JANUARY 2012 | ISSUE 66 GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS

In this issue The Genetics Society News is edited • The Mather Award 2011 by David Hosken and items for future • Meetings issues can be sent to the editor, by email to [email protected]. • Society Changes The Newsletter is published twice a • Summer Student and Travel Reports year, with copy dates of 1st June and 26th November.

A Tilia cordata tree, the subject of a fieldwork grant. See page 40 A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

A word from the editor

Welcome to issue 66. pretty unforgiving in this regard. Take time out and you are out of e have an issue full of the game, forever. I use to think Winteresting reports of various this was about falling behind in Society meetings and Society funded the publish-or-perish race, but am activity, and I thank all those who no longer sure this is the whole continue to contribute these articles. picture. I think it may also have Since the last issue the HE upheaval something to do with science continues and student applications chauvinism - you clearly do not to Universities are down at present. take the work seriously enough if But rather than focus on this part you have taken time out to raise a of Academia, I would like to instead family, and science is of course a focus on a science career issue that serious and most noble cause. disproportionately impacts women. The fact that career trajectories are A science career is fantastic in many never backward - you cannot be ways and pretty tough in some demoted - probably does not help others. Fantastic partly because of either as it means if you leave at the curiosity driven of the one level you are unlikely to be able job, and tough because of the degree to re-enter at a lower level. to which ones ideas are continually, and at times brutally scrutinized. Of course there are re-entry Be that as it may, in most science schemes for those who do take posts the issues being addressed are breaks, but these are few and not going to have direct life or death far between, which make things consequences in the same way as say difficult for most. The flip side of a surgeon’s actions. Instead, much of all this is that you cannot have the work conducted in Academia is your cake and eat it too, and like blue skies and no one is likely to die all things in biology and life, because an experiment goes wrong, there are trade-offs. There is some or a paper is published in a low- truth to this argument, but if the impact journal. prevailing ethic disproportionately impacts particular members of the Why is it then is it so hard to re-enter scientific community, perhaps the academic science after a career community needs to have a rethink. break? Physiotherapists can re-enter their profession, ditto MDs, dentists, Best wishes lawyers and so forth, but science is David Hosken

A science career is fantastic in many ways and pretty tough in some others. Fantastic partly because of the curiosity driven nature of the job, and tough because of the degree to which ones ideas are continually, and at times brutally scrutinized.

2 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 Issue 66 . January 2012

For more details please contact: The Genetics Society C/-Portland Customer Services Commerce Way, Colchester CO2 8HP CONTENTS Switchboard: +44 (0)1206 796 351 Fax: +44 (0)1206 798 650 Email: [email protected] Web: www.genetics.org.uk

The Genetics Society Journals Heredity Meeting Announcements 4 - 7 www.nature.com/hdy Managing Editor: Professor Roger Butlin Genetics Society Spring Meeting Heredity Editorial Office, The University of Sheffield, Quantitative Genetics 2012 Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN 2012 Autumn Meeting Genes and Development External meetings Diary www.genesdev.org Editor: T. Grodzicker, Genes & Development, Cold Spring Sectional Interest Groups 8 Harbor Laboratory Press, 500 Sunnyside Boulevard, Woodbury, New York, 11797, USA Genetics Society Business 9 - 14

President Honorary Secretary Notices Prof. Veronica van Heyningen, Life Membership MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh Lecture and Medal nominations President Elect New Meeting Rates Prof. Enrico Coen, , Changes to the Society Vice-Presidents Dryad Dr. Chris Smith, Local Representatives Prof. John Brookfield, University of Nottingham Prof. Ian Jackson, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh 2011 Mather Award Winners

Honorary Secretary Genetics Society Meeting Reports 15 - 16 Prof. Patricia E Kuwabara, University of Bristol Epigenetics, development and disease Honorary Treasurer Genetics Society Sponsored Events 18 - 20 Prof Josephine Pemberton, Telomere dynamics Honorary Treasurer Elect Male infertility Dr Hiro Ohkura, University of Edinburgh Features 21 - 25 Scientific Meetings Secretary Prof. Dirk-Jan de Koning, Swedish University of Agricultural Noreen Murray Sciences, Uppsala Student Travel Reports 26 - 35 Newsletter Editor 22nd ICAR Prof David Hosken, University of Exeter EUROMIT 8 Postgraduate Representative Austrian Genetics Lynne Harris, University of Edinburgh 13th ESEB Congress Ordinary Committee Members Plant Genome Dr. Rebecca Oakey, King’s College London Dr. Anne Donaldson, University of Aberdeen Diseases Genomics Prof. Chris Ponting, University of Snake Genomics Dr. Jane Rogers, The Genome Analysis Centre, Norwich Prof. Julian Lewis, CRUK London Laboratories Bioinformatics & Genomics Dr. Ian Henderson, University of Cambridge Placenta Meeting 2011 Dr. Jon Slate, University of Sheffield Gordon Epigenetics Prof. Gilean McVean, Prof. Adam Eyre-Walker, University of Sussex Fieldwork Reports 36 - 41 Dr. Tom Weaver, MRC Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Dr. Matthew Hurles, The Sanger Institute The bank vole invasion of Ireland Prof. John Whittaker, GlaxoSmithKline, Harlow Tilia Woodlands in the ‘Limelight’ Prof. Josephine Pemberton, University of Edinburgh Studentship Reports 42 - 48 Design and Print Retinoic Acid Signalling Buzzword Creative . 146 St Pancras Chichester . West Sussex . PO19 7SH Notch in Chick and Mouse Embryos. Tel: 01243 792146 . www.buzzwordcreative.co.uk DSB repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sexual Selection & Wolbachia. Advertising in Genetics Society News Analysis of human DNA methylation. represents an opportunity to reach a large community of professional Training Reports 49 geneticists. For rates please email Cytogenetic tools for Begonias [email protected]

www.genetics.org.uk . 3 2012 Spring Meeting Supermodel Organisms 4th International Chemical Genetics and Synthetic Life Conference on Quantitative Friday 20th April 2012. The Royal Society, London Genetics ICQG2012 Genetically tractable model organisms have played essential Speakers roles in the investigation of complex developmental and cell Dr Tanya Whitfield Sheffield University biological processes, thereby providing a myriad of insights Professor Sean Cutler University of California Riverside Key Dates into fundamental biology. These amazing experimental systems Professor Kevin Eggan Harvard University 17 – 22 June 2012 continue to open up new areas for investigation as well as Dr Jason Chin Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Edinburgh International Friday 3 February 2012 Abstract Submission Deadline for Oral abstracts only enabling powerful practical applications. The Genetics Society Professor Kristala Prather MIT 2012 Spring Meeting will showcase model organisms and Friday 6 April 2012 Abstract Submission Deadline for Poster abstracts only Scientific Organisers Conference Centre, illustrate how chemical and small molecule screens are Ian Henderson and Patricia Kuwabara Friday 3 February 2012 Early bird registration deadline enhancing traditional genetic analyses. In addition, the meeting Scotland, UK will highlight novel prospects for genetic engineering, as the Features Sunday 10 June 2012 Pre-conference registration closes field moves into uncharted territories through recent advances www.icqg2012.org.uk Professor Oxford University in synthetic genetics. The 2011 Genetics Society Medal recipient Conference Themes: 1. The Genetic Architecture of Complex Traits Current understanding of the genetic control of complex trait variation - Genome-wide association studies and beyond. 2. Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics Selective forces on quantitative traits and the maintenance of variation. 3. Variation in the Genome Sequence, structural and epigenetic variation and its phenotypic consequences. 4. Advances from New Numerical Methods Advances in our understanding of quantitative traits from new statistical, computational and modelling approaches and utilisation of computing power. 5. Opportunities from Technological Advances Potential impact of the $1000 genome and other new methods and approaches on our understanding of quantitative variation. 6. Bridging the Genotype-Phenotype Gap Networks and pathways connecting DNA variants to trait variation - approaches and models. 7. Interactions among Individuals and with the Environment Genetic interactions and covariation with the environment, in social groups and between species. 8. Genomic Information in Prediction Prediction of disease risk and performance in humans, plants and animals and use in health care and plant and animal breeding. 9. Emerging Areas New frontiers in research and late breaking results.

Local Organising Committee International Marie-Anne Felix, France Juha Merilä, Finland Bill Hill (Chair) Advisory Committee Jonathan Flint, UK Bill Muir, USA Lutz Bünger David Allison, USA Greg Gibson, USA Patrick Phillips, USA Chris Haley David Balding, UK Mike Goddard, Australia Daniel Pomp, USA Mike Kearsey Piter Bijma, Netherlands Ary Hoffman, Australia Pak Sham, China DJ de Koning Rachel Brem, USA Fred Hospital, France Fred van Eeuwijk, Netherlands for registration, visit Loeske Kruuk Ed Buckler, USA Mark Lathrop, France Peter Visscher, Australia Josephine Pemberton Andrew Clark, USA Trudy Mackay, USA Bruce Walsh, USA Supported by www.genetics.org.uk Alan Wright Mark Daly, USA Albrecht Melchinger, Germany ecurB ,rieW ASU Rebecca Doerge, USA Qifa Zhang, China 4th International Conference on Quantitative Genetics ICQG2012

17 – 22 June 2012 Key Dates Edinburgh International Friday 3 February 2012 Abstract Submission Deadline for Oral abstracts only Conference Centre, Friday 6 April 2012 Abstract Submission Deadline for Poster abstracts only Scotland, UK Friday 3 February 2012 Early bird registration deadline www.icqg2012.org.uk Sunday 10 June 2012 Pre-conference registration closes

Conference Themes: 1. The Genetic Architecture of Complex Traits Current understanding of the genetic control of complex trait variation - Genome-wide association studies and beyond. 2. Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics Selective forces on quantitative traits and the maintenance of variation. 3. Variation in the Genome Sequence, structural and epigenetic variation and its phenotypic consequences. 4. Advances from New Numerical Methods Advances in our understanding of quantitative traits from new statistical, computational and modelling approaches and utilisation of computing power. 5. Opportunities from Technological Advances Potential impact of the $1000 genome and other new methods and approaches on our understanding of quantitative variation. 6. Bridging the Genotype-Phenotype Gap Networks and pathways connecting DNA variants to trait variation - approaches and models. 7. Interactions among Individuals and with the Environment Genetic interactions and covariation with the environment, in social groups and between species. 8. Genomic Information in Prediction Prediction of disease risk and performance in humans, plants and animals and use in health care and plant and animal breeding. 9. Emerging Areas New frontiers in research and late breaking results.

Local Organising Committee International Marie-Anne Felix, France Juha Merilä, Finland Bill Hill (Chair) Advisory Committee Jonathan Flint, UK Bill Muir, USA Lutz Bünger David Allison, USA Greg Gibson, USA Patrick Phillips, USA Chris Haley David Balding, UK Mike Goddard, Australia Daniel Pomp, USA Mike Kearsey Piter Bijma, Netherlands Ary Hoffman, Australia Pak Sham, China DJ de Koning Rachel Brem, USA Fred Hospital, France Fred van Eeuwijk, Netherlands Loeske Kruuk Ed Buckler, USA Mark Lathrop, France Peter Visscher, Australia Josephine Pemberton Andrew Clark, USA Trudy Mackay, USA Bruce Walsh, USA Supported by Alan Wright Mark Daly, USA Albrecht Melchinger, Germany ecurB ,rieW ASU Rebecca Doerge, USA Qifa Zhang, China 2012 Autumn Meeting At the cutting edge of molecular biology 25 years of Genes & Development

Thursday 8 – Friday 9 November. The Royal Society, London

Genes & Development has been named one of the Top Speakers Joan Steitz Scientific Organisers Five Research Journals in the field of Molecular Biology Sharon Dent Hans Clevers Anne Ferguson-Smith, and Genetics (1997-2007). Genes & Development has a Steve Smale Elaine Fuchs Terri Grodzicker and 5 year Impact Factor of 14.198 and is ranked #1 among Jerry Workman Nick Hastie Nick Hastie research journals. Ken Zaret Rich Losick (2009 Thomson Reuters JCR) Titia de Lange Eileen White Features Steve Elledge Steve West Further information and registration will be available via Steve Jackson Chairs The 2012 Genetics our web site, at www.genetics.org.uk in due course. Susan Gottesman Terri Grodzicker Society Medal recipient Elisa Izaurralde Rudi Grosschedl Narry Kim Winship Herr Jim Manley Davor Solter

for registration, visit www.genetics.org.uk 7 EXTERNAL MEETINGS DIARY

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

Molecular Ecology Keystone Symposia: Proteomics, 4th – 7th February 2012, Vienna, Austria Interactomes www.vipca.at/MOLECOL/ 7th – 12th May2012, Stockholm, Sweden www.keystonesymposia.org/meetings/ viewMeetings.cfm?MeetingID=1133 2nd International Conference on Bioscience, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics 10th – 11th March 2012, Chennai, India 2nd Symposium of Population and Evolutionary Genetics www.icbbb.org/ 9th – 12th May 2012, Belgrade, Serbia www.peg2012.rs/ 11th European Conference on Fungal Genetics 30th March – 4th April 2012, Marburg, Germany The Contribution of Epigenetics in Pediatric Environmental Health www.ecfg.info/ 30th May – 1st June 2012, San Francisco, USA www.regonline.com/cehn Evolution of Caenorhabditis and Other Nematodes 3rd – 6th April 2012, Hinxton, UK European Human Genetics Conference 2012 http://meetings.cshl.edu/meetings/ 23rd – 26th June 2012, Nürnberg, Germany, worms12.shtml www.eshg.org/eshg2012.0.html

Chromosome Biology, Genome Evolution Australasian Society of Human Genetics and Speciation 36th Annual Scientific Meeting 23rd – 25th April 2012, Leibniz, Germany 22nd – 25th July 2012, Canberra, Australia http://meetings.ipk-gatersleben.de/ www.hgsaconference.com.au/ grc2012/index.php

www.genetics.org.uk . 7 SECTIONAL INTEREST GROUPS 8

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 Genetics Society Pombe Club Organiser: Ruth Bastow ([email protected]) Organiser: Jacky Hayles ([email protected]) http://garnet.arabidopsis.info/ Mammalian Genetics & Development Archaea group Organisers: Elizabeth M. Fisher and Nick Greene Organiser: Peter Lund ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Mammalian Genes, Development and Disease British Yeast Group Organisers: Rosalind M John and David Tosh Organiser: Alistair Goldman (a.goldman@sheffield. ([email protected]) ac.uk) Population Genetics Group C. elegans Organiser: Lori Lawson Handley Organiser: Stephen Nurrish ([email protected]) ([email protected]) The Zebrafish Forum Drosophila Organiser: Rachel Ashworth ([email protected]), Organiser: Nic Tapon Caroline Brennan ([email protected]), ([email protected]) Corinne Houart ([email protected]). Monthly meetings are organised by: Joe Bateman ([email protected]) There are meetings at 5:30pm-8.00pm on the first Thursday of every other month. Room G12, New Ecological Genetics Group Hunt’s House, King’s College - London SE1 1UL Organiser: Paul Ashton (Genetics@ BritishEcologicalSociety.org)

