JANUARY 2017 | ISSUE 76 GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS

In this issue The Genetics Society News is edited by Manuela Marescotti and items for future • Medal awarded issues can be sent to the editor, by email to • Meetings [email protected]. • Student and Travel Reports The Newsletter is published twice a year, with copy dates of July and January.

Cover image: Coming of Age: The Legacy of Dolly at 20 Interview with Professor Sir Ian Wilmut. See page 19 A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

A word from the editor Welcome to Issue 76

Nowadays, being active in science appear as a plausible and easy communication is becoming quite alternative career. Nevertheless, popular. Different reasons are if one wants truly start this contributing to such phenomenon, path, he or she must accept including the current downturn in to be trained properly. In this the academic job market and the context, for the last few years impact of strong advancement in the Genetics Society has been information and communication organising an annual Science technologies. The web represents Communication workshop (this a platform where to share easily year 19th-21st April, 2017), where opinions as columns, videos, experts of the field talk about the pictures or even mere sentences. basics of sharing information. This powerful tool often gives On this regard, an article by Dr. scientists the wrong idea that Ozge Ozka that attended this their work-experience may easily course in 2014 has been included. transform them in effective However, this course is also communicators. For this reasons, meant for geneticists aiming Read on and enjoy. the academia job-crisis often to improve their skills about Best wishes, makes “science communication” presenting their own research. Manuela Marescotti

2 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 ISSUE 76 . January 2017

For more details please contact: The Genetics Society Charles Darwin House 12 Roger Street London CONTENTS WC1N 2JU

Switchboard: +44 0203 793 7850 Email: [email protected] Web: www.genetics.org.uk Meeting Announcements 4 - 6 The Genetics Society Journals 2017 Spring Meeting Heredity 2017 Communicating Your Science www.nature.com/hdy External Meetings Diary Managing Editor: Prof. Michael Bruford Heredity Editorial Office, Cardiff University, Cathays Park, Sectional Interest Groups 7 Cardiff, CF10 3AX, Wales Genetics Society Business 8 - 14 Genes and Development www.genesdev.org Genetics Society Meeting Report 15 - 16 Editor: Dr T. Grodzicker The Genetics Society Meeting 2016 Genes & Development, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 500 Sunnyside Boulevard, Woodbury, New York, 11797, USA Genetics Society Sponsored Events 17 - 19 Committee members Heliconius Meeting The Centre for Ecology & Evolution Summer Symposium President Prof Wendy Bickmore, University of Edinburgh 3rd Eco Evo Devo Postgraduate Summer School

Vice-Presidents Features 20 - 23 Prof Malcolm Logan, King’s College London Coming of Age: The Legacy of Dolly at 20 Scientific Symposium Prof Colum Walsh, University of Ulster How the Genetics Society’s research communication workshop Prof Alison Woollard, University of Oxford changed my life Honorary Secretary Dr Jonathan Pettitt, University of Aberdeen Travel Reports 24 - 33 Molecular Biology of Hearing and Deafness conference Honorary Treasurer Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Prof Anne Donaldson, University of Aberdeen Chemotherapy Honorary Treasurer (Shadowing year) Sixth Meeting of the European Society for Evolutionary Dr Martin Taylor, University of Edinburgh Development Scientific Meetings Secretary Molecular Mechanisms of Axon Degeneration Mrs Dominique Kleyn, Bioindustry Association Research in the Rainforest at Wolbachia 2016 The 3rd International Conference on Multiple Myeloma Newsletter Editor Dr Manuela Marescotti, European Evolutionary Developmental Biology The Brainwave-Discovery Ltd, Edinburgh Conference 2016 Plant Biology Europe EPSO/FESPB Conference Postgraduate Representative Ms Lynsey Hall, University of Edinburgh The 8th ASM Conference on Streptococcal Genetics Probabilistic Modelling in Genomics Ordinary Committee Members The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference Gene Structure, function and regulation (Area A) Dr Aziz Aboobaker, University of Oxford Heredity Fieldwork Grant Report 34 - 35 Dr Douglas Vernimmen, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh Pathogen Communities Genomics (Area B) Dr Michael Simpson, King’s College London Training Grants 36 - 37 Dr Martin Taylor, University of Edinburgh Mammalian Stem Cells Cell and Develomental Genetics (Area C) Quantitative genetics applied to psychiatry Dr Marika Charalambous, Queen Mary, University of London Prof Elizabeth Fisher, University College London Studentship Reports 39 - 52 Applied and Quantitative Genetics (Area D) Tribolium castaneum Dr Kay Boulton, University of Edinburgh Isodisomy of chromosome 21 Prof Eleftheria Zeggini, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge Wormageddon Evolutionary, ecological and population genetics (Area E) Behavioural odour discrimination in larval Drosophila Dr Frank Hailer, University of Cardiff Whole genome RNAi library screens Prof Mark Jobling, University of Leicester Genome reductions and pathogenicity in bacteria Corporate Genetics and Biotechnology (Area F) WNT5A Expression Prof Richard Flavell, Ceres Inc, USA Arabidopsis thaliana Dr Jim Huggett, LGC, Teddington

