to give 15 and Dr. Andrew Jackson (MRC short-talk about the use of the minute talks. Finally, a poster Human Genetics Unit, Drosophila cellular immune session with a total of 11 Edinburgh) gave two very response as an in vivo model posters rounded-out the interesting talks. Dr. Muller system to gain a better scientific program. presented evidence that understanding of small GTPase Session I: The work of the studying epithelial- signalling in cell migration and Keynote Speaker, Professor mesenchymal morphogenesis adhesion. The final short-talk Margaret Frame (Edinburgh during Drosophila was given by Ms Gisela Garcia- Cancer Research Centre, embryogenesis is an excellent Alvarez (Duke-NUS Graduate Edinburgh) fit well with the model for understanding the Medical School, Singapore) who overall theme of the meeting transition of tumour cells to presented work on tumour and incorporates Dictyostelium, metastatic migrational cells suppressors in Drosophila Drosophila and Mouse model during cancer progression. Dr. larval neuroblasts, her talk systems to understand cell Jackson focused on the use of focused on the involvement of

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the protein phosphatase PP2A and to that end focuses on the valuable aspect of the meeting during neuroblast interactions of viruses with the was that it brought together differentiation. Drosophila immune response. scientists all over Scotland. Research in the last ten years There was time and Session IV: The final session of has led to significant opportunity for questions and the meeting focused on the breakthroughs providing discussions in both platform Drosophila innate immune evidence of a high degree of talks and poster sessions, as response. Dr. Matt Tinsley similarity between insect and well as during breaks and over (University of Stirling, Stirling) mammalian innate immune lunch, even though the gave a great talk focusing on responses and highlighted schedule was rather tight. his labs work to use Drosophila Drosophila as a model system as a model system to gain a The oral and poster for studying the evolution of better understanding of sene- presentations were of innate immunity. Both the scence, in particular immuno- outstanding quality. It was talks during the final session senescence. His lab is asking decided that the meeting was were extremely interesting and does an evolutionarily- definitely worthwhile and that showed new possibilities for determined increase in immune it would be important to have using the Drosophila immune investment lead to immuno- another Scottish Drosophila research as a model-system. senescence? Dr. Darren Obbard meeting again in two years. To (University of Edinburgh, The responses received from this end Michael Williams Edinburgh) gave the final talk the attendees indicated the (University of Aberdeen) and of the meeting. Dr. Obbard's enthusiasm of the participants Arno Muller (University of lab is interested in the evolu- for having attended this Dundee) were elected to tion of the immune response meeting. A particularly organize the next meeting.

The 2009 Genetics Society Arabidopsis Meeting 23rd May 2009, University of Oxford

Evangelia Kouyioumoutzi . Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford

he 2009 Arabidopsis development and was divided abaxial leaf polarity. Kathy TGenetics Society meeting, into four sessions: develop- presented her group’s results held in the Plant Sciences mental patterning, epigenetics on the identification of novel Department in Oxford, was and RNA regulation, growth targets of the HD-ZIP IIIs and attended by 43 delegates and 12 control and finally two sessions KANADI transcription factors speakers, all genetics on signalling. that specify adaxial abaxial enthusiasts, as suggested by polarity in the leaf. The meeting opened with a their gathering together over “Development” sponsored talk These investigations the May bank holiday weekend. by Kathy Barton (Carnegie highlighted connections of The meeting covered diverse Institute for Science, Stanford) abaxial/adaxial development aspects of Arabidopsis on specification of adaxial / with hormone signalling.

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Following on, Stephen Grigg Trithorax (Trx-G) pathway (University of Oxford) genes in Arabidopsis and the remained with the axial isolation of novel PcG and trx-G patterning theme and members, along with PcG presented data linking ab/ad targets. polarity in lateral organs with The third session focused on apical basal polarity in the signalling and plant hormones embryo. The session was were the protagonists here. concluded by Jan Traas (INRA, Ottoline Leyser (University of Lyon) who presented data on York) presented work on the modelling morphogenesis of computational modelling of the shoot apical meristem and auxin transport to give an discussing the significance of insight into how this hormone the and regulated controls shoot branching. was shown control lateral Speakers at the 2009 auxin efflux for lateral organ Arabidopsis meeting. Continuing with hormones but organ size in a non cell formation and meristem moving from shoots to roots, autonomous fashion. function. Sabrina Sabatini (Department Interestingly, the action range The second session was of Genetics and Molecular of this KLUH dependent signal dedicated to small and Biology, Rome) discussed extended beyond individual epigenetics. David Baulcombe interactions between auxin and organs and across the whole (University of Cambridge) cytokinin in the root meristem inflorescence. Gwyneth Ingram started by discussing the role of and detailed how these (University of Edinburgh) a class of small 24nt RNAs in interactions help cells attain a switched from floral growth chromatin modification. This balance between cell division development to seed class of siRNAs, which is and differentiation to control development, discussing the dependent on two RNA PolII root meristem size. Following role of the transcription factor variants, known as PolIV and on, Enrico Lopez-Jueza ZHOUPI in endosperm PolV, is abundant in the discussed how light affects autolysis pathways important endosperm of developing seeds, hormonal regulation in the for seed and seedling viability. is expressed maternally and SAM. He presented work Heather Knight (University of may be involved in interactions suggesting that auxin and Durham) presented the final between the parental and ethylene responsive genes were talk of the meeting on the role maternal genomes. negatively regulated upon of the SRF6 gene in cold transfer of dark grown tolerance. Heather reported David’s talk was nicely seedlings to the light, and that SRF6 encodes a novel complemented by Ueli suggested that the opposite is protein with an as yet unknown Grossniklaus (University of true for cytokinin and biochemical activity. As SFR6 Zurich) who presented evidence gibberellin responses. is nuclear and required for that activation of the parental regulation of gene expression it genome after fertilization takes Michael Lenhard (John Innes seems possible that it forms place gradually, is under Centre, Norwich) opened the transcriptional complexes with maternal control and likely second group on signalling various proteins. involves regulated PolIV talks by presenting a novel dependent siRNA action. The system for generation of Overall, it was a full and session was concluded by chimaeric plants, the use of rewarding day, with exciting Justin Goodrich (Institute of which helped his group define talks on different research Molecular Plant Sciences, the range of action of an areas of plant development and Edinburgh) who presented unknown signal depending on the sunny weather allowed work on a genetic screen for activity of the cytochrome P450 pleasant informal discussions novel Polycomb (PcG) and CYP78A5/KLUH protein, which in the quad.