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Honorary Secretary’s Notices Patricia Kuwabara . Honorary Secretary, University of Bristol The Genetics Society Annual General Meeting Friday 20 April, 2012

he 2012 Annual General Meeting A list of new members proposed Provisional Agenda Tof the Genetics Society will take for election to the Society will be place on Friday, the 20th April 2012, publicised via emails to members, 1. Minutes of previous General in the context of the Society’s Spring and on the Society’s website Meeting (Friday, 1 April 2011); Meeting on “Supermodel Organisms: www.genetics.org.uk. matters arising 2. President’s Report Chemical Genetics and Synthetic Nominations for Committee Life” at the Royal Society, London. 3. Honorary Treasurer’s Report and Executive sub-Committee 4. Honorary Secretary’s Report and The business includes the election vacancies will be proposed by the Business for Transaction of new members to the Society, and Society and publicised at a later (a) Balfour Lecture 2014 of new members to the Society’s date by emails to members, and (b) Genetics Society Medal 2014 Committee and Exec sub-Committee. on the Society’s website. (c) JBS Haldane Lecture 2013 (c) Applications for new membership (d) Election of new Exec sub- Important Note Committee officers The 2012 AGM will allow advance voting on the Society’s website for Vice-President for Corporate those unable to attend in person. Members will be notified by email of Affairs the motions to be voted on in this way, and of the mechanisms for online Vice-President for External voting. To ensure your involvement in the AGM by this mechanism, Affairs please check that the Society has your correct email address. As a Honorary Secretary check, an email will be sent to all registered members on 14 February, (e) Election of new Committee 2012 (Valentine’s Day). If you do not receive this email, please contact members [email protected] and provide an email address update. Postgraduate Representative Area E (Evolutionary, ecological and population genetics) Area F (Corporate genetics and A copy of the draft minutes from the 2011 Spring biotechnology) (f) Election of new Honorary AGM can also be viewed on the Society’s website Members www.genetics.org.uk 5. AOB

www.genetics.org.uk . 9 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 10

Life Membership in 2014 the Genetics Society Balfour

ave you reached the age of remain eligible to vote in the Society Lecture Hretirement (65), but wish to AGM, but will not be required to pay continue with your involvement further subscriptions. Recipients of in the Society? If so, and you are the Genetics Society Medal will also he Balfour Lecture, named an ordinary member who has be offered Life Membership. Should Tafter the Genetics Society’s discharged any arrears the might be you require additional information first President, is an award to mark due to the Society, then you might about becoming a Life Member, the contributions to genetics of an consider applying to become a Life please contact The Genetics Society outstanding young investigator. The Member of the Society. Life members Office ([email protected]). Balfour Lecturer is elected by the will continue to receive notices and Society’s Committee on the basis of nominations made by any individual member of the Society. The only conditions are that the recipient of 2013 The JBS the award must normally have less than 10 years’ postdoctoral research Haldane Lecture experience at the time of nomination, and that any nomination must be made with the consent of the he JBS Haldane Lecture will nominee. Those making nominations Trecognise an individual for must be members of the Genetics outstanding ability to communicate Society, but there is no requirement topical subjects in genetics research, for the nominee to be a member, nor widely interpreted, to an interested is there any restriction on nationality lay audience. This speaker will have or residence. Örjan Carlborg (Uppsala a flair for conveying the relevance University) will present the Balfour and excitement of recent advances Lecture for 2012. in genetics in an informative and A call for nominations for the 2014 engaging way. J.B.S. Haldane a consummate Balfour Lecturer will be made in science communicator The annual open lecture will be the 2012 summer Newsletter and delivered on a topic, and in a place, by email; the Lecture is normally agreed with the Genetics Society. delivered at the Society’s annual The recipient will be selected by a spring meeting. Note that there is committee chaired by the Genetics page CV and a short explanation no restriction on the subject matter Society’s Vice President for the of how the candidate meets of the Balfour Lecture. To make Public Understanding of Genetics these criteria. a nomination, you will be asked (Dr Christopher Smith) from In addition to delivering the to confirm that your candidate nominations made by Lecture, the nominee will receive is willing to be nominated and Society members. an honorarium of £1,000 and a to provide a two-page CV of the Nominees need not be members of three-year membership of the candidate, together with a list the Society, but should be active Society. Nominations should be of his or her ten most important researchers working in the UK. To sent to the Honorary Secretary publications, plus a one-page letter of make a nomination, please confirm of the Society, Patricia Kuwabara recommendation outlining why you that your candidate is willing to be ([email protected]) by feel their contributions to the field nominated, then submit both a two- January 16th 2012. have been outstanding.

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2014 Genetics The Sir Kenneth Mather Prize 2011

Society Medal he Sir Kenneth Mather prize, of to be scaled to allow for this. Gibran T£150, is awarded to recognise a Hemani has created software BSc, MSc or PhD student of any UK resources, and identified computing he Genetics Society University or Research Institution power, necessary for the task. In TMedal is an award that who has shown outstanding addition to these developments, he has recognizes outstanding research performance in the area of also developed population genetics contributions to genetics. The quantitative or population genetics. theory predicting the timescale of the Medal recipient, who should There was an exceptionally strong maintenance of epistatic interactions still be active in research at field of candidates for the Sir Kenneth in populations. the time the Medal is awarded, Mather Prize in 2011, and the judges The second winner is Dr. Ben will be elected annually by were unable to resolve between Longdon, who recently completed his the Committee on the basis the merits of the two strongest PhD in the Institute of Evolutionary of nominations made by any candidates. The outcome has been Biology, University of Edinburgh. individual member of the Society. that, in 2011, there will be two Sir Ben’s work has been on the vertically, Those making nominations Kenneth Mather Prizes awarded, to and bipaternally, transmitted viruses must be members of the Gibran Hemani and Ben Longdon. of insects. His PhD work has been Genetics Society, but there is no The first recipient of the Sir Kenneth extraordinarily productive and has requirement for the nominee to Mather Prize 2011 is Gibran Hemani, already resulted in seven first-author be a member, nor any restriction a PhD student at the Roslin Institute, publications. Notwithstanding their on nationality or residence. University of Edinburgh. His project vertical transmission, the spread of Neither current members of the has been on dissecting interactions in these viruses through Drosophila Committee nor those who have quantitative traits. The identification populations can be remarkably retired from office in the past of genetic interactions is a famously rapid, and can be investigated using four years may be nominated for difficult problem in quantitative sequence variation in a coalescent the award. genetics, in that the numbers of context. Similarly, Ben has been able The recipient will be invited to possible two-way interactions to demonstrate the patterns of cross- deliver a lecture at a Genetics increases with the square of the species transfer of these viruses, and Society meeting, where the numbers of genetic markers, and the impact of host phylogeny on viral medal will be awarded, in the the threshold for significance has persistence. year following his/her election. Stephen West (LRI, CRUK) will The Mather Prize 2012 present the Genetics Society Medal lecture for 2012. e are seeking nominations where possible. Nominations should A call for nominations for the Wfor this annual prize, of be sent to the Head of School, School 2014 Genetics Society Medal will £150, to reward a BSc, MSc or PhD of Biosciences, The University of be made in the 2012 summer student of any UK University or Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, Newsletter and by email. To Research Institution who has shown clearly labelled as a nomination for make a nomination, you will outstanding performance in the area “The Sir Kenneth Mather Memorial be asked to confirm that your of quantitative or population genetics. Prize”. Kay Boulton (University of candidate is willing to be Nominations should be made Edinburgh) was awarded the Mather nominated and to provide a between July 1st and November Prize for 2011. two-page CV of the candidate, 1st 2012 through the local Head Nominations will be assessed by a together with a list of his or her of Department or School of the panel of two people with experience ten most important publications, nominee. Nominations should in the area of quantitative/population plus a one-page letter of consist of no more than one page genetics, one from the University of recommendation outlining why of A4, setting out the case for the Birmingham and the other nominated you feel their contributions to the nomination, including relevant by the UK Genetics Society. Decisions field have been outstanding. comparison with other students will be announced in December 2012.

www.genetics.org.uk . 11 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 12

Local Representatives

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

SEE FULL LIST ON PAGE 13

12 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 13

Genetics Society Local Representatives

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

www.genetics.org.uk . 13 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 14

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Action required by all members

e would like to bring to your the coming renewal periods. Those to appoint Portland Customer Wattention a significant change members who used to pay their Services who are able to provide a in operation of the Genetics Society. membership fees by Direct Debit high level of services to our members As of 1st September 2011, Portland will be required to complete a new and committees. As part of Portland Customer Services (PCS) has been Direct Debit mandate form as we Press, a wholly owned subsidiary of designated the office service provider will no longer be using the previous the Biochemical Society, Portland for the Society and the office in collection bureau for this. In addition Customer Services has a unique Roslin has been closed. this will be the opportunity for those insight into the needs of membership This change will not affect the remit members who pay by other means based organizations and a thorough of the Genetics Society; however, to set up a Direct Debit payment, a understanding of the requirements it does mean that services such saving of £5.00 off all categories of of a specialist scientific society.” as membership applications and membership. Members are the life-blood of the Direct Debit collections, meeting A copy of the new Direct Debit Society and active participation by organization, web hosting and Mandate form can be found on the members in the Society will help secretariat services have been Genetics Society website under the to continue to make the Society a transferred to PCS. Membership tab. modern, relevant, lively, vibrant As part of the handover, PCS will Veronica van Heyningen, President, community of professionals as it be contacting all members during said, “The Genetics Society is pleased moves towards the centenary in 2019.

New rates for Genetics Dryad Society meetings and Data

he Genetics Society organizes The new rates will take effect for the he 1,000th data package has Ttwo annual meetings on which Spring meeting in 2012 and will be Tbeen entered into the Dryad it spends a considerable part of its as follows: Data Repository. It is associated annual budget. Full Member £65 with an article to appear soon in the journal Heredity: Hager This means that attendance fees, Non Member (non academic £180 especially those for members, are R, Cheverud JM, Wolf JB (2011) very cheap and do not cover the full Non Member (academic) £120 Data from: Genotype dependent cost of the meeting. Charity £40 responses to levels of sibling competition over maternal However, the executive committee Retired £30 resources in mice. Dryad has recently agreed an increase of The autumn meeting will be a two- Digital Repository. doi:10.5061/ the attendance fee to better reflect day meeting and this will also be dryad.8qq3p0d8 the actual attendee cost of the reflected in the attendance fees. meeting. For more information please Please find announcements for see: http://blog.datadryad. This means that overall venue costs these meetings elsewhere in the org/2011/10/07/1e3/ and speaker costs are still fully met Newsletter. by the Genetics Society.

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The Genetics Society Autumn Meeting Phenotype and the flexible genome: the role of epigenetic processes in development and human disease Friday 11th November 2011, The Royal Society, London

Michael Cowley . King’s College London

his year’s Autumn Meeting This includes erasure of epigenetic epigenetic lineage boundaries define Tbrought together a diverse and marks to adopt a profile more similar distinct stem cell populations and this dynamic set of speakers, whose to ES cells. Azim discussed key germ mechanism is likely to be relevant in contributions have helped shape the cell determining factors, including other developmental contexts. field of epigenetics and the directions Prdm1 and Prdm14, that repress the After coffee, the president of the of current research. The theme somatic programme and initiate Genetics Society, Veronica van running throughout the day was the epigenetic reprogramming. Heyningen, presented the Balfour importance of epigenetic processes The theme of epigenetic signatures Award to Madan Babu (MRC in development and disease, and to and stem cells was continued by Laboratory of Molecular Biology). this end, the meeting was a huge Myriam Hemberger (The Babraham Madan delivered an inspiring guest success. The range of talks included Institute), who demonstrated lecture on gene regulatory networks, those focused on genomic imprinting, how epigenetic marks can impose discussing the mechanisms by the study of which gave rise to the lineage restriction. The earliest which such networks have evolved, ever-expanding field of epigenetics, post-fertilisation differentiation and how this enables appropriate to those addressing the importance event distinguishes cells that will responses to environmental cues. of epigenetic marks in cancers and in give rise to the trophoblast lineage mediating long-term memory of early (trophoblast stem (TS) cells), critical The President of the Genetics Society life experiences. The programme also for placental development, from included the 2011 Balfour Lecture Veronica van Heyningen presents the those that will form the embryo award to the Balfour Lecture winner for which explored gene regulatory proper (ES cells). DNA methylation 2011, M Madan Babu. networks, providing an additional is necessary for these two cell perspective on how genetic systems lineages to be defined. Myriam respond to environmental challenges. discussed her work identifying Elf5 There was no better way to open as a gene differentially-expressed proceedings and capture the interest between the two cell types. The Elf5 of the audience than with a talk promoter is densely methylated and by Azim Surani (University of inactive in ES cells but methylation Cambridge), whose early studies is erased in TS cells, allowing Elf5 were crucial in the discovery of to be expressed. Elf5 functions as a genomic imprinting. Azim’s current gatekeeper, reinforcing commitment work addresses how primordial germ to the TS cell lineage. Myriam is now cells, arising from cells that have investigating other components of already embarked on the process of the TS/ES cell epigenetic signatures, differentiation, are reprogrammed to including differences in global achieve a more stem cell-like state. levels of hydroxymethylation. These

www.genetics.org.uk . 15 GENETICS SOCIETY MEETING REPORTS 16

Regulatory networks are composed Next, Dietmar Spengler (Max Planck of motifs, such as single input motifs Institute of Psychiatry) turned our in which one master regulator attention to how early life stress directly influences expression of can influence behaviour and health a number of targets, and multiple in adulthood. Epigenetic marks input motifs in which more than one represent an important component input signal is required to elicit a of this long-term memory. DNA response. Madan has demonstrated methylation profiles at specific loci that a sudden environmental stress, differ between mice exposed to early such as heat shock, induces gene life stress and control animals, and expression changes mostly through these differences persist at least single input motifs, where the effect one year later. This results in gene Dr Myriam Hemberger speaking on is fast-acting and direct. Other expression differences that are likely epigenetic lineage boundaries. physiological processes, such as cell to influence adult physiology. In cycle progression, utilise multiple line with the meeting aim, Dietmar metabolism. In the brain, it is the input motifs to enable tighter control provided an exciting and additional paternally-inherited copy that is over gene expression changes. This perspective on the importance of expressed, and Andrew showed how enlightening work is changing our epigenetics in health and disease. this influences social behaviour. The view on how genomes and gene The final session focussed on genomic concept that two parental copies of networks evolve. imprinting, a classic example of the same gene could influence distinct After a splendid lunch networking, a biological process regulated by physiological processes is intriguing with views over The Mall and epigenetic mechanisms. Anne and raises questions about how and St James’s Park, we reconvened Ferguson-Smith (University of why imprinting may have evolved. to hear two captivating talks on Cambridge) discussed the functional Expanding on these questions, Barry the importance of epigenetics in significance of loss of imprinting in Keverne (University of Cambridge) cancer. Andrew Feinberg (Johns normal in vivo situations. As a model, explored how imprinted genes may Hopkins University) described how Anne explored the loss of imprinting mediate coadaptive development of a sightseeing trip to Westminster of Dlk1 in adult neural stem cells the brain and placenta. Imprinted Abbey sparked an idea that random and niche astrocytes. In this stem Peg3, for example, is expressed in epigenetic variation might act as cell niche, expression of both copies the foetal placenta where it primes a driving force in development of Dlk1 is required for postnatal the maternal hypothalamus to and evolution. He presented some neurogenesis. This study raises ensure correct maternal care and compelling evidence for this theory, provocative questions about the milk production after birth. At the and has recently extended this idea importance of genomic imprinting as same time, Peg3 in the placenta to studies of the cancer epigenome, a dosage control mechanism, where primes the hypothalamus of the identifying the sites of methylation loss of imprinting, and thus a ‘double developing foetus itself, ensuring that vary the most between cancers. dose’ of gene expression, may be that these animals in turn become The theme was continued by Alan required for specific functions and ‘good mothers’. This interaction Clarke (Cardiff University), who developmental contexts. between the maternal and foetal proposed that tumour progression The function of genomic imprinting genomes means they are coadapted, could be suppressed by interfering was further explored in the final with benefits for both mother and with DNA methylation. Alan has two talks. While Dlk1 shows loss of offspring. shown that deficiency for a methyl imprinting in some cells, Andrew A drinks reception concluded the day, binding protein, MBD2, is highly Ward (University of Bath) described and the conversation was buzzing protective against colorectal how Grb10 exhibits a complete switch with discussion of the truly excellent cancer and presented recent work of its imprint between the brain set of talks. Ros John and Anthony elucidating the mechanism of this and other tissues. Expression of the Isles organised a terrific line-up that tumour suppression. MBD2 and other maternally-inherited copy of Grb10 opened our minds to the dynamic epigenetic regulators provide a range in tissues such as liver and skeletal roles that epigenetics plays in of potential novel therapeutic targets. muscle influences growth, size and development and disease.