Design and Print Grant Schemes 53 - 57 Collaborate Agency General Information 58 - 59 www.collaborate.agency Advertising in Genetics Society News represents an opportunity to reach a large community of professional geneticists. For rates please email [email protected]

www.genetics.org.uk . 3

The Genetics Society, British Society for Developmental Biology and British Society for Cell Biology joint meeting

2 – 5 April 2017, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

The Genetics Society, British Society for Developmental Organisers Biology and British Society for Cell Biology joint meeting. Genetics Society The meeting will include the areas of epigenetics, Marika Charalambous gene networks, newly tractable systems, cell division Rebecca Oakey and genome stability, cytoskeleton and transport, nucleic acids, new methods to study cell biology, cell British Society for Developmental Biology competition, stem cells and evolution and development. and British Society for Cell Biology The meeting features plenary and parallel sessions, with Josh Brickman an outstanding line up of speakers from around the Andrew Carter world. This year’s BSDB and BSCB plenary lectures will Julie Welburn be presented by Bonnie Bassler and Xiaowei Zhuang. Henry Roehl The Genetics Society will have two plenary lectures, one Andrew Oats by Marisa Bartolomei (Genetics Society Medal Lecture) and David Baulcombe (Mendel Medal Lecture).

The course is open to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working in genetics and related areas A Genetics Society Workshop Communicating Your Science A Genetics Society Workshop for PhD students and postdocs

April 19th – 21st 2017, Chicheley Hall, Chicheley Road, Newport Pagnell, Chicheley

An important part of science is is getting getting your your results results and and Tutors and SpeakersSpeakers to include include ideasideas acrossacross to to others, others, through through papers, papers, presentations, Enrico Coen (author and Professor of Genetics at the John Innes Enrico Coen (Author and Professor of Genetics at the John theses,presentations, grant proposals, theses, grantconversations proposals, and interviews. Centre, Norwich) Yourconversations audience mayand includeinterviews. specialists Your audience in the field, may those Innes Centre, Norwich) Helen Keen (Award winning comedy writer and performer; author frominclude other specialists disciplines, in theindustry, field, thoseor the fromgeneral other public. Helen Keen (Award winning comedy writer and performer; author of the Radio 4 series, “It Is Rocket Science!”) disciplines, industry, or the general public. of the Radio 4 series, “It Is Rocket Science!”) How can you best communicate your science? How can you best communicate your science? The Naked Naked Scientists Scientists (Presenters (Presenters of the of award the award winning winning Naked Naked This workshopworkshop brings brings together together experts experts in in different different Scientists radio show and podcast) Scientists radio show and podcast) fields -- writers,writers, broadcastersbroadcasters andand presenterspresenters - to- to help help Alison Woollard (Presenter of the 2013 Royal Institution Christmas you exploreexplore and and develop develop your your communication communication skills. skills. Alison Woollard (Presenter of the 2013 Royal Institution Lectures and Lecturer at University of Oxford) Working together with others on the course you you will will Christmas Lectures and Lecturer at University of Oxford) learnlearn howhow toto structure presentations,presentations, develop develop writing writing skills, bridgebridge disciplines disciplines and and have have hands-on hands-on experience Organisers ofexperience broadcasting. of broadcasting. Jonathan Pettitt (Reader in Genetics, University of Aberdeen) Organiser The Genetics Society will cover costs of travel, The Genetics Society will cover costs of travel, accommodation and meals for successful applicants. Jonathan Pettitt (Reader in Genetics, University of Aberdeen) accommodation and meals for successful applicants.