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The British Yeast Group Meeting (BYG2010) 17th - 19th March 2010, Oxford

Rachel Deegan . Tim Humphrey . Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology & Biology, Oxford

he 2010 Genetics Society received much attention. Tsponsored British Yeast Frank Uhlmann (CR-UK, LIF) Group Meeting was very well presented a role for Hos1 attended, attracting over 140 deacetylase in being respons- delegates from both the UK ible for Smc3 deacetylation, an and further afield. The event required for successful meeting was held at St establishment of sister template-switching model, Anne’s College Oxford, which chromatid cohesion. In which he proposed to be a provided a tranquil setting addition, Jo Murray (Univer- common mechanism of for talks and discussions on sity of Sussex) proposed a genome instability. New many aspects of yeast novel role for the Smc5/Smc6 insights into G1/S checkpoint biology. complex in regulating chromo- control involving an some segregation by removing evolutionarily conserved In the opening session a from mitotic chromo- transcriptional feedback loop number of presentations somes after DNA damage. was presented by Rob de Bruin described different ways in (UCL), and an intriguing which yeast is being used to In the meiosis session, Eva translational mechanism of study disease. Investigations Hoffman (University of regulating the G1/S transition of yeast as the causal agent of Sussex) provided new insights requiring Gcn2 kinase in disease were presented by Al into meiotic chromosome response to UV damage in Brown (Aberdeen University) segregation describing a role fission yeast was described by where he described the for Zip1 in non-exchange Erik Boye (University of Oslo). analysis of Candida albicans . and its glucose enhanced Kayoko Tanaka (University of A number of recurrent themes resistance, and Leicester) showed that Hrs1, a arose during the course of the Danielle Troppens (University meiosis specific spindle pole meeting; one of these was long College Cork) discussed the body component is essential to range in-cis effects. Jane mechanism of action of 2,4- arrange the remodelling of Mellor and Sue Mei Tan-Wong diacetylphloroglucinol microtubules during meiosis. (both from the University of (DAPG), as an antifungal Oxford) described the way in agent. Further insights into Ted Weinert (University of which transcriptional Batten disease and Charcot- Arizona) gave the keynote terminators modulate the Marie Tooth disease were address, in which he described efficiency of transcription at a described by Sara Mole (UCL) the driving factor for research considerable distance, in a and by Michael Schweizer being the “thrill of discovery”, gene loop dependent manner. (Heriot-Watt University), which he found to be just the Other long range in-cis events respectively. same for his obscure findings were discussed in the telomere as for the discovery of the session. Alessandro Bianchi With respect to chromosome DNA damage checkpoint (University of Sussex) biology the role and regulation pathway, now a citation described how shorter of in the cell cycle classic. Ted presented a telomeres lead to the firing of

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subtelomeric origins of DNA possibly through maintenance occasional beer were drunk. replication earlier in the cell of Atf1 transcript stability. The ForMedium award for best cycle. Delineation of this and other student talk was presented by signal transduction pathways Ian Hodge to Michael Bond In the signal transduction using classic genetic (University of Warwick) and session, Janni Petersen approaches was also the award for best poster (University of Manchester) complemented by a genome- presented to James Dewar presented a role for the link wide mass spectrometric (University of Newcastle). A between TOR and Sty1 MAPK analysis of the kinase and BYG lifetime achievement pathways through the MAPK phosphatase interactome of award was also made to Carl phosphatase Pyp2, in budding yeast that was Singer of Singer Instruments regulating the cell cycle in presented by Mike Tyers for his continued support for response to nutritional stress. (University of Edinburgh). In the British Yeast Group The regulation of the oxidative addition, a talk from Nick Kent Meeting, and for developing stress response in fission yeast (Cardiff University) showed technology that has advanced by Sty1 was also thematic: how next generation yeast research internationally. Ptc4 phosphatase, a Sty1 sequencing technologies can From the many presentations regulator, was shown to be used to explore chromatin made at the BYG2010 meeting, localize to the mitochondrial remodelling processes. These the inescapable conclusion is membrane by Caroline talks highlighted the new and that yeast remains a Wilkinson (Paterson Institute). powerful approaches now preeminent model organism Further, Elizabeth Veal being used to interrogate for studying fundamental (Newcastle University) yeast. eukaryotic cell biology as well described the identification of as providing powerful insights two cysteine residues in Sty1 In all, 32 talks and 52 posters into the cause of and possible that are important for were presented, and hundreds cures for disease. oxidative stress resistance of cups of tea, and the

Genetics, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology of the Archaea 7th-8th January 2010, University of Birmingham

Peter Lund . Andrew Large . School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham

or several years now a Europe. Forty nine delegates adaptations that they need to Fmeeting has been organised (of the fifty one originally survive are fascinating in to bring together the groups registered) made it through the themselves. Metagenomics has that work on the third domain snow and ice, and they were revealed that they are far more of life in the UK for discussion rewarded with a programme of widespread and abundant in of current research. Recently high quality talks and posters. diverse (and not necessarily this meeting has been Work on the archaea is driven extreme) environments than achieving a higher profile, and by several interests. Obviously, originally thought, and it is a quarter of the delegates this as archaea frequently inhabit becoming clear that they make year were from continental extreme environments, the a significant contribution to

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important elemental cycles. In leaderless in the euryarchaeon addition, their relative Haloferax volcanii), chaperone- Integrating Genetic simplicity makes them mediated protein folding, and excellent subjects for studying Tat-dependent protein and Cultural processes which occur in transport in halophilic archaea. eukaryotes, and many There was also discussion Evolutionary structural insights into about the use of online wikis eukaryotic proteins have come for genome annotation and data Approaches to from looking at their simpler deposition by the communities archaeal homologues. working on different archaea, Language and the development of one The first session covered work such wiki (linked to on DNA replication and repair, 26th February 2010, Queen Mary, haloferax.org) was presented. followed by sessions on aspects of transcription, translation, Sonja Albers from the Max and post-translational events in Planck Institute for Terrestrial Alan McElligott and Alex Mesoudi archaea. Several of the talks in in Marburg was School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen the first session discussed the keynote speaker for the Mary, University of London. archaeal helicases, which are meeting, and she gave an key components in DNA excellent description of her replication. The second session work looking at surface anguage is often thought to be a uniquely on transcription described structures of archaea and their Lhuman trait, and one that fundamentally progress that has been made in effects on biofilm formation, an shapes the way we think and interact with understanding the mechanism area of archaeal biology which others. Yet many important questions and dynamics of archaeal RNA has not been studied in depth concerning language remain unanswered. polymerases, which resemble before now. Both flagella and For example, when and why did language the eukaryotic RNA pili are required for Sulfolobus evolve in our hominin ancestors? Is it truly a polymerases and for which species to attach to surfaces, a uniquely human trait, or does it have any good structural information is pre-requisite for biofilm analogues in other species? Why are there so now available, including in a formation. She also described many different languages spoken in the complex with TFIIB. The the connections between the world, when this gives rise to so many archaeal RNA polymerase can UV-inducibility of the pili, the communication problems? What makes be reconstituted from purified effects of UV treatment on cells languages change so rapidly over time, such single subunits, which gives and the possible role of that modern-day English-speakers find investigators an unprecedented conjugation between cells in Shakespearean English so difficult to ability to identify the roles of DNA repair after UV-induced understand? The aim of this one-day individual subunits and to DNA damage. symposium was to bring together a diverse probe the dynamics of the range of recent research that has studied We are very grateful to the elongating enzyme. Genetic language from an evolutionary perspective, Genetics Society and other tools for archaea are becoming and is beginning to answer some of the sponsors for helping us to run more powerful, and work on questions outlined above. Ten speakers from this meeting, and we look developing expression systems, various disciplinary backgrounds gave talks forward to subsequent meetings particularly for various species to an audience of over 100 attendees. As well in future years – which given of Sulfolobus, which is a widely as the Genetics Society, the symposium was the breadth of topics covered, studied genus of the supported by the Centre for Ecology and will be of interest not only to crenarchaeota, was presented. Evolution, the Galton Institute, and the those working in the field but Further talks covered School of Biological and Chemical Sciences also many other scientists with regulation of translation and the Department of Linguistics at Queen related interests. (including the surprising Mary, University of London. finding that many mRNAs are