16 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 The Heredity Podcast

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20375-03 HDY podcast.indd 1 03/05/2011 16:16 GENETICS SOCIETY SPONSORED EVENTS 18

Telomere dynamics in non-model organisms: developing a standardised approach August 31st – September 3rd. Drymen, Scotland.

Josephine Pemberton . University of Edinburgh Dan Nussey . University of Edinburgh Pat Monaghan . University of Glasgow

elomeres are the tandem have telomereic sequences other than the SybrDX reagent required to Trepetitive sequences (TTAGGG at the chromosome ends, large sample measure the DNA quantity loaded motif) that occur at the end of sizes and longitudinal sampling is onto each dot. Since the workshop all chromosome arms in most required in some studies, and that concluded, some delegates (led eukaryotes and which are thought to working in field conditions can pose heroically by Aviv and Monaghan) protect chromosomes through life. particular challenges for sample have managed to arrange for some Individuals are born with different storage, there were many issues to of the reagent to be produced and average telomere length, and while be discussed. shipped by Invitrogen. It is hoped a telomeres may lengthen or shorten The first session was devoted to the wider assessment of the utility of this over time, in humans and some other Telomere Restriction Fragment (TRF) new method in a variety of different species there is emerging evidence method of measuring telomere length. species and context should that in general they shorten quickly This technique uses a Southern follow shortly. over development and slowly over blot approach and probing with The next session was devoted to adult life. There is a considerable the telomere repeat yields a smear qPCR approaches. Here, the total amount of research effort directed which is then analysed for position quantity of telomere repeats per at understanding the relationships and intensity using image analysis genome is measured. Length is not between telomere dynamics, ageing software. Abraham Aviv (New given in absolute terms, but relative and health, mostly in humans and Jersey Medical School) and Mark to a ‘golden sample’. The attraction models organism, with much of the Haussmann (Bucknell University, of this approach over the TRF work being in vitro. We know much Pennsylvania) outlined some of the method is considerable, since there less about the diversity of telomere issues involved in this technique is potential for high throughput and dynamics across species and how this when applied to human and bird blood much less DNA is required. David relates to variation in life histories. cells respectively. Thorsten Horn Howells (Agilent Technologies) Recently however, telomeres are being (University of Otago) studying the gave an overview of qPCR and then investigated outside of the biomedical rare long-lived parrot, the kakapo, Thomas von Zglinicki (University of context, but there are a number of Nils Hartmann (Leibniz Institute Newcastle) described its application challenges in working with non model for Ageing Research) studying the in large human cohorts. Technical species and in asking questions at world’s shortest-lived fish and Mats issues were discussed by Emma ecological and evolutionary levels. Olsson and Emily Miller (University Barrett (University of East Anglia) This workshop, organised by Pat of Sydney) studying a wild lizard working on a large Seychelles Monaghan (Glasgow), Dan Nussey population, provided examples of warbler sample set, Thorsten Horn (Edinburgh) and Neil Gemmell applications to a variety of study (University of Otago) on kakapo and (Otago, New Zealand) brought organisms. Some clear points from Chris Turbill (University of Vienna) together evolutionary biologists (who this session were that this technique on hamsters. A major talking point to varying degrees had started work requires quite a large amount (2- of the workshop was how best to on telomeres) and selected experts 3ug) of high quality DNA, and it is run qPCR and what software to from the biomedical field to discuss relatively time-consuming and low use. Telomere length, measured by how telomeres can be measured in throughput. Professor Aviv also drew TRF and qPCR in the same samples, different species. Given that there are our attention to a dot blot technique, are generally correlated, and Aviv a number of methods of measuring which shows great promise, but discussed a recent double blind study telomere length, different organisms expressed frustration at the fact that of samples measured by the two have varying telomere lengths, some Invitrogen has stopped manufacturing methods. The successful use of either

18 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 GENETIC SOCIETY SPONSORED EVENTS 19

method clearly hinges on it being showed results of within-individual deployed with suitable care and skill, comparisons of telomere length in and appropriate information being proliferative and non-proliferative reported in publications to allow tissues in dogs, suggesting that this readers to fully assess the accuracy approach might give an index of and repeatability of the lifetime loss. This might be useful for assay conducted. ecologists where suitable post mortem The third session saw a review of tissues are available. workshop progress so far by Neil Simon Verhulst (University of Gemmell (University of Otago) Groningen) and Dan Nussey followed by a talk by Duncan Baird (University of Edinburgh) ended (University of Cardiff) which touched the presentations with talks about Workshop attendants during a visit to Glasgow University field station. on QFISH but really concentrated statistical analysis issues, particularly on STELA. QFISH is the staining the need to take into account For more information see: of chromosome spreads with regression to the mean effects when www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/bahcm/ telomere probes and given that it looking at loss rate in relation to news/telomereworkshop requires live cells in metaphase, it starting length, and issues around may have limited utility in natural how best to analyses longitudinal population studies. STELA (Single data when survival information is those studying telomere dynamics Telomere Length Analysis) uses not complete, as if often the case with in different species and settings sequence information adjacent to field studies. Analyses need to be should proceed. On the first evening, the telomere to design primers that able to partition out variation which discussion was enhanced by a amplify a specific telomere – for is due to three separate effects: (i) selection of TRF gel pictures from bird example the one on the p arm of the individuals have different telomere studies by Ellis Mulder (University X and Y chromosome in humans. length at the start of life, (ii) telomere of Groningen). In particular, these Remembering that a sample of length changes over time, at different discussions focussed on the best tissue contains cells from many rates in different individuals, and methods for sample collection and clonal lineages, the technique reveals (iii) biases introduced by selective storage, DNA extraction, DNA quality variation between cells in the length death – i.e. whether death removes checks, telomere length measurement of the target telomere. The screening individuals of particular telomere and data analysis. Workshop members process is complex: amplification is length from the population. The latter plan to put together a journal article followed by running on a gel that is process can introduce very serious from these discussions outlining the 40cm long but only 0.5% agarose (in artefacts in cross-sectional studies. different methodological issues and order to reveal fragments between 0.1 Verhulst pointed to two relatively how these might or might not be and 40kb) which is then hybridised to recent approaches to these problems resolved for different study systems. the telomere repeat. The level of detail using mixed models. Nussey followed Altogether it was a wonderfully revealed is high, but getting accurate up with a review of the literature well-organised and thoroughly sequence data for subtelomeric on studies of the inheritance of stimulating and constructive meeting, regions in order to design primers telomere length. Many human studies and sponsorship by the Genetics for non-model organisms may prove have conducted parent-offspring Society, BBSRC and Agilent was much difficult. Most vertebrate studies regressions of telomere length, but appreciated by all attendees. investigate telomere length in blood the results have been conflicting cells (white cells in mammals and the – suggesting both stronger mother- nucleated red cells in birds). There offspring and stronger father- has been much emphasis on the need offspring correlations in different for longitudinal studies of telomere data sets. dynamics in order to discriminate Interspersed through the talks, and sources of variation, notably on both evenings, the workshop had individual effects and age effects. many discussion sessions with the In a second presentation, Aviv also aim of consolidating ideas on how

www.genetics.org.uk . 19 GENETIC SOCIETY SPONSORED EVENTS 20

Genetic Aspects of Male Infertility A Genetics Society Sponsored lecture by Prof. Csilla Krausz at the Reproductive Function and Dysfunction conference September. Edinburgh, Scotland.

Ian Adams . University of Edinburgh

he Reproductive Function and infertility. Around 7% of men in infertility by identifying X-linked TDysfunction conference in the general population are affected and autosomal infertility-associated Edinburgh brought together a range by infertility, but very few genetic copy number variations (CNVs). In of world-renowned experts in the field mutations other than Y chromosome particular, Prof. Krausz showed that of reproductive biology to discuss the microdeletions and abnormal there is an increased X-linked CNV latest research and developments. karyotypes have been established as burden in men with idiopathic severe The conference included sessions recurrent causes of male infertility spermatogenic failure, and suggested on the development of artificial in human populations. Prof. Krausz’s that this infertility phenotype may reproductive systems, mathematical lecture highlighted important be associated with genomic modeling of reproductive function, unanswered questions in the field, instability. Ongoing genome-wide reproduction and disease, and a and described how mapping genes association studies may yet identify Festchrift to honour Prof. Roger affected by azoospermia factor (AZF) more genes associated with male Gosden on his retirement. The Y-chromosome microdeletions, and infertility in human populations, but Genetics Society-Sponsored lecture sequencing patient families for Prof. Krausz’s work suggests that by Prof. Csilla Krausz from the genes in the AZF region converged after so much research has University of Florence in Italy on on the Y-linked USP9Y gene. Prof. been done on the role of Y-linked Genetic Aspects of Male Infertility Krausz also described how high CNVs in male infertility, perhaps was a timely and informative account resolution comparative genomic it is time to consider the role of of progress that is being made to hybridisation was providing new X-linked and autosomal CNVs in male identify the genetic causes of male insights into the genetics of male infertility too.

Genetics Society Sponsored Events

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

20 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 21 FEATURES

Celebrating the life of Noreen Murray

genetics in the new microbiology department Birmingham, with David Catcheside (GS President 1961-1964). Her work required the isolation of different methionine-dependent mutants, and the need to map these led to an interest in mechanisms of recombination. Noreen showed that recombination occurred at hotspots and was not evenly spaced along the chromosomes. It was during this time that she met, and in 1958 married, a PhD student working on the chemistry of DNA, Ken Murray. David Catcheside warned Noreen that marriage would ruin her career prospects and certainly for many years, despite loving support from Ken, she had a difficult time gaining proper independence or recognition for her work. In 1959 Ken and Noreen went to Stanford as postdocs for a year and stayed for five. Noreen worked in the lab of David Perkins who also oreen Murray was President of expansion of molecular biology. In had a strong interest in meiosis Nthe Genetics Society from 1987 2010 Noreen was diagnosed with a in Neurospora and in ascospore to 1990. She was an internationally type of motor neurone disease. She generation involving chromosomal renowned pioneer in the development dealt with the disease with quiet crossing over. Perkins, who later of recombinant DNA technology dignity and grace and died peacefully served as President of the Genetics using bacteriophage lambda as c on 12 May 2011, with Ken at her side. Society of America, collaborated loning vehicle. Noreen was born in Lancashire with high-profile and inspiring Her work from the early 1970’s, into a family that valued education scientists such as Lederberg carried out partly in collaboration – her father was a headmaster. (bacterial transformation) and with her husband Ken Murray and Around the age of 15 she switched Tatum (one-gene-one enzyme), so her colleague Bill Brammar, provided her ambitions from becoming a Noreen had many opportunities many of the underlying concepts and domestic science teacher to studying to engage in exciting scientific the practical tools for what used to be biology. She read botany at Kings discussions. Frank Stahl (of semi- called genetic engineering, and it laid College London and then decided conservative replication fame) was the foundation for the phenomenal to undertake a PhD in Neurospora another colleague there. In 1964 on

www.genetics.org.uk . 21 FEATURES 22

their return to the UK, to Cambridge, DNA fragments. The inserted DNA of this substantial contribution Noreen was working with the could even encode toxic proteins under her belt, Noreen was finally geneticist Harold Whitehouse, when in the lysogenic state, which could given MRC tenure in 1973. Now at Frank Stahl arrived as a visiting the be expressed and purified in last she had the first opportunity scientist at the MRC Laboratory large quantities after induction of to submit a grant in her own name of Molecular Biology. Noreen the lysogen. (she had previously written several collaborated with him on exploring Noreen’s skills in creating and for others to submit), and following recombination in bacteriophage. selecting many new strains of its successful funding, was able to Experience with this simple organism lambda phage with appropriate set up her own group. However, led Noreen to switch the full focus packaging strains now came to the in 1977, when Ken was offered the of her own studies to exploring fore. The work was meticulously opportunity to go to the EMBL recombination in bacteriophage carried out and documented, labs Noreen had to choose between lambda from 1968, when Ken mostly by Noreen herself, with continuing her group in Edinburgh accepted a post as Senior Lecturer in clones carefully stored. Although or accompanying Ken to Heidelberg. the newly formed Molecular Biology she did much of the labwork Of course she chose the latter and department in Edinburgh. Noreen herself, she also spent a lot of spent further productive years there was soon able to join the new MRC time teaching and mentoring in fruitful collaboration with Ken Unit led by Bill her students and postdocs in and others. Hayes (GS President 1971-1973), all aspects of the work, from The development of cloning although she was expected to take on the theoretical background and technology brought fantastic menial tasks that were considered historical provenance to the need advances to the academic science women’s work. Nevertheless, it for careful strain preservation of molecular genetics, but the was in Edinburgh that the very and documentation. To crown all potential for expressing proteins fruitful collaboration with Ken these important contributions, for biomedical use as therapeutic began. As a biochemist, Ken was Noreen was generous to a fault, agents was immediately identified. working on the specificity of DNA sharing with many requestors The new approach soon led to a most sequence recognition by proteins her knowledge and the carefully important result: Ken cloned the such as restriction endonucleases. designed innovative combinations hepatitis B virus surface antigen There was great excitement when of vector and packaging systems, which could be used as a vaccine it was realised that some of these designated NM### – not many and still is to this day. This work enzymes made staggered cuts at the Material Transfer Agreements provided the opportunity for Ken to recognition site, leading to sticky were sent out for signature become a founding member of the ends which could be used to promote in those days! The methods scientific board of the pioneering site-specific annealing. Noreen’s deep devised for lambda cloning still biotech company Biogen. The understanding of the bacteriophage constitute one of the few ways company took out patents to system, with the judicious use of of amplifying relatively large safeguard the technology for itself its complex genetics, led to the DNA fragments, and many of the and for the University of Edinburgh. realisation that with the aid of these concepts introduced by Noreen Royalties from this benefited the specific restriction endonucleases have been used to develop other University greatly and also led to lambda phage could be engineered specific purpose vectors, some for the setting up of the Darwin Trust to function as a cloning vector for commercial use, for example to which has supported molecular the site-specific insertion of defined make DNA vaccines. With much biology at Edinburgh and elsewhere.