The course is open to PhD studentsfor and registration, postdoctoral visit researchers www.genetics.org.uk working in genetics and related areas

forThe deadline registration, for applications is visit 3rd March 2016. You can apply online at: www.genetics.org.ukwww.genetics.org.uk/ Funding/CommunicatingYourScienceWorkshop.aspx EXTERNAL MEETINGS DIARY 6

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

Dictyostelium discoideum meeting European Drosophila Research Conference 30 – 31 March 2017, London 22 – 25 September 2017, London Organiser: Dr Jonathan Chubb [email protected] http://www.edrc2017.com/home http://dictybase.org/DictyAnnualConference

British Neuroscience Association’s Festival of Neuroscience 2017 11 – 12 April 2017, Birmingham https://www.bna.org.uk/meetings/bna2017

6 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 7 SECTIONAL INTEREST GROUPS

The Genetics Society helps support several Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics sectional interest groups by providing meeting Organiser: Simon Martin ([email protected]) sponsorship. We currently have 11 groups who South-West Fly organise sectional interest meetings with the Organiser: Dr. James Hodge organizers and dates of any forthcoming meetings ([email protected]) are listed below. If you are interested in any of 1 March/3 May 2016, Bristol these areas, please contact the relevant organiser. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/phys-pharm-neuro/events/ Groups who wish to be considered for sectional fly-meetings/ interest group status should see the Society website for further details. Genetics Society Pombe Club Organiser: Jacky Hayles (j.hayles@cancer.org.uk) Arabidopsis Organiser: Geraint Parry London Fly meetings ([email protected]) Organisers: Nic Tapon ([email protected]) www.garnetcommunity.org.uk and and Barry Thompson ([email protected]) Archaea group Meetings take place on the 3rd Wednesday of the Organiser: Thorsten Allers month at the Francis Crick ([email protected]) www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/fac-mhs/lifesciences/ Mammalian Genetics and Development archaea/index.aspx Organisers: Nick Greene, Andrew Copp, Andrew Ward British Yeast Group ([email protected]) Organiser: Daniela Delneri ([email protected]) and Mammalian Genes, Development and Disease Graham Pavitt ([email protected]) Organisers: Rosalind M John and David Tosh ([email protected]) C. elegans Organiser: Stephen Nurrish ([email protected]) Meiosis group Organisers: Hiro Ohkura Drosophila (h.okhura.ed.ac.uk) Organiser: David Ish-Horowicz ([email protected]) Population Genetics Group Monthly meetings are organised by: Organiser: Barbara Mable Joe Bateman ([email protected]) ([email protected]) The 50th meeting of the Population Genetics Group E-ACTG (Edinburgh Alliance for Complex Trait will be held in Cambridge Genetics) on 4-7 January 2017. Click here for more information Biannual meetings are free to attend and usually held about this meeting. centrally in Edinburgh. Next meeting: Friday March 17th 2017 The Zebrafish Forum Organiser: Chris Haley ([email protected]) or Organiser: Rachel Ashworth ([email protected]), Josephine Pemberton ([email protected]) Caroline Brennan ([email protected]), Corinne Houart ([email protected]). Ecological Genetics Organiser: Paul Ashton There are meetings at 5:30pm-8.00pm on the first ([email protected]) Thursday of every other month. Room G12, New http://conferences.ncl.ac.uk/ecologicalgeneticsgroup2014/ Hunt’s House, King’s College - London SE1 1UL