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The morning session focused evolved before the hominin how there may be a genetic on the genetic evolution of the lineage split from other influence on linguistic change: language faculty, i.e. how the primate lineages and those not a “gene for Chinese”, but a capacity for language evolved that are unique to human weak genetic bias that may in the first place. The opening evolution. make certain languages (e.g. speaker, Prof. Tecumseh Fitch tonal languages) easier to (University of Vienna), argued The afternoon session turned learn than other languages that while the study of from the origin of the (e.g. non-tonal languages). Dr. language origins is often seen language faculty to the way in Nick Chater (University as little more than an exercise which specific languages College London) presented the in imagination, two important change over historical time. results of mathematical sources of evidence regarding As Prof. Mark Pagel models of language change language evolution are (University of Reading) which suggest that languages comparative studies of explained, there are striking have culturally evolved to fit language-like abilities in non- parallels between the way in the brains of language human species and studies of which languages change and learners, rather than the the genetic basis of language the way in which biological reverse, that brains have in humans. The following talks species evolve, such that evolved genetically to be good exemplified these points. Dr linguistic change can be said at learning languages. Finally, Simon Fisher (University of to evolve in its own right. Dr. Kenny Smith Oxford) described how a Consequently, just as (Northumbria University) certain gene, FOXP2, appears biologists use sophisticated described a series of to underlie in part human quantitative methods to experiments that have evolved language, given that mutations reconstruct the evolutionary languages in the psychology in this gene result in history of different species, lab, the results of which disruptions to speech and Pagel described how the same reinforce the idea that language. Dr. Chris Petkov phylogenetic methods can be languages evolve to fit the (Newcastle University) took us used to reconstruct the particular cognitive operations from genes to brains, and evolutionary history of of language learners. showed how neuroimaging different languages. Dr. Fiona studies of humans, Jordan (Max Planck Institute The day finished with a round- chimpanzees and macaques for Psycholinguistics) provided table discussion with all of the are revealing unexpected and an example of this, explaining speakers exploring the revealing similarities in how how the current worldwide potential links between the vocalisations are understood distribution of different two areas, and an appreciation and produced in the brains of kinship terminology (e.g. of evolutionary approaches to these species. Dr. Gabriel calling all of your cousins the phenomenon of language. Beckers (Max Planck Institute “brothers” and “sisters”) can The symposium will result in a for Ornithology) then outlined be explained in historical special issue of the journal the lessons that can be learned terms. Dr. Dan Dediu (Max Human Biology to appear in from birdsong, which shows Planck Institute for 2011 featuring contributions striking developmental Psycholinguistics) described from many of the speakers. parallels with human language. Finally, Dr. Katie Slocombe (University of York) there are striking parallels between the way in which discussed vocal languages change and the way in which biological communication in non-human primates, allowing us to species evolve, such that linguistic change can be said to identify those aspects of human language that likely evolve in its own right.

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London Fly Meetings

he London Fly Meetings Genevet, Tapon lab, CRUK), For the Christmas LFM a special T(LFMs) are a monthly the role of the novel gene nocte guest speaker is invited and for gathering of Drosophila in temperature entrainment in the 2009 Christmas meeting we groups from London and the the Drosophila circadian clock had the pleasure of hearing south east, which are (Carla Gentile, Stanewsky lab, from Jordan Raff, who gave an generously sponsored by the QMW), the clonal origin and illuminating and entertaining Genetics Society. The specification of a motor talk on centrosomes and stem meetings are held at the control centre in Drosophila cells in Drosophila. Cancer Research UK London (Zoe Ludlow, Hirth lab, KCL) Research Institute. Each and genetic analysis of For more information, contact month presentations are from branching morphogenesis Joseph Bateman either two local speakers or a (Juian Ng, KCL). Guest joseph_matthew.bateman@ single guest speaker. The speakers in the last year have kcl.ac.uk or visit http://openwet meetings consist of a convivial included Halyna Shcherbata ware.org/wiki/London_Fly_Meet mixer followed by research from the Max Planck Institute ing). LFM participants also talks on often diverse subjects. for Biophysical Chemistry, organise the highly successful The topics covered by talks at Germany; Helena Richardson biennial international London recent meetings include: the from the Peter MacCallum Fly Meetings. Next meeting: identification of Kibra, a novel Cancer Centre, Melbourne September 17th 2010, see regulator of the Salvador/ Australia and Sean Sweeney http://www.lfm2010.net/ for Warts/Hippo network (Alice from the University of York. details.

Neurons in the adult Drosophila brain (labelled with GFP) show a wide range of axonal morphologies. By mutant analysis, loss of the baboon (babo) gene results in different axonal phenotypes, ranging from extension to growth and targeting. Current work is focused on deter- mining how signalling molecules regulate the nervous system wiring in the fly brain. (Julian Ng, KCL)

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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 and this report describes such an event. 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.

Think Darwin, Think Evolution, Think Now: Schools Conference Tuesday 8th December, 2009, University of Edinburgh

Cathy Southworth . University of Edinburgh

Context with a plenary talk from Nick Colegrave (Institute of Evolutionary Biology, The bicentenary celebrations of Professor Steve Jones University of Edinburgh), Professor Steve Bishop Charles Darwin in 2009 set the (University College London) (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh), scene for the first Genetics about the role of nature and Professor Nick Hastie (MRC Human Genetics Unit, Society-sponsored schools nurture in what makes you who Edinburgh) and Dr Richard Milne (Institute of conference, which was held at you are, in which the pupils Plant Molecular Sciences, University of the University of Edinburgh heard that human variation is Edinburgh). These speakers gave twenty minute last December. The event not always controlled in the talks followed by guided activities that aimed to developed from a desire of the expected way and that the get the pupils discussing the issues and developing Genetics Society to pilot an effects of nature and nurture ideas further. For example, the Human opportunity for senior are often very difficult to Intervention session gathered opinion on how secondary school pupils separate. strongly pupils agreed or disagreed with the use of studying for A level, Higher or genetic modification before and after the session, Advanced Higher biology to The rest of the day’s content with focused discussion questions during the experience a conference in a was based on the book Think session to help the pupils form their opinions. By university setting that would Darwin, Think Evolution, repeating these sessions in the afternoon, provide interest and inspiration Think Now1 which had been following lunch, the pupils had the opportunity to in the area of genetics and produced earlier on the year by attend two of the sessions offered. The day evolution. The Scottish Initiative for concluded with a careers session, in which the Biotechnology Education pupils heard about the prestigious careers, from The big day (SIBE), part of a public modest beginnings, of Professors Nick Hastie and Teachers and pupils from 13 engagement group based at the Jean Beggs (Institute of Cell Biology, University of secondary schools, from afar a university called Impact. Four Edinburgh), interwoven with stories of family life field as Dumfriesshire, gathered of the six chapters: Evolution and hobbies. Finally Fiona Lethbridge, a PhD at the University of Now, Human Intervention, student at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Edinburgh’s King’s Buildings Marvellous Medicine and University of Edinburgh, gave a talk about her life, for a day of talks and Climate Conundrum formed the including diverse career plans as she grew up, and discussions about current titles of the four parallel one- current research. She also took questions from themes in genetics and hour sessions which were the pupils. Her presentation captivated the evolution. The day kicked off presented respectively by: Dr audience: pupils clearly related to her experience

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due to her youth and relatively lecture theatre to occupy those local upbringing. not eating. This part of the day required several extra staff and How we got there – lots of organising and so maybe developing the conference in the future could be simplified Once we had decided to use the by requiring attendees to bring book as the backbone of the a packed lunch, with rooms day, providing all pupils with made available for them to eat copies, the themes of the talks in.