Noreen’s deep understanding of the bacteriophage system, with the judicious use of its complex genetics, led to the realisation that with the aid of these specific restriction endonucleases lambda phage could be engineered to function as a cloning vector for the site-specific insertion of defined DNA fragments.

22 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 FEATURES 23

Ken and Noreen, both Trustees of of the Royal Society of plants, and gardening was one of the Darwin Trust, have been great Edinburgh. Despite her eminence and her passions. She was most exacting benefactors for the University of great achievements Noreen remained about the design and maintenance Edinburgh. quiet and modest. All the extra of the garden at their large house, 1982, at the end of the EMBL period, committee work did not displace her within walking distance of the lab at turned out to be the auspicious year efforts in the lab, she just worked Kings’ Buildings. She did most of the that Noreen was elected a Fellow harder. She never shirked her lecture upkeep work herself and was always of the Royal Society. This finally allocation and although she found very happy there, as reflected in the gave her the proper recognition public speaking stressful, she always photograph. Ken and Noreen also she deserved. Soon she was back in delivered clear and well thought-out enjoyed art and there is a wonderful Edinburgh, a member of University lectures and was an excellent teacher. collection in their house, about staff, following the dissolution of On 26 November 2011, Ken, with which they were both extremely the MRC Molecular Genetics Unit help from friends and colleagues, knowledgeable. They entertained a few years earlier when Bill Hayes organised a splendid Symposium often and generously, inviting retired. It was 1988 before Noreen in Edinburgh as a celebration students and postdocs to meet their was appointed to a personal Chair of Noreen’s life. It was a moving eminent friends and visitors, plying of Molecular Genetics, despite and educational event – a slice all with delicious food and wine, as strong support earlier from several of immortality. Contributors Noreen was also an excellent cook. people, including John Fincham (GS talked about Noreen’s scientific It will be a lasting memory to many President 1978-1981). achievement but also about her to picture Noreen, always trim and as a person. Several remarked elegant, smiling to greet her guests, With the fellowship of the Royal with Ken at her side. Society came new roles and demands how Noreen always had time in on Noreen’s time. She was now her 70-hour working week to talk Noreen Elizabeth Parker (Lady asked to sit on many committees to students and colleagues about Murray), molecular geneticist: born and advisory bodies. She served their work and she was an excellent Read, Lancashire 26 February 1935; on several different Royal Society listener. Despite her “niceness”, she Professor of Molecular Genetics, committees including as Chairman was a tough critic of her colleagues’ Institute of Cell and Molecular of the RS Working Party on GMOs science. She had a way of looking at Biology, University of Edinburgh (Genetically Modified Organisms) people to convey if the concepts or 1988–2001, then Emeritus; CBE 2002; which explored, in a balanced and experimental approaches presented married 1958 Sir Kenneth Murray; rational way, the possible hazards were not up to the rigorous standards died Edinburgh 12 May 2011. of genetically modified food crops she expected of herself and of (after the claims of Dr Pusztai them. She followed this up with about GM potatoes) and made knowledgeable advice and help recommendations on how evidence wherever possible. should be gathered, reviewed and Several participants commented published. A little later, in 2002, on Noreen’s incredible work ethic, Noreen acted as Advisor to an EU but then it was suggested that for Consortium on the development of Noreen science was life and the rest highly specific enzymes for genome of life had to be fitted in around manipulation. Around this time she that. And there was a lot to the was elected again to RS Council, “rest of life”. Ken and Noreen loved this time as Vice-President. In 2002, hill walking and climbing from just after her official retirement their earliest days of courtship. date, she was awarded a CBE. There They travelled widely for work and were many other honours, including pleasure – Noreen’s 60th birthday several honorary doctorates; she present was a trip to the Galapagos. was the inaugural recipient Gabor Having started as a botanist, Noreen medal of the Royal Society and the was very knowledgeable about

www.genetics.org.uk . 23 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

21702-03 Heredity RJFP.indd 1 26/2/10 16:30:26 FEATURES 25

ResearchGATE and The Genetics Society

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

www.genetics.org.uk . 25 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 26

The 22nd International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (ICAR) 22nd – 25th June, Madison USA

Sian Davies . School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, UK

wide range of research topics Post-transcriptional regulation of NCED2, the product of which Awere extensively covered during operates via mRNA sequence motifs, is an enzyme performing the rate- the conference, with particular and ~30% of plant genes have at limiting step in ABA biosynthesis, emphasis on development, stress least one additional AUG codon are expressed on the dryside and responses, computational biology, upstream of the main transcriptional not wetside of agar-grown , cell metabolism and signalling start site. These 5’ uAUGs produce suggesting that NCED2 expression, networks. Many of the sessions were short protein coding uORFs, which and hence ABA biosynthesis, is concurrent due to the high number will usually suppress translation activated by dryness. The role of of contributors, and were followed by of the main ORF due to loss of the ABA and NCED2 in inhibiting the after-dinner workshops and evening reinitiation competence of ribosomes. gravity response under locally poster sessions containing over 600 The question of whether uAUGs dry conditions was confirmed using poster presentations. I presented may be conserved in some genes null and overexpression NCED2 lines. a poster in these sessions on the was considered in a comparative In addition, this and other pathways transcriptional regulation of LHY, transcriptome study. Justin Vaughn have been identified using FACS a gene central to the plant circadian (von Arnim lab, University of (Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting) clock. I have summarised a few of the Tennessee) explained that in a as having their activity within roots presentations that I found the most small subset of genes, AUG was the regulated locally by moisture. interesting below. most conserved triplet in the 5’UTR Finally, Siobhan Braybrook morphology is highly conserved in all plant lineages examined. (University of Bern) detailed the within species, yet extremely A combination of modelling and new application of Atomic Force divergent across species. Przemyslaw experimental studies were used Microscopy (AFM) as a micro-force Prusinkiewicz (University of to show that if the uORF is short sensor to extrapolate the structure of Calgary) described the creation of a enough, the usual inhibitory effect cell walls of living plant tissue and computational model to explain the on the gene can be compensated for cells from their surface elasticity. regulation of leaf shape development. by eIF3, a component of the basal In particular, this technique was It was known that PIN1 polarises to translation machinery, remaining at used to investigate organogenesis, areas on the leaf margin known as the DNA and re-initiating translation showing that growth is associated convergence points and promotes the at the major ORF. with increased elasticity and that, influx of Auxin, causing localised The majority of roots grown on for example, the application of Auxin serration of the margin. The model agar will preferentially disregard caused an increase in elasticity of the therefore contained Auxin nodes at gravitropism in favour of meristem, which can be correlated to intervals, however the convergence hydrotropism, i.e. they will grow organ formation. points fluctuated. The addition of a towards moisture rather than I would like to thank the Genetics stabilising factor in the form of CUC2, gravity. Local moisture influences Society for awarding me a Junior which is known to inhibit growth and the growth and development of the Scientist Grant to attend this, my be suppressed by Auxin, concentrated root through hydropatterning. José first international conference, and between the Auxin nodes enabled the Dinneny (TLL Singapore) presented also the ICAR organisers for making model to correctly predict leaf shape findings that reporter constructs it such a success. in CUC2 and PIN mutant plants. under the control of the promoter

26 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 27

European Meeting On Mitochondrial Pathology (EUROMIT 8) 20th – 23th June, Zaragoza, Spain

Umut Cagin . King’s College London

his summer I attended explained the use of whole-exome disease and import, assembly and T8th European Meeting on sequencing which is widely used in turnover of mitochondrial proteins. Mitochondrial Pathology in mitochondrial research. Luca Scorrano’s talk on Opa1, Ian Zaragoza, Spain. This meeting is held The second day of the conference Holt’s talk on nucleoids and Zofia every three years and being able to had three sessions on Mitochondria Chrzanowska’s talk on role of attend one of them during third year in Neurodegeneration and poly(A) tail was amongst the other of my PhD was invaluable. I want to Neuroinflammatory Disorders, very interesting talks. I had more thank to the organizing committee Mitochondria in Oncological discussion about my research at the (Jose Antonio Enriques, Patricio Diseases and the Immune system poster session and already started Fernandez-Silva, Asiclo Perez- and Mitochondria in Development planning the experiments I need to Martos and Antonio L. Andreu) for and Ageing. In the afternoon start after the conference. organizing such a beautiful meeting. there was the first poster session At the end of the day we were all The kick-off of the conference has where I discussed my work with tired and had a lot of questions been made by J. A. Enriquez by other people and had very useful on our minds, however having a welcome and introduction talk. Then feedback. Prof. Nils-Goran Larsson wonderful gala dinner at night was he surprised all of us by inviting the explained about the recent findings very useful to socialize with other traditional Spanish folk dancers to and calculations of nuceloid researchers. Next day which was the stage. After this warm welcome, structure and size. Furthermore, sadly the last day of the conference, the first keynote lecture was given Sherine Chan explained the use we all had a chance to listen the by Prof. Douglas Turnbull entitled of the model organism zebrafish talk of Prof. Douglas Wallace who “From mitochondrial diseases to for screening bioenergetics. The has been working in mitochondrial mitochondria in disease”. last talk of the second day was a field for a long time. Title of his talk There were two sessions in the first keynote lecture from Dr. Nick Lane was “A Mitochondrial Etiology of day. First one was, “Mitochondrial who is a scientist and a writer. Complex Diseases” and focused on Diseases”, in which I particularly Dr. Lane gave a very stimulating energy levels. enjoyed Massimo Zeviani’s talk on talk about mitochondria and Overall I have enjoyed my time at the finding new genes and treatments evolution of complex life with conference and found it very useful for mitochondrial diseases. Then some very interesting visual and to attend one of the most important we have moved on to the second mathematical examples. conferences in mitochondrial science. session entitled “Mitochondria Third day of the conference was I would like to thank Genetics Society in Cardiovascular and Metabolic the most intense. There were three for sponsoring me and helping me to diseases”. In this session along sessions entitled mitochondrial have this great experience. with various interesting talks, Prof. life cycle, mitochondrial DNA Anu Suomalainen-Wartiovaara metabolism and expression in

www.genetics.org.uk . 27 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 28

1st Austria Evolutionary Genetics Workshop 2011 19th – 23rd September 2011, Klosterneuberg, Austria

Anna Muir . University of Glasgow

he IST Austria Evolutionary diverse array of European countries some on his own research on genome- TGenetics Workshop 2011 was and Institutions, joining those from wide association mapping. held between the 19th and 23rd of IST Austria and the University of As the week went on the weather September 2011. The Institute of Vienna, to make 41 participants. turned sunny and allowed the Science and Technology Austria (IST Lectures began on Tuesday morning beautiful surroundings to be explored. Austria) is a new Institute, opened with introductory sessions from Nick Staying and eating on campus allowed in 2009, dedicated to research and Barton (IST Austria) discussing the students to discuss research interests graduate education in the natural and history of evolution and key open and current projects, highlighting the mathematical sciences. The Institute questions in the field. Nick was joined diverse background of participants, is situated in the beautiful Vienna throughout the week by Reinhard from molecular biologists to woods, in the city of Klosterneuburg, Burger, Joachim Hermisson and Ines mathematicians studying a wide array 18 km from the center of Vienna. Hellmann (University of Vienna) to of topics and species. A mid-afternoon The aim of this intensive four make up the instructors on the course. finish on the final day allowed time day course was to give a thorough The workshop packed in an array for a look around Vienna in the sun introduction to evolutionary genetics of topics during the week, covering and an evening meal in the city before through techniques used to model random drift and inbreeding, neutral departure. The IST Austria workshop evolutionary processes. The course theory, the coalescent, selection, will be run again in 2012 and I would was jointly run by IST Austria and molecular population genetics, recommend it to anyone interested in the Vienna Graduate School in population structure and evolutionary a thorough and broad introduction to Population Genetics. genetics from a modelling viewpoint. modelling evolution genetic processes. Arrival at the Institute for the Lectures were accompanied by I would like to thank the Genetics welcome reception was accompanied practical sessions using simulation Society for support to attend this by torrential rain and the walk from software, a number of which were interesting workshop. the main building along a forest track developed at IST Austria, allowing to the traditional Austrian Hütte left students to visualise and play the participants rather bedraggled. around with parameters that had However, the warm wooden clad been described. Magnus Nordberg interior, traditional food and Austrian (Gregor Mendel Institute) gave a very beer soon lifted our spirits and interesting guest lecture on Thursday everyone left looking forward to the afternoon about the difficulties start of the workshop. The workshop of analysing genetic data from was attended by students from a structured populations and discussing

Lectures were accompanied by practical sessions using simulation software, a number of which were developed at IST Austria, allowing students to visualise and play around with parameters that had been described.

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13th Congress of the European Society of Evolutionary Biology 20th – 25th August, Tübingen, south-west Germany

James Hutchison . University of Sheffield

his was the first time that I had insemination in the bed bug and There was the chance for poster Tbeen to an ESEB congress; the Duur’s talk on cooperation in presenters to invite other conference scale of which was considerably mutualistic mushrooms. Soon it was attendees to meet them at their larger than that of previous scientific the first coffee break and a chance posters during allocated sessions. meetings I had attended. Over four to locate my poster contribution and Another opportunity for student days there were approximately 1300 rapidly choose the talks from the academic interactions came in the attendees, 350 talks and 700 posters. next session that I wanted to attend. form of the “meet a silverback” Needless to say, even before I had left Over the course of the congress program during which small Sheffield I was excited to see the there were a staggering 30 symposia groups of students were able to most recent projects and of which my highlights were; spend an evening over dinner with developments across the field of “Speciation by natural versus sexual an established academic, courtesy evolutionary biology. selection”, “Mutualism: Causes and of the Volkswagen Foundation. I Attempting to be eco-friendly with my consequences” and “Evolutionary had the pleasure of dining with travel plans, I set off from Sheffield ecological genomics”. Walter Salzburger, whose work by train with my dismantled bike in a The remaining plenary talks were predominantly focuses on the very large bag. I was a little nervous varied and included Michael Ruse, diversification of the East African about travelling across Europe with a philosopher and historian from cichlid fishes. There was plenty to such a large piece of luggage but to Florida State University who gave discuss, particularly as his my relief encountered no problems, an entertaining talk and sparked research group was probably the only bemused looks from fellow some debate by calling into question best represented at the congress, passengers. Indeed as soon as I the importance of JBS Haldane in with a wide range of talks and boarded the Eurostar and left the UK population genetics. In opposition to poster presentations. rail network everything was very easy. this, Brian Charlesworth provided Overall, attendance at a large After a relaxing but long journey, some strong defence during his congress provided me with an in I arrived at my out of town hotel. I presidential address on the final day. depth encounter with a diverse quickly reassembled my bike and Brian also highlighted other issues in range of projects. There was plenty headed into Tübingen for the Evolutionary Biology for discussion; of scope to meet academics and find evening registration and welcome notably problems with detecting out about life at other institutions. I session. It was a great evening and a selection when it acts weakly and is feel that all too often as PhD students perfect opportunity to catch up with widespread throughout the genome. we get caught up in our own project friends from other institutions under Another speaker to highlight was the and associated problems. ESEB one roof. JMS-Prize Laureate Rowan Barrett allowed me to take a step back from The next morning the congress who gave a very clear and interesting my research and to look at the wider formally opened with plenary talks talk on “The Genetics of Adaptation”, picture of evolutionary research. This from Mike Siva-Jothy and Duur combining theory, lab and field was both refreshing and re-assuring Aanen. There was quite a subject studies in the stickleback. and I would like to thank the Genetic contrast between Mike’s talk on The conference organisers did a great Society for supporting my attendance. sexual conflict and traumatic job in promoting student research.