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Honorary Secretary’s Notices Jonathan Petitt . Honorary Secretary, University of Sheffield

Committee changes and elections

n the Executive sub- Honorary Treasurer at the same Genetics, and Applied and Ocommittee, we have a number time. Quantitative Genetics, respectively. of changes occurring in May 2017. We would like to welcome Lynsey We would like to warmly thank The committee is currently Hall who is taking over as the Anne and Manuela for their very considering the nominees for the Newsletter editor from Manuela significant contributions, which have following positions, to take up allowed to successful running of the Marescotti; and Kay Boulton, their posts in May 2017. The names of who is leaving her current post Society, as well as greatly influencing the Society’s development the post holders will be announced at as Ordinary Committee Member the earliest opportunity. for Applied and Quantitative throughout their terms of office. • Postgraduate Representative Genetics, and taking up the newly We are pleased to welcome two new created position as Website Editor. Ordinary Committee members: • Ordinary Committee Member for As we announced in the previous Stefan Hoppler (Aberdeen) and Genomics newsletter, Martin Taylor, will Alastair Wilson (Exeter) who will • Ordinary Committee Member for replace Anne Donaldson as represent Cell and Developmental Applied and Quantitative Genetics

Life Membership in the Genetics Society

ave you reached the age of retirement (65), but wish to continue Hwith your involvement in the Society? If so, and you are an ordinary member who has discharged any arrears the might be due to the Society, then you might consider applying to become a Life Member of the Society. Life members will continue to receive notices and remain eligible to vote in the Society AGM, but will not be required to pay further subscriptions. Recipients of the Genetics Society Medal will also be offered Life Membership. Should you require additional information about becoming a Life Member, please contact The Genetics Society Office ([email protected]).

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Medal and Prize Lecture Announcements

2018 Mendel Medal Professor Mary-Claire King

he Society is delighted to Moreover, Professor King has missing people in countries Tannounce that Prof. Mary- shown how genetics can be used including Argentina, Chile, Costa Claire King (University of for the greater human good Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Washington) will receive the 2018 beyond scientific research. She Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Rwanda, Mendel Medal of the Genetics first applied her genetics skills the Balkans (Croatia and Serbia), Society. Mary-Claire has made to human rights work in 1984, and the Philippines. Her lab has major contributions across an when she began working with the also provided DNA identification amazing breadth of genetics and ‘Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo’ for the U.S. Army, the United genomics. in Argentina to identify missing Nations, and the U.N.’s war crimes persons, ultimately identifying 59 tribunals. During her PhD (1976) with Allan children, born to political dissents Wilson, she was the first to show in prison and who were then the high level of conservation “disappeared” by the Argentine between human and chimpanzee military dictatorship. These genomes. In the face of much children were illegally “adopted” scepticism at the time, that genes by military families and Professor could contribute to common King’s work helped to return them disease, she was the first to show to their biological families. (in 1990) that there was a gene (later identified as BRCA1) that Mary-Claire King has since predisposed for early onset human worked with numerous human breast and ovarian cancer. This rights organizations, such as discovery revolutionised human Physicians for Human Rights and genetics. Amnesty International, to identify

Professor King first applied her genetics skills to human rights work in 1984, when she began working with the ‘Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo’ in Argentina to identify missing persons, ultimately identifying 59 children, born to political dissents in prison and who were then “disappeared” by the Argentine military dictatorship.