developed naturally, with the Students peruse the evolution book produced by the Scottish Initiative speakers chosen due their As well as the speakers’ for Biotechnology Education. expertise in each area. With an involvement, each discussion event outline planned, session was led by a science 93% of the pupils finding it useful. A common postcards were mailed out to communicator from Impact, theme when pupils were asked about what was advertise the event to schools and PhD and postdoctoral good about the day was that it was interesting, within a few hours’ drive of researchers were recruited to they learnt new things and they enjoyed the Edinburgh. Within a few days help facilitate. These people interactive ele-ments. They also highlighted that of schools receiving the cards, were invaluable, and doubled they enjoyed mixing with other schools, meeting the conference was full, with all up as staff for helping register new people and experiencing a university setting 400 places (the size of the schools, organising lunch and with lectures. What was not so good was IT largest lecture theatre avail- handing out evaluation forms. failure in some sessions (very annoying!), and the able) having been taken via a Learning Teaching Scotland, balance of talking to activity, with some pupils booking form on the conference the non-departmental public finding the sessions and day too long. Of the website. We could have easily body in Scotland for driving teachers who completed a questionnaire 76% filled the conference twice over. educational reform, were rated the conference good to excellent, with 75% present on the day to capture feeling that the day was relevant to the school The prospect of 400 teachers the event on film and were keen curriculum and 83% finding it worth time out of and pupils all needing to be at to advertise the event through lessons. With the pressures on lesson time for different locations at set times, GLOW, the Scottish schools completing school exam syllabuses, this was a not to mention needing to be intranet.2 particularly positive response. When asked what fed and watered, led to detailed was good about the day, teachers highlighted the organisation. Thanks to the Impact and benefits organisation, careers talks, allowing students to events expertise within Impact, At the end of the day both experience university life, exposure to new ideas the day ran smoothly, with one pupils and teachers were asked and topics “Topical issues in keeping with the of the key ideas being the use of to complete evaluation curriculum…”, and the variety of talks to cover colour coded name badges questionnaires to help us see most interests. Suggested improvements which were given out at what had worked and what had included more interactive pupil-centred registration and showed worked not so well. The activities, smaller working groups, maybe some visually which session each questionnaire first asked how lab or practical work and better pitching of the person had pre-booked to be at the pupils rated the conference level of some of the talks. in the morning and afternoon, and the answers revealed that so that everyone knew if 83% of pupils found it good to someone was in the wrong excellent. Percent good to “A big thank you for a brilliant day at my old place! Lunch was kindly excellent ratings by pupils that university. The kids thoroughly enjoyed their provided by the Genetics attended the sessions were 73% day as I did. What a treat to have Steve Jones Society sponsorship and for Evolution Now, 70% for required two shifts in order to Marvellous Medicine, 88% for as the keynote speaker. I really hope that accommodate such large Climate Conundrum and 74% there will be future events like this as I found numbers, with an evolution for Human Intervention. The it ticked lots of boxes for a Curriculum for quiz and prizes in the main careers session was a hit, with Excellence.” Teacher delegate

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To find out more... The Learning Process Please contact Dr Cathy Southworth at the University of What worked well Edinburgh if you would like • Travel Bursary – some schools would not have been able to attend if they hadn’t more information about the received support for their travel day, or would like to discuss • The day was free to schools how you might develop an • The diversity of sessions which provided something for everyone with subjects that event like this. were interesting and topical [email protected] • Organisational elements including use of colour coded badges for attendees • The careers talks, especially with a PhD student who the pupils could relate to Information about the structure of the day can be seen at the What worked less well conference website: • The sessions and day were too long for some pupils http://www.biology.ed.ac.uk/pu • The pitch of the delivery of some talks was too high blic/sibe/projects/HappyBirthda • Balance of talks / interactivity was weighted too heavily on the former yDarwin/conference/

What we would do in the future References • Reduce the length of the sessions and break them up, with activities and hands-on 1. Think Darwin, Think work. However, if this was to happen, we would need a greater staff input and it Evolution, Think Now can be would also require a lot more planning and organisation. viewed and downloaded as a • Increase interactivity during talks, for example, with the use of voting handsets, full colour PDF at: coloured cards to show opinion and/or understanding (there was a positive http://www.biology.ed.ac.uk/ response in those sessions that used these tools). public/sibe/projects/HappyBi • Use of icebreaker activities so that the pupils could interact before being asked to rthdayDarwin/ discuss the science issues • Draft and refine the talks prior to the day to ensure the pitch is appropriate 2. Video extracts of the day • Use PhD students and post docs to present, as they tend to relate well to the will be ready soon and will pupils be mounted on the • Lunchtime quiz was not well attended and would not be repeated – pupils were conference website. You can more interested in talking – just like at research conference email Cathy if you would like to be notified of when this happens.

“Just wanted to thank you for organising a wonderful day - our pupils thor- oughly enjoyed themselves and at least one pupil has approached me who is now reconsidering her univer-sity courses based on the day (another girl is starting to think of her PhD already!). In particular the lecturer for Climate Change was fantastic” Teacher delegate.

“Thank you for your excellent organisation of the "Think Darwin" conference. You had obviously put in masses of time and effort so that it all ran as smoothly as it did.” Teacher delegate

Cathy Southworth conducts a vote on whether humans are still evolving

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Obituary Dr. Alan Durrant 1920 – 2009

Professor Neil Jones . Aberystwyth University

lan Durrant became well Alan spent most of his career Aknown as a Geneticist for in the former Department of his controversial work on Agricultural at ‘environmentally induced Aberystwyth, after an earlier heritable changes in flax’. appointment in Birmingham Experiments which he began where he worked on in 1953, in the Department of Drosophila. He taught Agricultural Botany at statistics to many Aberystwyth University, undergraduate and showed that large differences postgraduate students, and were induced in the size of was inspirational in the way Alan Durrant flax plants when their parents that he influenced his students were grown in certain to think carefully about the environments. Many plants design of their experiments in treatise (140 pp + complete were three or four times the order to be able to analyse the bibliography), which he left on size of others and these, and data properly at the end of CD, was edited by some of his other induced changes were their work. Alan regularly colleagues, after his death, and still clearly recognisable after attended Genetical Society is available as a pdf file. A 50 generations, 50 years later. meetings, particularly the bound copy was presented to Such findings ran contrary to autumn meeting in London, his son, but it is not published the established view that where he met and associated in any other form and can be heritable modifications with many of his accessed at: induced by the environment contemporaries. He died in http://www.sidthomas.net/Dom did not occur, and that genes 2009 after a long retirement, estic/downloads.htm. I am were not influenced in this during which time he wrote up sure Alan would be delighted way. Nonetheless his work all of his flax work in the form to know that this long record was published in a series of of book, in which he of his work on flax is available papers, mainly in the journal acknowledged the work of the to many former colleagues and Heredity, and was widely read many research students that to the wider community of by the genetics community. he trained over the years. This geneticists.

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My Favourite Paper Veronica van Heyningen . MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh

Hsp90 as a capacitor for morphological evolution.