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Plant Genome Evolution Conference Report 4th September, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phil Hands . University of Leicester

n early September of this year, Arriving into Amsterdam quite early diversity. Susan McCouch gave a Ijust as I was entering into my 4th on the day the conference was due to particularly interesting talk which and final year of my PhD and thanks start I was able to enjoy a walk round documented gene flow, selection and to the award of a Genetics Society some of the city’s sights and a canal exchange in rice that as ultimately junior scientist travel grant, I was side drink before registration opened. produced modern domesticated lucky enough to be able to attend The conference was held in the rice as did Chris Pires speaking on the conference on Plant Genome impressive Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, whole genome duplication and its Evolution in Amsterdam. right on the city’s main square. impact on gene regulatory networks. This was the second in a new series Sitting in the expansive lobby reading The function and description of of conferences sponsored by Current through my delegate pack with its these networks turned out to be a Opinion journals and was to be the list of speakers and their pictures it prominent feature of many of the first major international conference I was quite exciting to start to identify talks throughout the conference. had attended. people whom until that point I Pat Heslop-Harrison and Chris Pires recognised only as names on research maintained a twitter commentary The conference focused on bringing papers. Slowly getting over that shock throughout the conference that did together the diverse range of plant I started to realise the value and a great job of condensing even the genomic and evolutionary research potential of such conferences. most difficult parts of some the talks and the many recent, rapid advances The conference opened with an into concise, take-home messages. In in the field. The conference was one of the later presentations of the organised into six sessions over 2 introduction from Yves Van de Peer followed by a great plenary talk from day Dr. Bomberly talked about his days with a reception, plenary talk research on changed gene expression and poster session on the preceding Maarten Koornneef illustrating just how much the Arabidopsis model has patterns in polyploids which was evening and second poster session particularly relevant to my own at the end of the first day. Session contributed to plant genomics and describing identification of genetic work and left me reeling with ideas topics spanned from fundamental and notes to apply to my own work. research such as the influence of variation involved in environmental adaptation. The first of the poster Fortunately this talk came just before gene and genome duplication and a coffee break and although I wasn’t genome structural diversity moving sessions followed and provided an initial opportunity, both daunting able to meet with Dr. Bombarely through to more applied research directly I was able to discuss the such as plant systems biology, and exciting, to start to introduce myself and talk to some of those talk with other delegates gaining the association of genomics and their opinion and perspectives and transcriptomics to phenotype and names I recognised. Poster sessions, lunch and coffee breaks were all held perhaps tempering my own runaway finally to future directions in plant enthusiasm! genomics. The aim of the conference in the hotel’s beautiful glass-roofed was putting emphasis on the courtyard and provided a great setting The evening poster session yielded latest and unpublished results and for some lively discussion of posters more great conversations and finished providing extended discussion periods and talks. off the day nicely leaving me with a and opportunities to interact with The next day got off to great start little time to spend exploring the city. the speakers, so promised to be an with sessions on gene and genome The second day yielded more great exciting few days. duplication and genome structural talks, with the day’s sessions focusing

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more on the applied aspects of The conference ended on an especially scientific life and the wider field research. Amongst the many excellent high note for me with Julian Hibberd’s into which your own work is placed. presentations D. Zamir gave an talk in the final session. His brilliant Conferences provide an intense and engaging talk considering future crop and engrossing talk on the evolution absorbing experience where you yields and highlighted the important of C4 photosynthesis that left me can become totally immersed in issue of a shortage of trained plant with yet more frantic note scribbling science, to see how your work may breeders and the general failure of with the main problem being trying relate to others and to formulate high school graduates to take up plant to scribble not only enough notes on new ideas and routes your own science education. the scientific content but also on the research may follow. Prof. Heslop-Harrison’s talk on delivery style and presentation so that I would like to take this opportunity genome evolution gave a great deal of I might use them to inspire my own to thank the Genetics Society for insight into the information we may future presentations. awarding me this travel grant be able to obtain from domesticated Attending this conference has been which allowed me to attend this crop genomes talk and was again a great experience for me. It has conference. It was a fantastic and especially relevant to my own work, presented me with great opportunities rewarding experience for which I resulting in more furious note taking. and given me insight into the higher am enormously grateful.

The Genomics of Common Diseases 2011 30 August – 2 September, Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Hinxton UK

Fayeza Fatima Khan . University of Nottingham

his year saw the 5th Genomics and accessible enough to be applied Similarly, the use of model organisms Tof Common Diseases meeting, widely across biological research and and relevant experimental techniques which is jointly organized by Nature to allow large-scale studies such as in elucidating the effects of human Genetics and the Wellcome Trust. sequencing-based GWAS. genetic variants was highlighted. The conference program included The challenges involved with whole- While speakers mulled over the seven sessions of talks with three genome/exome sequencing today challenge of converting data from the keynote lectures and two poster are similar to what genome-wide multitude of whole-genome/exome viewing sessions spread over a three- genotyping faced and mostly deal sequencing projects into meaningful day period. The topics covered in with three general areas as one biological answers, they could also the seven sessions were: exome and could gather from the talks: study show examples of interesting success whole genome sequencing, functional designs to maximize power of finding stories where variants associated genomics, clinical translation and association, statistical tools to deal with phenotypes were experimentally pharmacogenetics, infectious diseases, with the resulting data and making shown to be involved in relevant population and statistical genetics, biological sense of the results. For biological pathways. cancer and emerging technologies and example, most studies aimed to As was shown in one talk, these latest their applications. choose subjects that are at the tail-end sequencing technologies could be put While the first meeting was held of the phenotypic spectrum of the to use in a different way when it came at the time when Genome-wide trait in question and many speakers to infectious diseases: sequencing Association Studies (GWAS) had acknowledged the usefulness of using pathogen genomes to work out the just taken off, this year’s meeting family members versus unrelated relationship between the strains came at a time when whole-genome/ individuals to increase power to detect causing outbreaks in different places. exome sequencing has become cheap rare variants associated with disease. Findings from such an investigation

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help in tracking and controlling the The Snake Genomics and spread of disease. Overall, learning about new Integrative Biology Meeting discoveries of disease-causing variants, including cancer-associated 5th-8th October 2011, Vail, Colorado ones, and seeing how facts gathered on the functional elements in the Adam Hargreaves . Bangor University human genome shed insight on its complex workings, was very inspiring. he snake genomics and present an invaluable resource which There are projects underway to Tintegrative biology meeting will aid in research involving snakes, sequence thousands of individuals was the first of its kind held in the as well as broader-ranging studies in that will allow a much more beautiful surroundings of Vail in comparative genomics and vertebrate comprehensive map of sequence the Rocky Mountains. The meeting evolution. variation in the human genome. was attended by all major research Several talks at the meeting revealed Researchers from the ENCODE groups working in the area of snake upcoming snake genome sequencing project and others showed how they genomics and transcriptomics and projects including the corn snake, the are involved with comprehensively consisted of two days of talks followed saw-scaled viper, the garter snake, the assaying non-coding regions of the by a day of collaborative discussion. western diamondback rattlesnake and genome and assigning functional The core aims of the meeting were to the blind snake, all being undertaken elements to them. All of the data discuss on-going and planned research by research groups with very generated from sequencing and projects utilising or producing different research interests. functional element studies is shared genomic and transcriptomic data from Numerous transcriptomes from a with everyone through online snakes, to encourage the formation number of species are also planned databases which is only part of the of collaborative relationships, and to to be released in the near future. increasing amount of collaboration ensure all work efforts are of greatest It is evident that a large body between researchers worldwide to use to the scientific community. of fascinating work and useful unravel complex trait and disease Both days of talks covered a wide information will be released in the mechanisms in humans. All these variety of topics, from isochore next year or two which promises to be interesting talks and research evolution in reptiles to snake venom an exciting time for snake genomics. presented in the form of posters gave gene evolution, with a troubleshooting Overall the meeting was a great way to a lot of discussion amongst Q&A session conducted by an the 250 or so delegates attending the success with all talks being extremely Illumina representative thrown in interesting and many collaborations conference. There was a good amount for good measure. It was obvious of time for interaction over tea breaks, being formed and discussed. From that what had once been a largely a personal point of view it gave me drinks receptions or during one of the neglected area of research is now well-arranged delicious meals. an opportunity to discuss my work rapidly attracting attention, which is with researchers working in a similar As a PhD student coming from a understandable considering the many field and also to find out what work is ‘locus-specific’ research background unique features of snakes involving being done in this exciting and rapidly whose genome-wide technology Hox genes, eye evolution, aerobic expanding research area. know-how had largely come through metabolism and transposable element literature reading, it was a wonderful activity. The two main hot topics were A review paper of the meeting is opportunity to hear first-hand of the the recently completed genomes for currently being written should recent developments and interact the Burmese python (Python molurus anyone want further information. with the researchers, and also to bivittatus) and the King Cobra Alternatively, you can visit the present my own work. I will take this (Ophiophagus hannah), one of which website www.snakegenomics.org. opportunity to thank the organizers (Burmese python) is currently freely Finally, I would like to thank the of the event and the Genetics Society available on GenBank and one (King Genetics Society for awarding me a for the travel grant. Cobra) which is soon to be released. Junior Scientist Travel Grant which These sequenced De Novo genomes allowed me to attend this meeting.

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Bioinformatics of Human and Animal Genomics 14th – 18th November 2011, Suzhou, China

Claudia P Cabrera . University of Edinburgh

Next-generation sequencing technologies are dominating the genomics research environment, nevertheless the lack of consensus and standardized methodologies for analysis of the data generated was reflected in the program of this conference.

“In bioinformatics, we are all cancer patients who did not respond chasers of technology...” (Prof. effectively to chemotherapy. They are Rebecca Doerge). This phrase could studying the feasibility of routine not explain better the current genomic analysis of cancer patients’ situation; technology develops at biopsies in order to aid genetic a greater speed than researchers, diagnosis and treatment. developers and analysts can cope Time is a crucial aspect on these with. Now, the real challenge is studies. Their goal is to obtain not assembling the puzzle but the genotype results within three understanding it, and bioinformatics weeks from the time of the patients has become the bottleneck. consent, and inform them of possible Here we all are in China Therefore, networking and meetings, treatments they would respond better where collaborations and research to, according to their mutations groups can exchange and present and affected pathways. In addition, releasing the sequence of the new developments and tools, are an they developed a Cytoscape plug-in German E.coli (the strain responsible essential part of research. (Reactome Functional Interaction for many fatalities in 2011) just after Next-generation sequencing (FI) Network) and applied it to three days of the outbreak. Their technologies are dominating the breast cancer, identifying prognostic mission is to sequence any organism, genomics research environment, signatures. This program aims to find important for various reasons (i.e. nevertheless the lack of consensus network patterns related to cancer economically, food supplies, industry/ and standardized methodologies and other diseases, and it covers textile applications, endangered, or for analysis of the data generated almost 50% of the human proteins. even just because they appear “cute” was reflected in the program of The ENCODE group presented an to humans). this conference. Cutting-edge interesting example of how the RNA I also had the opportunity to discuss research was presented on how the expression levels can be predicted very interesting developments being availability of these technologies from the chromatin modification implemented in the software Galaxy is changing the future of cancer patterns. The Beijing Genomics (galaxy.psu.edu). Galaxy is a freely treatments into personalized Institute (BGI) is coming through available web-based software, that medicine. with amazingly sized projects allows the centralization and easy Professor Lincoln Stein’s group as well. The BGI is now famous reproducibility of ‘data-intensive’ is performing clinical trials on for sequencing the panda and analyses. Because of its flexibility,

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user friendliness and wide range of International Federation of Placenta Associations integrated tools (i.e. from sequence analysis, EMBOSS tools, UCSC 14th European Placenta Group integration and GWAS analyses, including LD and QC), it is being Meeting 2011 widely accepted within the research community. 14th – 17th Sept, Geilo, Norway In this conference, young, senior and experienced scientists were Norah Fogarty . University of Cambridge given the opportunity to present their work. he International Federation of and microRNA regulation of Dr. Yinyin Yuan, presented a very TPlacenta Associations meeting gene expression was particularly interesting methodology of the use was held in the small mountain interesting. of imaging technologies and their resort of Geilo, located 4 hours west Presentations dealt with DNA integration with DNA copy number of Oslo. This meeting brings together and gene expression profiles methylation, imprinting, Placenta research organisations from X-chromosome inactivation and for tumour classification and Australia and New Zealand, Europe, refinement of molecular signatures. microRNA-dependent gene regulation Japan and the Americas. The town in the placenta, and their impacts I was also given the opportunity to is a national park, famed for its ski on placental development and fetal present my work about the use of slopes and nature. The conference growth. Dr. J. Richard Chaillet from circular genomic permutation as centre was situated beside a huge lake University of Pittsburgh gave an means to assess the significance which provided us with lovely walks interesting round-up of the molecular of pathway-trait associations; this and fresh air to clear our head after mechanism of genomic imprinting talk was in the same session as intense sessions. and the role of imprinting in Prof. Anders Krogh´s. He is very The theme of the meeting was placental development and function. well known for introducing Hidden “Placenta: Predicting Future Health” He discussed his work on Dnmt 1o Markov Models in bioinformatics and had a special focus on the knock-out mice in which embryos and co-developing SAM (Sequence epidemiology of placenta pathologies from homozygous Dnmt1 o/o female Alignment and Modeling). His and the effects on maternal and mice fail to maintain imprints during talk was on improvements to the offspring health. The meeting opened preimplantation development, and mapping performance for short with a plenary session on Evolution, develop abnormalities in placental reads, using quality scores in a development and lifelong health with structure and gene expression during probabilistic framework, which presentations from Prof Mark Hanson the second half of gestation. would be very useful for ancient and Prof Graham Burton. DNA and small RNAs. I presented a poster on my There was a wide range of topics investigative work into the functional CSHA provided an excellent covered in 12 workshop sessions, and morphological differences atmosphere to talk, exchange including placenta immunology, between nuclei in syncytial knots and and discuss ideas, also great stem cells, comparative placentology, sprouts in the syncytiotrophoblast hospitality. placental and fetal circulation of the human placenta. A lot of I want to express my deep gratitude and biomarker identification. It people showed interest in my work to the Genetics Society for was difficult to choose which to and offered some useful insights awarding me with the travel grant, attend! The workshop on epigenetic for me to consider in my future allowing me this great experience. The theme of the meeting was “Placenta: Predicting Future Health” and had a special focus on the epidemiology of placenta pathologies and the effects on maternal and offspring health.