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Genetics Society Medal Call for Nominations Nominations are now being invited for the 2018 Genetics Society Medal. enetics Society Medal is To make a nomination, please Gan award that recognises confirm that your candidate is willing outstanding research contributions to be nominated, then forward to genetics. The Medal recipient, a two-page CV of the candidate, who should still be active in together with a list of his or her ten research at the time the Medal most important publications, plus a isawarded, will be elected annually one-page letter of recommendation by the Committee on the basis outlining why you feel their of nominations made by any contributions to the field have been individual member of the Society. outstanding. Those making nominations must have retired from office in the past These documents must be submitted be members of the Genetics Society, four years may be nominated for electronically to the Honorary but there is no requirement for the award. The recipient will be Secretary of the Genetics Society, the nominee to be a member, nor invited to deliver a lecture at a Jonathan Pettitt, by Friday, 28th any restriction on nationality or Genetics Society meeting, where the April, 2017 at: [email protected]. residence. Neither current members medal will be awarded, in the year of the Committee nor those who following his/her election.

Call for Nominations The Mary Lyon Medal Nominations are now being invited for the 2018 Mary Lyon Medal. To his award, named after the make a nomination, please confirm Tdistinguished geneticist Mary that your candidate is willing to be Lyon FRS, was established in 2015 nominated, then forward a two-page to reward outstanding research in CV of the candidate, together with a genetics to scientists who are in the list of his or her ten most important middle of their research career. publications, plus a onepage letter of recommendation outlining why you The Mary Lyon medal will be feel their contributions to the field awarded annually, and the winner have been outstanding. will be invited to present a lecture at one of the Genetics Society These documents must be submitted scientific meetings. electronically to the Honorary Secretary of the Genetics Society, Jonathan Pettitt, by Friday, 28th April, 2017 at: [email protected]

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The Balfour Lecture Call for Nominations Nominations are now being invited for the 2018 Balfour Lecture. To he Balfour Lecture, named making nominations must be make a nomination, please confirm Tafter the Genetics Society’s members of the Genetics Society, that your candidate is willing to be first President, is an award to mark but there is no requirement for nominated, then forward a two-page the contributions to genetics of an the nominee to be a member, CV of the candidate, together with a outstanding young investigator. nor is there any restriction on list of his or her ten most important The Balfour Lecturer is elected nationality or residence. publications, plus a onepage letter of by the Society’s Committee on recommendation outlining why you the basis of nominations made feel their contributions to the field by any individual member of the have been outstanding. Society. The only conditions are that the recipient of the award must These documents must be submitted normally have less than 10 years’ electronically to the Honorary postdoctoral research experience Secretary of the Genetics Society, at the time of nomination, and that Jonathan Pettitt, by Friday, 28th any nomination must be made with April, 2017 at: [email protected]. the consent of the nominee. Those

Call for Nominations The JBS Haldane Lecture Nominations are now being invited for the 2018 JBS Haldane Lecture. To he JBS Haldane Lecture engaging way. The annual open make a nomination, please confirm Trecognises an individual for lecture will be delivered on a topic, that your candidate is willing to be outstanding ability to communicate and in a place, agreed with the nominated, then forward a two-page topical subjects in genetics research, Genetics Society. In addition to CV of the candidate, together with a widely interpreted, to an interested delivering the Lecture, the recipient list of his or her ten most important lay audience. This speaker will have will receive an honorarium of £1000 publications, plus a one-page letter of a flair for conveying the relevance and a three-year membership of the recommendation outlining why you and excitement of recent advances Society. feel their contributions to the field in genetics in an informative and have been outstanding. These documents must be submitted electronically to the Honorary In addition to delivering the Lecture, the Secretary of the Genetics Society, recipient will receive an honorarium of £1000 Jonathan Pettitt, by Friday, 28th April, 2017 at: [email protected]. and a three-year membership of the Society.

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2017 Mendel Medal

The Genetics Society 2017 Mendel Prize Lecture will be given by David Baulcombe at the 2017 meetings of the Genetics Society/BSCB/BSDB

2017 (UniversityMendel Medal of Warwick, April 2–7, 2017).