Suzanne Rutherford and Susan Lindquist. (1998) Nature 396: 336-342

s a slow reader, it has The Lindquist lab and others observation that normal development tends to be Aalways been necessary for had been working for many disrupted with reduced Hsp90 function, there me to ration my reading and to years previously on the were several possible mechanisms for Rutherford focus on the most exciting functions and interactions of and Lindquist to consider. (i) Hsp90 may just papers. As soon as I saw this HSP90. This heat-shock protein buffer very generally against developmental article (1) in Nature, exploring was first noted to be tran- noise, with little or no genetic basis. (ii) Hsp90 the role of the chaperone Hsp90 scribed at one of the “puffs” on may be directly involved in the fidelity of DNA in phenotype modulation, I Drosophila giant chromosomes replication or (iii) cryptic genetic variation may knew that it would bring new when temperatures are be expressed more readily with Hsp90 compro- insights. In the right hands, suddenly lowered or elevated. mise because it functions as an essential, dosage- Drosophila models can provide These stress proteins were sensitive chaperone for multiple specific develop- impressive illumination of big eventually found to function as mental regulatory proteins. They report that questions in genetics and molecular chaperones, with a further studies supported the last and most biology. What Rutherford and role in helping proteins fold or interesting mechanistic option. The same Lindquist described in this re-fold as they are produced or specific phenotype was elicited repeatedly when paper was that flies with after stress-induced denatur- crosses were repeated with a given strain, but reduced Hsp90 (Hsp83) function ation. In all organisms studied, different strains gave rise to different pheno- reveal a low frequency of from yeast to man, Hsp90 fulfils types, suggesting genetic interactions of specific, reproducible malformations. If a special role in chaperoning different, mutated components. In-crossing flies Hsp90 function is reduced metastable signalling proteins from the F1 that showed specific phenotypes gave further in compound while they execute their normal rise to larger numbers of similarly affected F2 heterozygotes (homozygous function. So with the flies, suggesting interaction with specific nulls are lethal), then the severity and frequency of the developmental abnormalities is Crystal structure of increased, but the same strains an Hsp90 dimer give rise to abnormalities in the same organs repeatedly, suggesting the involvement of specific genetic interactions at different loci. They also observed that the effect can be reproduced when Hsp90 function is compromised by treatment with the specific Hsp90-inhibiting drug geldanamycin during early development.

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mutations. Repeated incrossing It seems form these results that in the tremendous phenotypic variability seen in strengthened each phenotype there is significant underlying human developmental abnormalities, where so that eye or wing develop- variation in all these fly stocks variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance ment were shown to segregate and the clearly abnormal are very often observed, with the developmental separately. Once enough flies phenotype is observed only brain abnormality of holoprosencephaly (HPE) were available, high expression when several variant loci co- spectrum as one strong example (6). lines and low expression lines segregate and at the same time Interestingly, in HPE and other variable could be selected. They showed Hsp90 function is compromised developmental anomalies, such as the broadening stronger or weaker phenotypes by being diverted to respond to spectrum of human ciliopathies (7), mutations at respectively, but within each stress-damage in other proteins more than one related locus are quite often found line variability was seen. This requiring its attention. in single individuals, recalling the predicted pattern suggested that multiple Rutherford and Lindquist went multi-locus driven phenotype observed in the interacting loci are implicated on to suggest that Hsp90 may flies studies by Rutherford and Lindquist. and the incrossing is leading to therefore be a capacitor for Interactions at variant loci in C. elegans are also increasing homozygosity at developmental variation, elegantly demonstrated in another study from multiple interacting loci, which allowing normally cryptic Richard Morimoto’s lab, where reciprocal are different in each line. The mutants to reveal a novel potentiation is demonstrated between frequency and severity of the phenotype in some individuals temperature sensitive (missense) mutations at phenotype in the inbred strains at times of environmental multiple loci and trinucleotide repeat-induced was also found to be temper- stress. Such a mechanism phenotypes (8). This illustrates once more how ature sensitive, with patterns would be very important for cryptic variation at one locus can help to uncover that suggested that the pheno- making cryptic variants the effect of mild variation at another locus, with type is triggered at a particular available to be “tried out” the involvement of the chaperone-associated threshold level of components phenotypically at times of surveillance systems. influenced by interaction at environmental upheaval. It is Genetics is a fascinating discipline in which we several loci. It also emerged also interesting to note that the are spoilt for choice of seminal papers that that the phenotypes were Drosophila Hsp90 alleles used in continue to yield novel insights many years after capable of becoming indepen- the Lindquist experiments had, they emerge. One of the major exciting features dent of Hsp90 levels, once the in fact, been identified in Gerry in our discipline is that we can draw valuable putative interacting loci had Rubin’s and Ernst Hafen’s labs evidence and information from so many different been co-selected. Outcrossing as modifier loci for signalling model organisms. Genetic mechanisms present the high expression lines to pathway components – the such a wonderful set of unifying principles. wild-type stocks strongly sevenless receptor tyrosine reduced the phenotype, but kinase (2) and the Raf loci (3), References back crossing to the Hsp90 respectively 1. Rutherford SL, Lindquist S. (1998) Hsp90 as a capacitor for morphological evolution. Nature 396:336-342 heterozygous line revealed Since 1998 a number of further 2. Cutforth T, Rubin GM. (1994) Mutations in Hsp83 and cdc37 higher frequency, stronger impair signaling by the sevenless receptor tyrosine kinase studies have confirmed and phenotypes again when the in Drosophila. Cell 77:1027-1036 supported this model. The 3. van der Straten A, Rommel C, Dickson B, Hafen E. (1997) The mutant Hsp90 allele was availability of the specific heat shock protein 83 (Hsp83) is required for Raf-mediated inherited, but not on the wild signalling in Drosophila. EMBO J. 16:1961-1969 Hsp90-inhibotory drugs makes type background. 4. Queitsch C, Sangster TA, Lindquist S. (2002) Hsp90 as a these studies more feasible. capacitor of phenotypic variation. Nature 417:618-624. All this suggested that there is The Lindquist lab itself showed 5. Yeyati PL, Bancewicz RM, Maule J, van Heyningen V. (2007) Hsp90 selectively modulates phenotype in vertebrate underlying cryptic but specific similar effects of Hsp90 development. PLoS Genet. 3:e43 variation in different fluctuation in Arabidopsis (4). 6. Roessler E, Muenke M. (2010) The molecular genetics of laboratory fly stocks, which is We showed that phenotype holoprosencephaly. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 154C:52-61 uncovered only some of the modulation can also be 7. Zaghloul NA, Katsanis N. (2010) Functional modules, time when Hsp90 function is demonstrated in vertebrates, mutational load and human genetic disease. Trends Genet. compromised. The same situa- such as zebrafish (5) and we are 26:168-176 8. Gidalevitz T, Ben-Zvi A, Ho KH, Brignull HR, Morimoto RI. tion could also be revealed with convinced that components of (2006) Progressive disruption of cellular protein folding in different wild strains of flies. this system are also implicated models of polyglutamine diseases. Science. 311:1471-1474.

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DNA Truth and Error Chris Ponting . MRC Functional Genomics Unit, University of Oxford

Robert Herrick, a 17th century Numerous errors lurk in these predicted gene sequences. English poet, wrote: databases waiting to ambush Others include genes predicted the unsuspecting scientist. off the wrong strand, others TRUTH AND ERROR containing unfeasibly small (1 Twixt truth and error, there's Errors are also present in the or 2 base) introns, and yet this difference known inferences made from these more predicted in true UTRs Error is fruitful, truth is only data by humans or their or transposable element one. computer programs. Having sequence. These are the studied gene structures for wrong gene predictions whose Robert, how can this be? decades, you might expect removal has caused the Errors send you scurrying in protein sequences, for predicted gene count in all directions when all you example, to be well predicted. mammals to tumble. want to find is the ‘one truth’! Not always. I remember being shown, years ago, the shortest Gene annotations are also not Too many of my working protein sequenced lodged in immune from errors. hours are spent gazing at gene GenBank, one with just a Homology or functional and protein sequences trying single amino acid. What is annotations can be just plain to decipher their secrets. Far more, this amino acid was the wrong or misleading. For from being fruitful, sequence ambiguous character X which example, how can the errors are infuriating, and are was represented by the invertebrate mosquito have a only squashed by laborious ambiguous nucleotide “bone morphogenetic protein” checking and re-checking of character N in the (GenBank GeneID: 5571253)? data from different sources. corresponding DNA database DNA sequence can suffer from This has become increasingly entry. A couple of years later contamination, so instead of it difficult as automated DNA we had to deal with much being from one species, it can sequencing floods us with longer gene predictions from instead come from another, more and more data. These the newly-sequenced mouse either a parasite of the first, are unsullied by human genome but these again, had or else the result of intervention, emerging first in only ambiguous N or X unhygienic practice during the vast memory of characters. What were the sample preparation. Also, sequencing machines, before people who deposited these sample labels have been being joined into longer sequences thinking of? known to be swapped stretches of DNA that are accidentally so that instead of deposited, fully unseen by the Unfortunately, these have not primate sequence, you might human eye, in databases. been the only problems with be scrutinising DNA from a