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work. I also presented a workshop actively in discussions and not to be The meeting was concluded with oral presentation in the session shy about offering up our opinions. a gala dinner featuring such local on Trophoblast Differentiation. Two special sessions were organised treats as Juniper berry smoked This session generated stimulating for us to help us with career trout and reindeer. discussion and again, I got some development. I really enjoyed IFPA 2011 and good advice from other people in this These focused on building have returned to my bench full of specialised field. research groups and the skills enthusiasm and motivation for The most important feature of IFPA behind writing successful grants. placenta research. I would like to meetings is the great attention and Everyone who attended the extend my gratitude to the Genetic support that is afforded to New grant session found the advice to Society for enabling me to travel to Investigators. We are encouraged to be invaluable and were greatly this meeting which will certainly be get involved at all opportunities; to appreciative to the organisers for of benefit to me as I begin the final give oral presentations, to participate arranging such a worthwhile session. year of my PhD.

Gordon Research Conference on Epigenetics 7th – 12th August 2011 Stonehill College, Easton, Massachusetts.

Elizabeth Radford . University of Cambridge

he Gordon Research Conference I was particularly interested in the stressed the importance of genetic Ton Epigenetics takes place sessions examining the mechanisms background with an elegant series of every two years, and is eagerly of epigenetic reprogramming and experiments demonstrating trans- anticipated by the epigenetics inheritence in different model effects of Y-linked polymorphisms community. The scope of the organisms. in Drosophila. Kazufumi Mochizuki meeting is broad, ranging from Anne Brunet presented intriguing and Mariusz Nowacki’s work research focussed on understanding data demonstrating that an on Tetrahymena and Oxytricha epigenetic mechanisms, epigenetic H3K4 histone methyltransferases respectively, demonstrated the role of reprogramming and inheritance to regulates longevity in C. elegans, RNA-directed epigenetic regulation the interface between epigenetics and with intergenerational effects; of DNA rearrangement in these the environment, ageing, behaviour while Ryszard Maleszka made a organisms, and argued persuasively and disease in a wide range of model compelling argument that the honey for the value of studying more organisms. Speakers are encouraged bee has much to teach us regarding unusual model organisms. Finally, to discuss unpublished data. This developmental programming and the Rob Martienssen gave a thought- fosters an open, collaborative role for epigenetics in this process. provoking talk on the role of small atmosphere with stimulating Diet during early development in RNAs in sexual reproduction in discussion during the talks, poster the bee determines whether an Arabidopsis, which raised some presentations and after dinner. individual develops into a worker or fascinating questions regarding the The overall quality of the poster a queen. This involves changes in co-evolution of transposition presentations was extremely high, DNA methylation which alter the and meiosis. making this conference particularly developmental programme of gene I am very grateful to the Genetics rewarding to be a part of. expression. Petra Hajkova sounded Society for the opportunity to My work has focussed on the role a cautionary note regarding the attend this meeting. It was a hugely of imprinted genes and epigenetics role for the TET enzymes in the stimulating week, and a privilege in a transgenerational model of methylation reprogramming of the to discuss exciting science in such a developmental programming, and so mouse zygote, while Bernardo Lemos congenial atmosphere.

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A bank vole (Image courtesy of Sarah Perkins) The bank vole invasion of Ireland

Dr Tom White . Cornell University

nvasive populations are thought expanding invasive population show first recorded on Ireland in 1964, in Ito be under strong selection for evidence of increased reproductive County Limerick in the south-west of evolution of specific life-history effort and increased dispersal the country. Although there had been traits. Theoretical simulation work, compared to individuals in previously plenty of field-based studies on Irish supported by empirical studies, colonized areas. Species may also small mammals prior to this time, suggests that individuals at the lose parasites as they expand their voles had not previously wave-front of an expanding range ranges, so increased investment in been detected. should allocate more resources to reproduction and dispersal may be The first systematic survey to reproduction and dispersal, leading to traded-off against reduced investment establish the distribution of the accelerating rates of range expansion. in immunity. bank vole in Ireland was carried For example, in Australia, cane toads The bank vole (Myodes glareolus, out in 1969/70. This survey found (Rhinella marinus) at the front of the formerly Clethrionomys glareolus) was that the bank vole was restricted

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to an area of about 6,000 sq. km in population genomics of the bank landscape features on the invasion the vicinity of Limerick. Another vole expansion in Ireland. Fieldwork process, and whether or not the complete resurvey was carried out in for this project was supported by the invasion has been slowed by barriers 1982, showing that the bank vole had Heredity Fieldwork Grant. The aim to dispersal, such as rivers and approximately doubled its area, had of this project is to reconstruct the motorways. now colonized much of the south-west invasion history of the bank vole, I will also use various techniques to of Ireland and was expanding in all and to determine whether there is detect genes under selection. Range directions at rates of 1 to 4.5 km per any genetic evidence of adaptation expansions have been shown to cause year. From the observed distribution to invasion. In October 2010, I went a genetic phenomenon called ‘allele and extrapolation of these rates of to Ireland to sample voles. As genetic surfing’. Basically, alleles present in spread, it was estimated that the bank effects may be restricted to the wave- the small populations at the wave- vole first began expanding its range front of the population expansion, I front of an expansion will tend to in Ireland in the 1940s or 1950s. In first tried to find the current limits of drift to fixation and spread over large continental Eurasia, the bank vole the bank vole range. Having found the geographic areas. is found from northern Scandinavia limits, I then sampled along transects, to the Mediterranean and from running from the supposed core of This phenomenon can generate Siberia to Spain and must have been the invasion in County Limerick similar genetic signals to those inadvertently introduced to Ireland by in three directions: one north to expected under natural selection. people from somewhere within that Galway, one north-east to Lough Ree, Therefore, I will explore various ideas natural range. and one heading east to Waterford. of how these two processes might be distinguished. Any loci identified as Previous parasite analysis of vole The use of replicate transects is important, as genes identified as being under selection will be followed populations revealed a very restricted up in future research projects. I am distribution of the vole-specific being under selection may be false- positives. If they are identified in all particularly interested in any loci flea Malaraeus penicilliger along relating to dispersal, reproduction, the southern estuary of the River three transects, this gives us greater confidence in the result. growth and functioning of the Shannon, suggesting that this might immune system. have been the site of introduction, Now back in Cornell, I am using with fleas being lost from the bank novel next-generation sequencing Trapping in Ireland was very vole population as it invaded new techniques to genotype many successful; I sampled 140 voles from habitat. Mitochondrial DNA studies thousands of loci located randomly 7 sites for genetic analysis. Further found only two distinct haplotypes, throughout the bank vole genome. fieldwork later this year should consistent with a single introduction With these data, I will use an provide me with enough samples to event with few founders. The bank approximate Bayesian computing complete my project. I would like to vole is continuing to expand its (ABC) approach to reconstruct the thank Dr Sarah Perkins at Cardiff range in Ireland, and the process of demographic history of the invasion. University for assistance in the field, invasion is not being modified by an In particular, I am interested in the and Dr Colin Lawton at NUI Galway eradication program. The bank vole in number of founding individuals, and Prof. Jeremy Searle at Cornell Ireland can therefore be considered an rates of invasion and local effective University for providing me with traps excellent model system for the study population sizes. I should also be and other equipment. of evolution during range expansions. able to determine the influence of I have an interest in understanding how populations are able to survive and adapt to new environments despite being small or having passed through severe bottlenecks, and The first systematic survey to establish the distribution obviously the Irish bank vole is of the bank vole in Ireland was carried out in 1969/70. an intriguing example of this. In 2010, I began an EU Marie Curie This survey found that the bank vole was restricted to Fellowship to investigate the an area of about 6,000 sq. km in the vicinity of Limerick.

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Evolutionary responses to climate change: shifts in host plant preference during species range expansion

James Buckley . previously University of Bristol and currently University of Glasgow

ecent climate change has been The Brown Argus butterfly, Aricia geographic distribution across the Rassociated with poleward agestis, has almost doubled its UK. G.molle, for example, occupies a range expansions in a wide range range in the UK over the past 30 diverse range of disturbed grassland of taxa, but has been particularly years and is continuing to expand habitats and is widespread across well documented for butterflies northwards with ongoing climate the UK, whereas H. nummularium is whose geographical distributions, change. The Brown Argus uses host restricted to chalk grassland habitats. particularly in the UK, are well plants in two distinct families for Variation in the population-level known. British butterflies show larval growth: the Geraniaceae (e.g. host preference among four sites substantial variation in the rate Geranium molle) and the Cistaceae across the range of the Brown Argus of range expansion, with some (solely Helianthemum nummularium). provided evidence for adaptation to undergoing significant northward These host plants dominate different the different habitat types, as well as range shifts and others either habitat types and are distinct in their a potential shift to preferring G.molle showing no distributional change or even declines in distribution. These A Brown Argus butterfly differences can partly be explained by the ecological requirements of different species, with a greater proportion of habitat generalist species expanding northwards relative to habitat specialist species. Understanding these contrasting effects of habitat fragmentation and climate change is therefore important for predicting the likelihood of species range expansions across taxa. There is also increasing evidence that evolutionary change in key ecological traits (particularly dispersal ability) is necessary for the successful movement across a fragmented landscape to colonise newly suitable sites. Given the importance of habitat preference in the ability to undergo northward range expansions, there is limited evidence for evolutionary change in traits associated with habitat preference during species’ range expansions.

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in recently-colonised parts of the my attempts to find two consecutive range. However, these population- days when it did not rain proved more level host preference estimates were challenging than expected… Sample based on the average number of eggs sizes were lower than predicted, but laid by free-flying females on potted despite these difficulties, I did manage host plants placed randomly around to assay individual host preference a site and do not identify individual for 50 females from five different variation in host preference within a sites (30 of which laid eggs). This site. In addition, a population genetic was combined with another dataset analysis using AFLP molecular from a previous year’s fieldwork markers, identified selection on resulting in a dataset of 77 females loci associated with populations with individual host preference data A cage used in the host-preference assays. occupying the different habitat types, from 9 sites across the range of this as well as during the colonisation of species. Variation in host preference new sites. These data suggest that among individuals within sites was there is evolutionary divergence in high, but there were also consistent host plant preference (and associated differences among those sites habitat use) across the expanding differing in habitat type. Specifically, range of the Brown Argus. To confirm a greater frequency of individuals laid whether evolutionary change in host eggs on H. nummularium at those preference has been associated with sites where H. nummularium was the the ability to colonise new sites it dominant host plant. This pattern is important to identify differences was seen in both long-established and be genotyped in a greater number among individuals in host preference recently-colonised H. nummularium- of individuals from a wider range of and then explore the genetic basis dominated sites, although only one sites across the long-established and of this important ecological trait recently-colonised, H. nummularium- recently-expanded distribution of this using genomic sequence data from dominated site could be assayed. species. A larger-scale genotyping individuals assayed for differences in Of particular interest for future work strategy would also allow us expand their host plant preference. are the 24 females (5-7 individuals on recent results by identifying To collect these data I visited field from each of 4 sites, 2 long-established signatures of selection on potential sites across the UK range of the and 2 recently-colonised) I collected candidate genes. This approach would Brown Argus in the Summer of and stored for subsequent RNA allow us to more directly test for 2011 to conduct assays of individual extraction. The extracted RNA from evolutionary change in important female egg laying preference for each individual will be pooled by ecological traits during climate-driven either G.molle or H.nummularium. population and then enriched for range expansion. Females were placed in small mRNA (reducing the number of I would like to thank the Genetics cages with both host plants and a rRNA transcripts). The pooled RNA Society for providing the field grant to temperature datalogger and left to for each population will then be fund the collection of host preference lay eggs for a short period. The aim sequenced with one lane of a Roche data and samples for RNA extraction. was to assay individual variation 454 sequencer (using funding obtained I am also extremely grateful to Dr at up to ten sites across the UK through a NERC Biomolecular Jon Bridle (University of Bristol) for covering both habitat types in both Analysis Facility small projects his advice and supervision during long-established (butterfly present grant) to enable the development my PhD, as well as the numerous since before 1970-82) and recently- of a preliminary transcriptome field assistants for their help and colonised (butterfly present since database for developing SNPs and support in the field. I must also 1995-99) parts of the range and characterising genes expressed in thank the various landowners (the collect samples for subsequent RNA individuals from populations varying Kent, Lincolnshire and Norfolk extraction. However, a cool, wet and in host preference. This preliminary Wildlife Trusts, Natural England and windy August across the UK resulted project should hopefully identify the National Trust) who gave me in low butterfly population sizes and candidate SNPs, which could then permission to conduct this work.

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Tilia Woodlands in the ‘Limelight’

Dr Kirsten Wolff . School of Biology, Newcastle University

types of forests for the future. The and wax. Lime trees are planted Heredity field grant allowed us to central in many European towns visit and sample lime woods across and villages as a meeting point Europe. Although lime (Tilia) species or for commemorative reasons. are an important component of many Its ecosystem services as food European woods, our knowledge of source for bees are important; a its genetics lags far behind of that of flowering lime tree is noted by its many other well studied European strong smell and the noise of the woodland species, such as, oak, pine busy bees. From interactions with and beech. woodland managers and specialist Lime (both small-leaved lime, interest groups it is clear there is an T. cordata and large-leaved lime, enormous interest in lime trees and T. platyphyllos) was one of the woodlands. dominant woodland trees across We started to investigate the much of lowland Britain and north- evolutionary genetics using the west Europe by 6000 yr BP but is existing extensive body of excellent now one of Britain’s rarest native ecological research in lime. tree species. Where lime is present The population genetics of lime has today, it often occurs as very old been influenced by several processes. coppice stools, and it may have a Firstly, after the ice age lime must link with prehistoric ‘wildwood’. have spread from its ice age refugia One of the picturesque lime-woods in Lime trees provide the key habitat into regions where it is currently which the work was undertaken, this one for many rare species of plants, found. According to pollen records near Samousy, France. fungi and animals, forming unique this was largely from southern and communities reliant on lime woods south-eastern European regions. he United Nations declared for long-term survival. In the face T. cordata has reached a wider and T2011 as the Year of Forests of future climate change it is vitally more northerly distribution than to highlight the importance of important that the current status T. platyphyllos. Secondly, the cooling woodlands all over the . To of lime woodland is understood to climate from approximately 5000 BP mention just a few statistics: 31% enable informed decision-making has meant that sexual reproduction of land is covered by woods, they about how best to preserve this diminished at the northerly edges are crucial for the livelihoods of unique and ecologically important of its distribution. There the species more than 1.6 billion people and are part of the landscape. have persisted through asexual the home of 80% of our terrestrial Lime woods in Britain are also reproduction and are potentially biodiversity. Therefore, it is important because of the roles they thousands of years old. Thirdly, recognised that awareness must be have played in human history. humans have managed the trees to raised to maximise the conservation In ancient times lime was used maximise fodder production through and sustainable management of all for fodder, rope, hedging, honey pollarding and coppicing (two types