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duck-billed platypus! I All of this matters. To remember there was much different degrees, all of us are excitement during the human now genome biologists and genome project when we saw place our trust in the copious evidence for a bacterial- DNA data that are being specific signalling system in accumulated. We should, supposedly human sequence. however, expect errors in DNA Instead, this was a bacterial entries: when evidence for a always be important to Can we eliminate errors from our contaminant, and today it is particular DNA nucleotide is harbour a nagging doubt that sequence databases? easy to assemble the E. coli sketchy, its call will be the ‘giant-leap-forward’ in genome sequence many times uncertain. Whilst these errors biology that your sequence over when sequencing animal will eventually be repaired or data imply results, instead, genomes from BAC (bacterial overwritten by additional data from a bacterial contaminant artificial chromosome) we will, in the meantime, have from a sneeze, or a mis- sequence. to live with them. It will labelled platypus sample.

Evolution and the Guardian Deborah Charlesworth and

veryone wants scientists to Scientists normally only scientists’ reluctance to do this Eexplain their work to non- interact with other scientists. without explaining situations scientists, to get people to see We live rather sheltered lives … in which it might not be a good how interesting it is, and to to a scientist, anyone stupid idea), and castigating “the help get support for education enough to try to get scientific extreme specialisation and research. But it isn't data through repeated FoI demanded by a PhD, which always clear how to do this. requests quite clearly deserves would have walled me in like an One way, of course, is to write our utter contempt. Jones was anchorite”. His article implies articles for the newspapers or merely expressing (in private) a a prejudiced image of scientists magazines, but only a few well- sentiment that most scientists by noting his own “passionate known people have access to would share – and extreme interest in literature, history, such opportunities. It therefore frustration with people who foreign languages and the arts” seems rather unfair when the clearly don't get it." (unlike the rest of you boring newspapers criticise scientists types), and citing the “two for not being willing to Monbiot comments that cultures” (“Perhaps eventually communicate. On April 6 2010, scientists operate in “a closed we'll split into two species. the Guardian columnist George culture in which the rest of the Reproducing only with each Monbiot, in an article about the world is a tedious and other, scientists will soon recent troubles involving incomprehensible distraction”, become so genetically isolated climate change scientists at the and emphasises a very negative that they'll no longer be able to University of East Anglia1, cites view of scientists, suggesting breed with other humans.”). with approval the remarks of that freedom of information All very amusing – but not “the computer scientist Steve laws should allow free access to exactly a fair portrayal of how Easterbrook2”: scientific data (stressing scientists behave.

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After these accusations come in the Sunday Times that he that they will not print it. So some caveats: science is: felt was a misrepresentation. science can be attacked (quite His comment on the website seriously, in a headline, and “the closed world with one of was deleted, and a letter to the only readers who read the the most effective forms of self- paper wasn't published. He whole of Burkemann’s article regulation: the peer review received a response only after carefully can see the caveats, as process. It is also intensely submitting his complaint to the can readers of the many competitive, and the Press Complaints Commission, responses on the Guardian's competition consists of seeking and they then offered to print web site, pointing out to knock each other down... his letter (but neglected to Burkeman's These are the last remove the flawed article or misunderstandings), but circumstances in which a publish a correction). scientists cannot get the chance genuine conspiracy could be to explain the science calmly. hatched.” But let us tell you about our One of the responses actually own difficulties with Monbiot’s wrote: “I would really, really But then, back to accusations: own newspaper, which show like a professional biologist “it is no longer sufficient for that – as Monbiot himself writing about this”, but clearly scientists to speak only to each points out, journalism is the Guardian didn't see the other. Painful and disorienting “another closed world”. On need for this. as it is, they must engage with March 19th, the Guardian that irritating distraction called published an article by Oliver Monbiot is right to criticise too the rest of the world.…...It is no Burkeman3 with the title: “Why early specialisation in longer acceptable for climate everything you've been told education, and the attitude that researchers to wall themselves about evolution is wrong”. Just science is a realm that can be off and leave the defence of as with Simon Lewis, the ignored by many people, their profession to other newspaper didn't print our although his characterisation of people.” letter attempting to explain the science as narrow is science and correct the unfortunate, because it is likely Much of the rest of Monbiot's impression that new genetic to contribute to the problem, by article discusses the problems discoveries, and the recent book putting people off any attempt of Simon Lewis, a climate by Jerry Fodor, have uncovered to learn about it unless they are change scientist, who serious difficulties for the forced to do so, reinforcing the attempted to rebut a statement theory of evolution by natural frequent negative portrayal of selection. Maybe the science science in the media. We isn't entertaining enough. They support Monbiot’s plea for did, however, contact us after a greater understanding, but, as few days and ask us to write a scientists (and educators), his “Response” article (by the words (“We are deprived by our following morning, so we did stupid schooling system of that, explaining the science and most of the wonders of the being scrupulously polite to world, of the skills and Burkeman — but less so about knowledge required to navigate Fodor). Next, they told us that it, above all of the ability to Burkeman had read our article understand each other.”) seem and felt that we did not give to express prejudice, not the enough weight to his caveats. true situation. It seems We revised it (again, as possible that the blocking of requested, by the next day), but relevant information may even heard no more until we be more of a problem than enquired, and were then told scientists’ failure to make the