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of pruning). The effect of this is a lack of flowering, preventing sexual reproduction. Fourthly, the species can hybridise and form T. x europea, which seems to have regularly occurred in England. There should still be a genetic signature of these processes in wild populations because lime has not been planted to any extent in woods (except in parks and along avenues). We have already received many samples from several researchers and interest groups from the UK and from many countries all over Europe. However, it was important to fill some gaps and visit some locations The author Dr Kirsten Wolff and an ancient Tilia cordata (Schaumburg, Germany). to meet local researchers and see the trees ‘in the flesh’. The Heredity Field grant helped us, myself and field assistant Arthur Leewis, achieve that. Our first location was in Colbitz (Germany), where the day it was 38 degrees C: the next day large amount of lime trees are likely sign declared the wood the largest we visited a site near Innsbruck with to have been protected over the ‘Lindenwald’ in Europe. The wood 7 degree C. This site (Stams) had a centuries by nearby abbeys. consisted of about 60% lime trees, rare remnant of oak-lime wood in All in all we collected some 333 often what seemed to be huge clones the Inn valley, surrounded by 2000m samples, which we dried and sent to of a single original tree that could high Alps. Newcastle. Here, they were safely put well be a thousand or more years old. Our collection in Switzerland was in a freezer, for DNA analyses. My We also stopped at three ancient lime made easy because live samples of PhD student, Prattana Phuekvilai, trees in villages along the way; a both species from about 30 different will undoubtedly make good use book of 400 impressive lime trees in locations in northwest Switzerland of them for her phylogeographic Germany was the source for these. had been collected and grafted on analyses. Further, they are crucial We then drove through the Czech stems in an orchard, to conserve for finding species specific markers, Republic and sampled a wood that genetic variation of the two species and studying hybridisation and seemed much younger with a few for the region. As more than one introgression. We will also be able to seedlings in a sunny moist spot. The sample was grafted on the same stem place the UK samples in the Europe next, again contrasting, wood was Urs Rohner and Peter Rotach kindly wide spectrum. The samples form a along the river Thaya, the border helped us collect. solid basis for our research. Having of Austria and the Czech Republic. After that we visited several seen the actual locations and growth Here, the trees were on a very rocky woods in France that happened to forms of the trees has given a good slope to the river, with huge self- be in otherwise also interesting insight and highlighted a few specific coppiced trees that appear to be of regions, namely the Burgundy and research questions. In addition, extremely high age. Champagne regions. Both Donald meeting local researchers will enable The national park headquarters Piggott and Bruno Chopard had further collaboration. in Hardegg had an interesting given us directions, which were easy I am grateful for the Genetic Society exhibition on the wildcat, including to follow. We met Bruno in one of to have given me this opportunity. two live animals cared for by the the locations where he told us that head forester Wolfgang Riener. That it is likely that woods that have a

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Evolution of the Retinoic Acid Signalling Pathway

Student Samuel Downes . Supervisor Tetsuhiro Kudoh, University of Exeter

etinoic acid (RA) is a potent the oxidative metabolism of fertilisation (hpf) stage and exposed Rmorphogen in vertebrates, β-carotene has been characterised as to concentrations of 10-6 M suffered regulating the development of many the ancestral route of RA production. mortality. In certain respects this embryonic tissues, including the Recently, a RAR has been discovered highlights the significance of patterning of the head to tail axis within molluscs, suggesting that controlled RA signalling within by controlling hox gene expression. mollusc species may have been invertebrates, although it may also While hundreds of genes have clearly some of the earliest metazoans represent the potential toxicity of the been shown to be affected by RA, to have acquired a RA signalling chemical. Embryos treated beyond only around twenty reveal functional pathway based upon all-trans RA. 10hpf have undergone a significant Retinoic Acid Response Elements One study has shown that most period of unrestricted development; (RAREs). RAREs, constructed organisms ranging from bacteria thus many of the embryos analysed principally from heterodimers of to vertebrates have a complement for morphology at 24h intervals Retinoic Acid Receptors (RAR) of enzymes that can be used in the showed few or no differences when and Retinoid X Receptors (RXRs), RA signalling pathway, or at least compared to control snails. However, undergo a conformational change some of which could be useful in treated snails suffered a visible when bound to all-trans RA, the evolution of variants of such reduction in size, which possibly thus allowing the binding of pathways. The aim of this project reflects differences in hox gene transcriptional coactivators which was to elucidate the role of the RA expression. either stimulate or inhibit the signalling pathway within mollusc Future studies may well need transcription of nearby genes. embryonic development with the use to assess the critical timing of The RXR has been found to be of pond snails (Lymnaea stagnalis) as treatment and/or modify the widely distributed in the animal a model animal. concentration of RA to which the kingdom, suggesting that retinoid One group has also suggested embryos are exposed. Zygotic mRNA signalling systems evolved before that the hox1 gene is specifically production begins approximately the development of invertebrates, expressed within the shell gland, 3hpf, replacing the effects of and not, as previously believed, an embryonic structure which maternal mRNA, and would seem during the evolution of chordates. leads to the formation of the shell, an ideal checkpoint. Immunostained However, RXRs bind only to 9-cis in different gastropod embryos. embryos, with the use of ACE anti- RA, a derivative of RA which has not We have also obtained preliminary acetylated tubulin, which visualises been detected endogenously within data showing that RA treated cilia, were analysed in particular for the vertebrates and thus appear to Japanese purple mussel, pond snail the absence or reduced presence of function only as a binding partner and limpet embryos failed to form structures as a result of RA or DEAB for the RAR in vertebrates. RA shell structures. This investigation treatment. A reduction in mantle metabolism in vertebrates begins involves both RA and DEAB cilia was consistent in DEAB treated with the importation of retinol. treatments, the latter of which embryos; structures which perhaps However, only a single alcohol inhibits retinaldehyde dehydrogenase have a role in shell formation. A dehydrogenase gene, which is crucial function in the formation of RA. clearer result was apparent from in RA metabolism, resides in the The majority of the embryos treated in-situ analysis. Control embryos genomes of invertebrates. Therefore, with RA before the ten hours post showed a band of strong engrailed

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expression in the region of the shell production of shell proteins or is present in invertebrates, then does gland, but this band was absent in hormones. it play a role in the development of treated embryos. The fluorescent dye Bodipy C5- tissues besides the shell, areas which Due to the limited availability of ceramide clarifies cell outlines of should receive closer attention? L. stagnalis probes at the time live embryos, making it easier to Changes in foot morphology and of writing, due to incomplete judge the roles of different cells eye development seem to have been sequencing of the species’ genome in embryonic development. Live caused by RA and DEAB treatment (this will assessed in the future with embryos were also treated with the (and may well be caused by changes the collection and sequencing of fluorescent dye FM-143 in order in hox transcription, due to the inbred specimens), the expression to further investigate neuronal pluripotent nature of the genes of engrailed, rather than hox, development, a key indicator of involved). was determined. Engrailed has embryonic advancement. Both This study has highlighted the a significant role in protoconch revealed the development of organs significance of retinoic acid within (embryonic shell) formation, as and specialised tissues sometime invertebrates, and provides further described in gastropods, and it earlier than the 24hpf stage, although evidence that the RA signalling is plausible that engrailed, hox there was not sufficient time for pathway evolved long before the and RAREs coevolved as genetic RA or DEAB treated embryos to be evolution of chordates. However, precursors for shell construction; analysed. In using RA and DEAB the role and nature of this pathway the results of which are possibly treatments, we have to consider needs to be elucidated, in particular related to the sudden appearance of the possible effects of the chemical its links to hox expression and the shelly fossils during the Cambrian upon other molecules within an head to tail axis, itself inextricably era. If true, and RA affects only organism. Does Aldh2, inhibited linked to the evolution of a Hox gene transcription and not by DEAB, oxidise or reduce other phenomenal diversity of organisms. that of Engrailed, then perhaps molecules? Thus, the possible effects I am grateful to the Genetics Society transcription of only the latter apparent in L. stagnalis could result for giving me my first research is enough to cause the formation from reactions not considered here. opportunity and to Tetsuhiro Kudoh, of a shell, but one which is prone Does RA have other unconsidered Sulayman Mourabit and Sarah Derry to damage due to the insufficient effects? If the RA signalling pathway for all their help and advice.

Detailed Expression Analysis of Notch Pathway Components in Axial Tissues of Developing Chick and Mouse Embryos

Student Hannah Cook . Supervisor Dr Shona Gray and Dr Kim Dale, University of Dundee

uring my summer studentship stages of chick development and at HH5/6 and HH7/8 (HH – Hamburger DI assisted on a project aiming to one stage of mouse development. Hamilton). In the mouse the selected observe and document the mRNA In the chick the selected signalling signalling components were receptors expression of notch signalling components were the receptors mNotch1, mNotch2, mNotch3 and components during early embryonic cNotch1 and cNotch2; ligands cDelta1, mNotch4; ligands mDelta1, mDelta3, development. cSerrate1 and cSerrate2; and targets mDelta4 and mJagged1; and targets Expression of the selected signalling cHairy1, cHairy2 and cLfng. Each mHes1, rHes5, mRfng and mLfng. components was observed at three was observed at chick stages HH4, All notch components in the mouse

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The staining patterns created by the probes were for publication in conjunction with the embryonic images. For each observed and recorded by photography in both the notch signalling component at a whole embryo and in transverse embryonic sections specific stage, the embryo in the best along the entire body axis. condition and displaying the most accurate representation of the mRNA distribution was selected to have its were observed at embryonic day The probe was then applied to the associated images assembled into (e)8.5. The location of each mRNA embryos making use of a well- panel form for publication. was identified through the use of established in situ hybridisation a specific labelled antisense probe. protocol that allows the labelled Summary To ensure experimental accuracy, probe to bind to the target RNA and During the project, I completed each probe was observed in five the signal to be amplified and then analysis of over 190 embryos and different embryos at each selected detected under a dissection scope. In participated fully in every stage of developmental stage. The staining the interest of time many of the in preparation and analysis. I was also patterns created by the probes situ hybridisations were performed able to begin mid-sagittal sectioning were observed and recorded by using an automated robot over an of mouse embryos for each notch photography in both the whole approximate two day period. signalling component, however due embryo and in transverse embryonic After the in situ hybridisation to time restrictions and developing sections along the entire body axis. protocol was completed, whole mount methods, I was unable to complete These photographs were recorded photographs of the embryos were this area of the study. The data I have and data from them extracted and collected. The prepared embryos were amassed will constitute part of a entered manually into an Excel mounted in agar and frozen, before manuscript that we hope to submit expression analysis table. being sectioned in 25µ divisions for publication towards the end of the year. Preparation of Embryos along the transverse plane using a cryostat. The sections were mounted I would like to thank the Genetics for Analysis onto slides, allowing the specific Society for their financial support The first stage of the process areas of interest to be identified and – without which I would have been involved the harvest of embryonic photographed using a Leica DM500 unable to take advantage of this mice and chicks. Additional to microscope and associated camera. wonderful opportunity and develop dissection of the required stages, I my skills and interest in the field of also gained experience of dissecting Analysis of Notch developmental biology. I would like to older embryos – chick stages HH11, Component Expression thank Shona and Kim, whose support HH22, HH24 and mouse stage e10.5. Expression of the selected notch and expertise was unfaltering and Following harvest the embryos were components was analysed in selected invaluable, and all of the JKD lab, placed into a 4% Fix/2mM EGTA/PBS regions along the cranio-caudal who made my summer go very very solution, before dehydration using axis. All embryos were analysed quickly indeed. increasing concentrations of EtOH in in the region of the progenitor PBST (PBS; 0.1% Tween 20) solution cells, primitive streak and prenode/ (up to 100% EtOH). prechordal area – with additional Labelled probe preparation involved analysis in the region of the use of a restriction digest protocol to notochord, emerging somites and isolate the required DNA fragments, presomitic mesoderm in the later with purification using a Qiaquick chick and mouse stages. Expression PCR purification kit (Qiagen), before was analysed according to location implementing in-vitro transcription within each of these regions, and to transcribe them into their RNA strength of the colour reaction. counterparts with purification These findings were recorded in using an RNeasy Mini-kit (Qiagen). the Excel expression analysis table

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Comparative study of rate of DSB repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Student Constantinos Drousiotis . Supervisor Dr.Alistair Goldman, The University of Sheffield

Background Information strand ending 5´ at the DSB site. for their influence on HO-DSB repair They trim DNA in a 5’->3’ direction in mitotic cells. We used diploids DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) leaving single-stranded 3’ overhangs. which expressed different alleles of are a major source of genome The MRX complex includes Mre11, MRE11 i.e. mre11∆/MRE11, mre11∆/ damage, and their accurate repair Rad50 and Xrs2 proteins is thought mre11-58S, mre11∆/mre11-H125N and is essential to maintain genome to be involved more in the damage compared the abilities to repair the integrity and stability. DSBs can signaling pathway and recruitment HO-endonuclease induced DSB. be caused by: hydroxyl radicals, of e.g. Exo1m rather than in directly ionizing radiation,UV light by catalysing DNA removal. The Methods increasing ROS (reacting oxygen single-stranded DNA attracts Rad51 We undertook our experiments species) and nuclear enzymes that binds single- stranded DNA using diploid yeast, Saccharomyces such as Topoisomerase II, which and catalyses invasion of the donor cerevisiae. One parent haploid strain releases supercoiling during DNA cassette, HML or HMR. contained a galactose inducible HO- replication. This study concentrated endonuclease gene, and was deleted on repair of a DSB caused by HO- Mre11 does have nuclease activities that are required for resecting for MRE11. This was mated with endonuclease at the MAT locus, strains deleted for HO-endonuclease which is required for mating midified DNA ends, such as DSBs stimulated during meiosis and and expressing one of MRE11, mre11- type switching in Saccharomyces H125N or mre11-58S. cerevisiae. The DSB is repaired by covalently bound to Spo11. Recent homologous recombination (gene published work in this laboratory has HO-endonuclease gene was induced conversion) between MATa and led to the conclusion that contrary in galactose medium in each of HML (hidden MAT left) or MAT and to the work of other groups, Mre11 the diploids expressing different HMR (hidden MAT right). HO cuts nuclease activity is active during MRE11 alleles. Expression of HO within MAT and various proteins processive resection in meiosis was allowed to continue for 1.45h and including MRX complex along with (Hodgson et al 2011 DNA repair stopped by returning cells to glucose Sae2 and Exo1 are recruited to allow 10:138). My project was designed to medium. Cells were sampled for competent resection of the single retest Mre11 nuclease dead alleles DNA extraction before, during and after HO expression. The DNA was restriction endonuclease digested The Southern analysis detected two bands, a parental and displayed by native agarose gel electrophoresis and Southern MAT locus and a fastest moving band representing the Blotting, using a probe adjacent to MAT locus with an HO-induced DSB. By measuring the MAT locus. the relative intensities of these bands, we set out to The Southern analysis detected two compare the rates of repair in cells expressing each of bands, a parental MAT locus and a fastest moving band representing the MRE11 alleles. the MAT locus with an HO-induced