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effort to communicate with the We support Monbiot’s plea for greater non-scientific world. We should surely avoid any such prejudice, understanding, but, as scientists, his words seem and newspapers and other media ought to accept that to express prejudice, not the true situation. science can be extremely interesting, and does not always need to be presented in an centuries of philosophical and indeed that this exclusively entertaining way. thought” (again without continues today (with Science is a major part of explicit details). Such creationists, among others, today's culture, and should be prejudiced and sweeping attempting to argue against part of everyone's education, so statements have no place in evolution by natural that people see that science is rational arguments. Whatever selection, and asserting that not a big pile of 'facts' but a way accusations may be made some features of living of understanding our world. against scientists, there is no organisms cannot be Attacks in the newspapers are doubt that rational argument explained that way). If there the opposite of what is needed. and evidence are central to is a mistake in the argument their work, and that this, rather of an opponent, one should However, the Guardian than mud-slinging, is the way to point it out, not make cheap apparently feels that such understand our world better. fun of them, or appeal to attacks are allowable, and print prejudice. There is no need to them with some frequency. On Scientists are just as good at think that we must choose April 4, Madeleine Bunting's making jokes as non-scientists, between Chekhov and article “God is attracting more but when something important toasters – the world is large debate than ever”4 was needs to be understood, we enough for both to be valued. published, in which she writes would probably be better to insultingly about scientists refrain from jokes like Terry References such as , Eagleton's cute, dismissive 1. http://www.guardian.co.uk/ accusing him of “philosophical nickname "Ditchkins" for commentisfree/2010/apr/06/cli illiteracy” and (without the Richard Dawkins and mate-change-emails-science- kind of explanations that Christopher Hitchens (in humanities scientists are always prepared Reason, Faith and Revolution), 2. http://climateprogress.org/ to give) rationalist and to try to see what is 2010/03/29/how-scientists- complacency: worthwhile in what they say think-peer-review-global- about the ideas of religions and warming/ As Terry Eagleton puts it in of gods – as well as what they Reason, Faith and Revolution5, may perhaps have got wrong. 3. http://www.guardian.co.uk/ "Dawkins's rationalist Eagleton's dogmatic assertion science/2010/mar/19/evolution- complacency is of just the sort that Hitchens makes: “the same darwin-natural-selection- Jonathan Swift so crass error ... Christianity was genes-wrong magnificently savaged". never meant to be an 4. http://www.guardian.co.uk/ Several centuries on, it appears explanation of anything ... It's commentisfree/belief/2010/apr some have not quite grasped rather like saying that thanks /04/bookcase-debate-new- Swift's point. to the electric toaster we can atheists-religion forget about Chekhov." simply She goes on: “bestselling will not do. The word “never” 5. http://www.guardian.co.uk/ strident certainty that brought ignores the well-documented books/2009/jul/04/john- [him] such handsome financial evidence that Christianity has micklethwait-adrian- rewards”, and she accuses attempted to suppress scientific wooldridge-review atheists of “ignorance of advances on many occasions, Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:42 Page 50

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The Fifth International Conference of SUMO, Ubiquitin, UBL Proteins: Implications for Human Disease 10th-13th February 2010, Houston, Texas

Marie MacLennan . University of Newcastle, UK

ukaryotic protein substrate conformation, and a half day event organized Edegradation is a highly substrate localisation, and by Edward T.H. Yeh (University selective process achieved affect protein-protein of Texas, USA) who gave the largely via the ubiquitin- interactions. It is now opening talk, stimulating pathway. recognised that ubiquitin and excitement for the proceeding Proteins that are destined for these UBLs are involved in an event. The packed meeting degradation are ‘tagged’ with array of cellular regulatory agenda included two poster multimers of ubiquitin. This activities and have central sessions with over 50 posters in polyubiquitin tag serves to roles in the pathopysiology of each, and over 60 talks by mark proteins for recognition diseases. international leaders in the and subsequent destruction field, including Nobel laureates by the proteasome. Since the In February of this year Avram Hershko and Aaron initial discovery of the around 200 researchers and Ciechanover, who were ubiquitin-proteasome physicians interested in this awarded the Nobel prize in pathway as a protein tagging emerging field of ubiquitin and 2004 for elucidating the and breakdown system, UBLs joined together at the ubiquitin-mediated protein knowledge in this area has MD Anderson Cancer centre in degradation pathway along rapidly advanced. Houston, Texas. The Fifth with Irwin Rose. International Conference on It soon became evident that ‘SUMO, Ubiquitin, UBL The first day of the conference protein modification by Proteins: Implications for focused largely on SUMO ubiquitin also has non- Human Diseases’ was a three (often referred to as ubiquitins conventional, non-degradative functions. Structurally distinct ubiquitin modifications, including mono- ubiquitylation and varying It is now recognised that ubiquitin types of polyubiquitin chain, enable ubiquitin to act as a and these UBLs are involved in an multifunctional signal. More recently, a growing number of array of cellular regulatory activities ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs), such as SUMO, NEDD8 and and have central roles in the ISG15 have been identified. Attachment of UBLs can alter pathopysiology of diseases.

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‘big cousin’) and the role of SUMOylation in DNA replication and repair pathways as well as regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. Ronald Hay (University of Dundee, UK) and Tony Hunter (Salk Institute for Biological Studies, California) talked about the structure and function of RNF4, a SUMO- targeted ubiquitin ligase (STUbL) which, via SIM (SUMO-interaction motif) domains bind to SUMOylated proteins and facilitate their ubiquitination, thus connecting the SUMOylation and ubiquitination pathways. Michael N. Boddy (The Scripps Research Institute, California) followed this by describing the Typical scenes in Texas where everything is bigger! important role of STUbLs in DNA repair. Grace Gill (Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston) gave an interesting talk describing how SUMO of the Ubiquitin pathway, in All in all, the meeting was very engages with multiple particular the E3 ubiquitin enjoyable and an excellent chromatin modifying ligases, which are responsible learning experience which not complexes thus regulating for substrate recognition. Also, only broadened my knowledge chromatin structure and gene of particular relevance to my of the ubiquitin family it also expression. On a similar research, Ze’ev Ronai helped put my research in to theme, Ali Shilatifard (Stowers (Burnham Institute, California) context. The Sixth Institute for Medical Research, presented an excellent study International Conference is Missouri) presented an elegant showing that inhibition of an scheduled to take place in study on the on E3 ubiquitin ligase called February 2012 (location yet to ubiquitination/deubiquitinatio Siah2, an important regulator be confirmed), and I would n of histones and the of proteins involved in the strongly recommend anyone consequences of modification hypoxic response, can reduce interested in this area to on gene expression. tumourigenesis in a prostate attend. I was honoured to cancer mouse model. There share my research by poster to One of the highlights of the were many more superb such esteemed scientists and conference was an engaging speakers who presented be part of the excitement of talk by Aaron Ciechanover research highlighting the discovery in this emerging (Technion-Israel Institute of importance of ubiquitin and field. I would like to thank the Technology, Israel) who opened UBLs in signal transduction, Genetics society for the Junior the second day of the meeting. cell division, the immune Scientist travel grant allowing His talk, entitled ‘Who Gods response, cancer, muscle me to attend such a great God?’ described work carried atrophy, neurological event. out in an attempt to determine disorders, and cardiovascular what regulates the regulators disease.

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HEREDITY FIELDWORK GRANTS 52

Pleiotropic effects of the snail chirality locus – can a mutation at single locus make a mirror image snail?

Dr. Angus Davison . Institute of Genetics, University of Nottingham

s part of a BBSRC-funded mutations at the locus that not stably coexist because they Agrant, we are engaged in a determines the asymmetry have trouble mating, so project to ‘unwind snail (‘chirality’) of snails must frequency dependent selection chirality’, by combining next inevitably have pleiotropic will tend to drive the rarer type generation DNA sequencing effects? In particular, can a to extinction. The problem, methods and new mutation at single locus make however, is that this ignores transcriptome techniques to a perfect mirror image snail, the potentially pleiotropic characterise the locus that without impacting upon any or effects of mutation at the determines left-right many other processes? To date, chirality locus. How do asymmetry in the pond snail I have evidence from Lymnaea sinistrals become established Lymnaea. The project has been pond snails (where the sinistral in the first place? Perhaps the given further impetus (and allele halves egg viability), and best explanation, though competitive edge) by the Partula land snails (where largely lacking empirical surprising finding that a sinistrals are as ‘fit’ as dextrals, evidence, is that character presumed deuterostome- but differ in shape), but displacement will stabilise a specific asymmetry gene evidence is lacking from other rare morph if the common (nodal) also controls left-right species. morph is prone to non- asymmetry in molluscs, productive matings with potentially implying deep I used the Heredity Fieldwork another species (Davison et al. conservation of function Grant to gather data on the 2005). (Grande & Patel 2009; Kuroda et relationship between the al. 2009). As snails are perhaps chirality and fitness of the With my Japanese collaborator, the only phylum in which Euhadra land snails of Japan. Satoshi Chiba and his students, asymmetry is variable (other As the vast majority of all we focussed on a region of than as pathological situs snails are dextral, Euhadra are Northern Japan (Tohoku) that inversus), they may in the unusual in that there are ~5 has previously been the subject future offer an excellent sinistral species and ~15 of less detailed studies. We opportunity to understand how dextral species. For this collected snails from a wide a normally conserved fieldwork, we were particularly geographic area first then morphology evolves. interested in finding a contact focussed our sampling on zone between dextral and several potential contact zones. We have recently become sinistral snails – one theory is Snails were brought back to the interested in whether that dextral and sinistrals do laboratory in Japan, eggs

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HEREDITY FIELDWORK GRANTS 53

retrieved (to determine hatch Figure 1 Main picture: rate and maternally-inherited sinistral E. quaesita from Sado island. chirality genotype) and morphological data taken. Right inset: E. senckenbergiana from Iwate prefecture. As snails are best collected during the Japanese rainy Left inset: season, the fieldwork was hot concrete embankment, arrows indicates common and wet, but also benefited snail home. from some wonderful, free mountain huts and onsen (hot spring). Also, although Euhadra (Figure 1) are in some ways an ecological equivalent of our common European Cepaea, a slight problem was that they are generally much less common and more difficult to find – one frequent location to find them was in the drainage pipes of concrete road embankments (also frequently with resident snake; left inset to maintain the isolation and outlier analysis using the RAD to Figure 1). Another prime prevent gene flow. We have no method and Solexa sequencing location was in the park within firm conclusions as yet as to (akin to that used with AFLPs) one of Japan’s ‘100 famous the potential pleiotropic effects may reveal whether a ‘single mountains’, Iide-san. In the of the chirality locus in gene’ speciation is possible end, we spent several days in a Euhadra. (Baird et al., 2008). single region of a limestone area in Iwate prefecture, taking The field work was particularly Baird et al. (2008) Rapid SNP many samples, and finely useful in that it has gained us Discovery and Genetic Mapping mapping a contact zone, an invaluable baseline to take Using Sequenced RAD Markers. between two dextral and one forward our research. I am PLoS One 3: e3376. sinistral species. particularly grateful to the Genetics Society for funding Davison et al. (2005) Speciation My initial conclusion is that (in this genuinely exploratory and gene flow between snails of the sites that we visited) there work - although there are not opposite chirality. PLoS Biology was little evidence of present- likely to be any immediate 3: e282. day gene flow between sinistral societal ‘impacts’, as seems to and dextral forms, and that the be required for everything Grande & Patel (2009) Nodal shapes/colour patterns of these days, a BBSRC-funded signalling is involved in left- sinistral versus dextral shells PhD student who started in right asymmetry in snails. are quite different, possibly September has begun to follow Nature 405: 1007. implicating character up the work and will likely use displacement and/or ecological DNA from the same collected Kuorda et al. (2009) Chiral differentiation. Thus, while the material to understand the blastomere arrangement ‘single gene’ model of extent of genome wide dictates zygotic left–right speciation in snails remains divergence between sinistral asymmetry pathway in snails. possible, it is likely that further and dextral forms, giving added Nature 462: 790. ecological factors are required value to the fieldwork grant –

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GRANTS SCHEMES 54

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 [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 [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 [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 [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 [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 [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 [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.

Travel to Genetics Society-sponsored meetings Graduate students may apply for travel costs to attend all Genetics Society sponsored meetings. 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. Overnight accommodation is not covered.

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

For other Genetics Society-sponsored meetings, for example meetings of our Sectional Interest Groups (e.g. Arabidopsis, Population Genetics Group, Zebrafish Forum) and for one-off sponsored meetings, graduate student 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.

Travel, accommodation and registration cost at other meetings Grants of up to £500 to attend conferences in the area of Genetics that are not sponsored by the Genetics Society are available to PhD students and postdocs (within two years of viva).

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 three 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 [email protected] 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: to supporting field-based genetic research and training.

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 [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. Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:42 Page 58

GRANTS 58

Genes and Development Summer Studentships

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 [email protected] 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.

Sir Kenneth Mather Memorial Prize

This is an annual prize of £150 to reward a BSc, MSc or PhD student of any UK University or Research Institution who has shown outstanding performance in the areas of quantitative or population genetics. Nominations should be made between July 1st and November 1st inclusive of each year through the local Head of Department or School of the nominee. Nominations should consist of no more than one page of A4, setting out the case for the nomination, including relevant comparison with other students where possible. Nominations should be sent to the Head of School, School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, clearly labelled as a nomination for "The Sir Kenneth Mather Memorial Prize".

Nominations will be assessed by a panel of two people with experience in the area of quantitative / population genetics, one from the University of Birmingham and the other nominated by the UK Genetics Society. Decisions will be announced in December each year.

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Personal Subscription Order Form 2010

Please return this from to: The Genetics Society, Wallace Building, Roslin BioCentre, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PP

The new personal subscription rate for Genes and Development for 2010 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 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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GENERAL INFORMATION 60

the Genetics Society

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

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gs the geneticssociety membership form Membership includes free online subscription to Heredity

Please complete this form and return it, along with your cheque or Direct Debit instructions to, The Genetics Society, Wallace Building, Roslin BioCentre, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PP. 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.

You can also apply for membership online using a debit/credit card, please visit: www.genetics.org.uk

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

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

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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. 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 registration. In addition, after one year full mem- bership you can apply for a grant of up to £300 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:

Signature of Head of Department/Supervisor

Please note: After four years’ postgraduate membership you will be required to pay the full subscription fee. Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:42 Page 62

4. 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 subscription 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 for full and postgraduate members paying by Direct Debit

5. PAYMENT Option 1: Direct Debit (UK Bank Accounts only) Complete this membership form and direct debit mandate form, and send it to the address below. I wish to pay by direct debit (tick box if applicable) Paying by Direct Debit saves Full members and Postgraduates £5 Direct Debit Membership subscriptions are renewed on an annual basis running from 01 June – 31 May or 01 December - 30 November depending on date of application Option 2: Cheque I enclose a cheque for the sum of £ payable to ‘The Genetics Society’

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 were 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.

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

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Please return your membership application form along with any attachments to: The Genetics Society, Wallace Building, Roslin BioCentre, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PP marking your envelope MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION.

Please note that the approval of new members is ratified at the Spring Meeting as part of our AGM

DIRECT DEBIT Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay Direct Debits

Please fill in the whole form and send it to: The Genetics Society, Wallace Building, 981269 Roslin Biocentre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PS, Scotland, UK

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Instruction to your Bank or Building Society. Please pay The Genetics Society Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by The Direct Debit Guarantee

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Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions from some types of account. The Direct Debit Guarantee This guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that take part in the Direct Debit Scheme. ♦ The efficiency and security of the Scheme is monitored and protected by your own Bank or Building Society ♦ If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, The Genetics Society will notify you 30 working days in advance of your account being debit- ed or as otherwise agreed ♦ If an error is made by The Genetics Society or your Bank or Building Society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid ♦ You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your Bank or Building Society Please also send a copy of your letter to us. Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:42 Page 63

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, Wallace Building, Roslin BioCentre, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PP marking your envelope CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTIFICATION.

Note that from my NEW ADDRESS will be:

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Date Received Date Processed Issue 63.qxd:Genetic Society News 1/10/10 14:42 Page 64