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DSB. By measuring the relative intensities of these bands, we set out to compare the rates of repair in Sexual Selection cells expressing each of the MRE11 alleles. Results and Wolbachia In the short time available, the system was tested and we Student Daniel Soanes-Brown determined the time needed Supervisor Dr Damien Smith, University of Exeter for good induction of the HO- endonuclease and repair after washing out the galactose. Two strains were analysed in some detail, olbachia (Wol) is an trends across treatment groups. one expressing MRE11, and one Wendosymbiont that infects After exhausting other possible expressing mre11-58S. Drosophila species and many other explanations for these results, and arthropods found throughout the given the potentially profound effect The HO-DSB was made efficiently in world. Some Wol live as parasites of Wol on host reproduction and both strains, reaching 100% of MAT within their hosts, whilst others fitness, we decided to determine the DNA after 1.45h. After washing out maintain a more mutualistic infection status of our experimental the galactose and providing glucose relationship. The detrimental strains evolution lines by PCR diagnostic. medium the DSB-band diminished of Wol are known to decrease host Wol frequencies were found to be high and the parental band reappeared fitness by reducing population at generation 1 across all the lines. representing repair. By 0.5h after productivity (number of offspring Intriguingly, while we found that reintroduction into glucose rich per generation), reducing sperm Wol frequency in populations which medium all DSBs detectable were competitive ability and increasing were undergoing sexual selection had repaired. We could not distinguish the risk of extinction by decreasing decreased over time, those without between the two strains for timing the genetic diversity of a diminishing sexual selection had maintained of repair. However, the pattern of gel population size. In contrast, Wol has higher infection frequencies. To bands is similar and this suggests also been implicated in increased host determine why sexual selection that the mutant strain (ie.mre11- fitness, for example by improving influences the frequency of Wol we 58S) may employ other exonucleases resistance of Drosophila melanogaster needed to first determine the exact with redundant action to carry out to RNA viruses including the Nora nature of the Wol phenotype. We hope MRE11 activity. Virus and West Nile Virus. Wol that this can then inform further Further experiments are required occupies cells throughout the host’s investigation of the subsequent with more frequent sample to body, but most notably the cells population dynamic feedback between confirm this result and test of the testes and ovaries, so their Wol and its host. the mre11-H125N strain. These interactions with host reproduction Preliminary multi locus sequence experiments will be undertaken are of particular interest. Male typing (MLST) concluded that the by current undergraduate project killing, feminization and cytoplasmic specific Wol genotype infecting our students. incompatibility (CI – a paternally D. simulans populations was 100% I would like to thank Genetics transmitted form of embryonic matched to a previously identified Society for funding my project lethality) have been attributed to the genotype responsible for CI. We which gave me the opportunity presence of Wol and related to their produced Wol-infected isolines from to gain valuable lab experience drive within host populations. one of the experimental evolution and transferrable skills. I really Our interest in the bacterium stems lines and, through subsequent appreciated the help I received from from a previous 30 generation tetracycline curing, parallel Wol- my supervisor Dr.Goldman Alistair, experimental evolution study on cured flies so that for each isoline his master’s student Miss L Mawlong Australian Drosophila simulans we had Wol-infected and Wol-cured and PhD students in the laboratory. that displayed anomalous fitness populations. A pilot study of these

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flies did not reveal CI, but did expose and female infection status) mating directed at determining competitive a possible male fertility effect in Wol- assays followed by female egg laying mating effects including both pre- infected males. over consecutive days, and either and post-copulatory measures of Further experiments were conducted assessment of fecundity and egg male mating success. to determine the effects of male hatching or of total offspring eclosed I would like to thank the Genetics and female infection status on from each day’s laying. Society for funding my studentship, mating behaviour and fitness Preliminary results suggest that, and everyone in the biosciences components, including fecundity in our D. simulans populations, Wol department at Exeter University and egg viability, as well as total does affect non-competitive mating for their help and guidance during adult offspring production. These behaviour and also has significant the project. consisted of full factorial (for male fitness effects. Future studies will be

Development of bioinformatic methods for the analysis of human DNA methylation

Student Harry Clifford . Supervisor Dr Richard D. Emes, University of Nottingham

he term epigenetics refers the frequency of DNA breaks. differentially methylated sites Tto heritable changes in gene Determining differential methylation are often based on comparisons of function which are not related to of human samples is becoming a samples to identify those sites which changes of the underlying genomic more common approach in basic are statistically different between material. One such epigenetic control and clinical studies. A recently a priori defined groups. However, mechanism is DNA methylation. developed method to determine methods to determine these groups Methylation of DNA is a major DNA methylation across the human and visualise membership within component regulating gene genome is Illumina’s Infinium them have proved hugely valuable expression, and plays a central role methylation beadchip. The 27k in either confirming expectations in both deciding cellular identity array simultaneously measures the or identifying novel avenues of and differentiation, and in directing relative methylation level of 27,578 research. Cluster analysis is one such cellular development. Generally, individual CpG sites across 14,495 approach to provide this information. methylation of the cytosine residues genes resulting in an intuitively Cluster analysis is an approach to in a CpG dinucleotide within interpretable beta-value. Beta- separate data into groups or clusters CpG islands is associated with values vary between zero and one based on similarities. Hierarchical reduced gene expression. However, corresponding to a completely clustering can proceed using various inappropriate methylation can cause unmethylated or completely linkage and distance methods. The genome-wide effects. For example methylated CpG respectively. distance method determines how the genome-wide hypomethylation can Recently this platform has been distance between two observations is lead to chromosomal instability extended to measure approximately calculated, for example, the shortest and potentially an increase in 450,000 CpGs. Methods to identify distance between two points, is

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known as the Euclidean Distance. The output of this software is a suppressor gene was identified as The linkage method is used to decide collection of dendrograms showing having a average difference of ≥ 20% the position in a cluster from which the clustering of the samples. methylation between groups. This measure the distance to merge two Optionally, the pvclust package suggests that the differences seen in clusters. For example the distance which quantifies the uncertainty of the dendrogram are due to a large of the furthest points may be used, each node in a hierarchical cluster number of small differences which known as Complete Linkage. can be implemented from within possibly have an accumulative effect. Whilst there are a multitude of the developed software. In this The general applicability of the algorithms to generate these clusters way the internal resolution of the clustering approach for investigating a framework to systematically clusters can also be determined. This methylation data was tested by determine the best approach is approach therefore provides a robust simulation of 1000 datasets of 18 lacking. To overcome this we framework for the investigation of patients. The ability of the various developed an automated approach data. The script is freely available method combinations to accurately to compare available algorithms to at http://www.nottingham. cluster the simulated data was determine the most appropriate. ac.uk/~svzrde/software.htm determined using the Rand method. We applied these methods to Methylation data (Beta-values) were The approach developed to rank compare the methylation profiles of obtained from foetal umbilical cord distance and linkage combinations fetal DNA samples born to mothers blood samples where mothers had was shown to be an accurate method on Anti-epileptic drugs to those not. been on anti-epileptic medication to determine the most robust All samples were collected as part of throughout pregnancy. The samples clustering for a given set of data. a World Cancer Research Funded, were taken from 18 patients of whom I would like to thank The Genetics UK Clinical research network nine had received Carbamazepine, Society for funding this studentship portfolio study with full local NHS Lamotrigine or polytherapy and nine project. I would also like to thank ethical approval (EFFECT-M, control patients. Genes differentially my supervisor Dr. Richard Emes for UKCRN study ID 6864). methylated between identified supervision, and PhD student Frank clusters were then determined using Methods Wessely for advice. The data was NIMBL (Numerical Identification of produced in collaboration with the The software environment and Methylation Biomarker Lists) also Fetal Epigenomics group, Professors programming language R was used available at http://www.nottingham. Bill Farrell (Keele University), for development of a script to carry ac.uk/~svzrde/software.htm. Khaled Ismail and Tony Fryer out hierarchical clustering using a Results and Discussion (UHNS NHS Trust) and Will Carroll combination of algorithms. Twenty- (Derby Childrens Hospital). eight different hierarchical cluster For the 18 patients, the clustering analyses were conducted combining with the highest silhouette width seven linkage methods, with four was obtained using the Canberra distance methods. The seven linkage distance method with Ward’s methods used were Average/UPGMA, linkage. Two clusters were Centroid, Complete, Mcquitty/ identified with very good bootstrap WPGMA, Median, Single, and Ward’s. support. Although little change is The four distance methods used were seen between the individual anti- Canberra, Euclidean, Manhattan, and epileptic drug patients, there is a Maximum. The silhouette width was clear reproducible difference in used to determine the relatedness global methylation between the of samples in a cluster and the cord blood DNA of babies born separation of different clusters. The to mothers on anti-epileptic drug maximum mean silhouette width treatment and the control group. was used to rank and determine Few consistent changes were the most appropriate combination identified using NIMBL. A single of linkage and distance measures. gene SMYD4, a potential tumour

48 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 49 GENETICS SOCIETY TRAINING GRANT

Developing cytogenetic tools to analyse tropical Begonias

Alex Twyford . University of Edinburgh and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

egonias are one of the most that contributed them. Therefore rDNA repeat units – roughly an order Bfamiliar herbaceous plants to a typical F1 hybrid may have one of magnitude less than what you can tropical botanists, with more than set of homologous chromosomes see in tobacco. However, the genomic 1500 species found throughout the with the colour to match parent A, probes I designed didn´t work well tropics. I returned from a productive and the second set of chromosome and this may be due to a number of collection trip to Mexico in the Spring matching the colour of parent B. reasons, such as the quality of the 2010 (see Genetics Society News issue Over successive generations of original DNA that I extracted. 64) with lots of material ready for backcrossing this clear pattern of During my stay, I learnt a lot about genetic analysis. I was particularly fluorescence will break down as the ways in which you can study keen to characterise potential hybrid recombination occurs. So, GISH plant genomes from a cytological plants I had collected which were gives a valuable insight into the perspective, which has lost favour intermediate in morphology between chromosome number and the relative in recent years as many researchers two weedy Begonia species. My plan contribution of genetic material have concentrated on using high was to assess how much gene flow from each parent in early generation throughput sequencing to analyse occurs between two species that have hybrid plants. genomes. Seeing the way researchers distinct habitat preferences. Before The genetics society co-sponsored were using next generation DNA the collection trip I had developed a training visit for me to learn this sequencing to generate genomic nuclear microsatellites, which could technique in the lab of Prof. Andrew resources from which cytogenetic give a preliminary insight into the Leitch, at Queen Mary University probes could be designed illustrated degree of gene flow at a handful of London. My aim was to pick up the the continued value of using these loci. However, getting a genome-wide technique using tobacco plants approaches. Moreover, making snapshot requires a different set of (genus Nicotiana), which they cytological observations on the wide genetic tools. routinely study, and attempt this range of species that people work on Cytogenetic analyses, such as technique on my Mexican Begonia in the lab was an excellent reminder genomic in situ hybridisation (GISH), plants. My time in London was of the dynamic structural differences is one such technique that can do this. limited to just 5 weeks, so this would of plant chromosomes. In this method, fluorescent probes are be quite a challenge. We hope to continue this collaborative made that are complementary to total Overall I had some success during project to get some good cytogenetic genomic DNA of the putative parent my short training visit. Begonias results for future publications on plants. Different coloured probes, have very small chromosomes, about chromosome numbers and genome corresponding to different parents, a tenth of the size of tobacco plants. organization in Begonia. I would are then annealed to chromosome It took a couple of weeks to perfect like to thank Andrew Leitch, Simon preparations of the hybrid plants. my squash technique, to get an even Renny-Byfield, Heike Brinkman, After a series of washes to remove spread of these tiny chromosomes on Richard Buggs and Andrew Matthews background signal, the chromosome the slide. I also succeeded in getting for their hospitality during my stay preparations are examined under the positive control to work. For and the help they gave me in the lab, a fluorescent microscope, and, in this, we used a probe for ribosomal as well as the Genetic Society for theory, chromosome segments where DNA (rDNA), which is ubiquitous contributing toward the costs of the probes anneal fluoresce in the in all plants. We saw a faint signal my visit. colour corresponding to the parent corresponding to a few hundred

www.genetics.org.uk . 49 GRANTS SCHEMES 50

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

One-off Meeting Sponsorship

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

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

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

Conditions of sponsorship 4) Several levels of sponsorship are possible: (a) single lecture: £200 (b) session: £500-1000 (c) major sponsor: £1500- 2000. 5) Genetics Society sponsorship must be mentioned in all pre-meeting publicity (e.g. posters, flyers, website) and in the meeting programme. If the Genetics Society is the major sponsor the meeting should be advertised as a “Genetics Society-sponsored meeting”. 6) Details of the programme of the meeting and registration forms should be sent as far in advance as possible to Linda Allardyce , for inclusion in the Society’s newsletter and on the website. 7) A short report on a meeting that receives sponsorship of £1000 or more, for possible publication in the newsletter and on the website, should be sent to Linda Allardyce within one month of the conference taking place. 8) Genetics Society sponsorship may be used at the organiser’s discretion, but budget travel and accommodation options should normally be insisted upon. Any unused grant should be returned to the Genetics Society. The Society will not be responsible for any losses incurred by the meeting organisers. 9) An invoice for the grant awarded should be submitted to Linda Allardyce . 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.

50 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 GRANT SCHEMES 51

New Sectional Interest Groups

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

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

1) The sponsorship of the Genetics Society must be mentioned in all pre-meeting publicity (e.g. posters, flyers, website). It should also be acknowledged in the meeting programme booklet. It is understood that wherever possible, the meeting should be advertised as ‘A Genetics Society Meeting’, however, where the Society’s financial contribution support is only partial, and where this formula of words would conflict with the interests of other sponsors, it is acceptable for the meeting to be advertised as a ‘Genetics Society-Sponsored Meeting’. 2) Details of the programme of the meeting should be made available to all Genetics Society members via the Society’s newsletter, and electronic copy should be sent as far in advance as possible to the newsletter editor, at the latest by the advertised copy date for the newsletter preceding the close of registrations for the meeting. The same details will appear on the Genetics Society website. This information should include the programme of speakers, the topics to be covered, plus details of how to register for the meeting. 3) A report on the meeting, once it has taken place, should be submitted for publication in the newsletter, which is the official record of the Society’s activities. This should be sent as soon as possible after the meeting to Linda Allardyce , and should include brief factual information about it (where and when it took place, how many people attended and so on), together with a summary of the main scientific issues covered. 4) Genetics Society funds may be used to support speaker travel, accommodation, publicity or any other direct meeting costs, at the organizers’ discretion. It is understood that budget travel and accommodation options will normally be insisted upon. Any unused funds should be returned to the Society. The Society will not be liable for any financial losses incurred by the meeting organizers. Any profits should be retained solely for the support of similar, future meetings, as approved by the Society. 5) A written invoice for the agreed amount of Genetics Society sponsorship should be forwarded to Linda Allardyce , 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.

www.genetics.org.uk . 51 GRANT SCHEMES 52

New Sectional Interest Groups (continued)

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

Junior Scientist Grants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

52 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 GRANT SCHEMES 53

Training Grants

Purpose To support attendance at short training courses.

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

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

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

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

How to apply: there are two closing dates of 1st March and 1st September each year. Applications should be made on the GS Funding Application Form and should be emailed to Linda Allardyce 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.

www.genetics.org.uk . 53 GRANT SCHEMES 54

Genes and Development Summer Studentships

Purpose To support vacation research by undergraduate geneticists.

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

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

How to apply: there is one closing date of 31st March each year. Applications should be made on the GS Funding Application Form which, along with the student’s CV, should be emailed to Linda Allardyce 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.

54 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 Personal Subscription Order Form

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

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

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The Genetics Society

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

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

56 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 66 gs the geneticssociety Membership form Membership includes free online subscription to Heredity

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

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

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3. MEMBERSHIP FEES

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

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

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OFFICE USE ONLY

Date Received Date Processed The latest genetic research from Heredity

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

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

Discover Heredity today at www.nature.com/hdy

21702-01 Heredity RJFP.indd 1 26/2/10 16:21:49