The Genetics Society 2017 Mendel Prize Lecture will be given by David Baulcombe at the 2017 meetings of the Genetics Society/BSCB/BSDB (University of Warwick, April 2- 7, 2017). Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich. play a role in hybrid vigor. Taking In 2007 he became the Professor of this work to the next level, David Botany at Cambridge University. is developing methods to improve the heritable characters of crops David Baulcombe’s attention without modifying their genome, had turned to viruses and virus but rather using RNA to target resistance in plants and he epigenetic modifications to the discovered the power of viruses chromosomes of crop plants. as experimental tools to probe biology. He realized that there David’s current research includes were similarities between viral studying RNA silencing in a single defense mechanisms and gene cell alga Chlamydomonas, and silencing in plants and this genetically engineering maize

David Baulcombe is the Regius Professor of Botany at the University of Cambridge. eventually led him to the discovery to resist a lethal disease that is As a botany undergraduate at Leeds University in the 1970s he was inspired by models of genetic regulation that had been recently published by Britten and Davidson. For his of small RNAs. This discovery a problem in Kenya and nearby PhD at the Universityavid of Edinb Baulcombeurgh he wanted to test isthese the models using plants and he chose to use an artichoke tissue culture system in which a plant hormone stimulated has had profound implications regions of Africa. He is also changes in geneRegius expression. He Professor was not able to make ofa lot ofBotany progress in this system, but duringD postdocs in Canada and the USA other similar plant hormone systems turned out to be a bit more rewarding. for the investigation of gene exploring artificial evolution, Davidat then thestarted hisUniversity career as an independent of scientist Cambridge. at the Plant Breeding Institute As a botany undergraduate at regulation in a very wide variety using random mutagenesis to Leeds University in the 1970s of animals, fungi and plants and select mutant forms of the NB- he was inspired by models of led to the development of tools for LRR proteins that collectively genetic regulation that had been manipulating of gene expression mediate resistance to a huge range recently published by Britten experimentally. Using the model of viruses, bacteria, fungi and and Davidson. For his PhD at organism Arabidopsis, his lab insects, but which individually the University of Edinburgh he was able to identify some of the are specific to one or a few plant wanted to test these models using key molecular players in this pests and pathogens. David plants and he chose to use an gene silencing mechanism. David Baulcombe is generating new NB- artichoke tissue culture system in Baulcombe showed that RNA LRR proteins that confer broader which a plant hormone stimulated silencing can spread systemically spectrum disease resistance than changes in gene expression. throughout the plant and that it the progenitor wild type. also plays an important role in He was not able to make a lot David Baulcombe’s work therefore of progress in this system, but protecting plant genomes from endogenous transposable elements epitomizes how the highest during postdocs in Canada and the level of discovery science can USA other similar plant hormone as well as from viruses. This work led David Baulcombe into the field not only produce profound systems turned out to be a bit new insights into biological more rewarding. of Epigenetics – gene silencing triggered by small interfering mechanisms of gene regulation David then started his career as an RNAs (siRNAs) can be inherited, and genome defense, but that can independent scientist at the Plant even between generations. Some also be harnessed to bring new Breeding Institute in Cambridge. of his recent work indicates that approaches to global problems of Thereafter, he joined the RNA silencing and epigenetics food security.

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Local Representatives

The Local Representative acts as a key liaison between the membership and the Society’s Office and Committee by helping to recruit new members, publicising the Society’s scientific meetings and other activities, and in providing feedback from the membership on matters of professional concern. The Society normally appoints only one local representative per company, institution or department, but exceptions can be made when there are semi- autonomous sub-divisions containing a substantial number of members or potential members.

We seek to fill vacancies and to update our database of Local Representatives on a yearly basis. Should you wish to volunteer as a local representative or if existing representatives wish to update their contact details, please contact the Honorary Secretary, Jonathan Pettitt, by e-mail at [email protected].

SEE FULL LIST ON PAGE 14 GENETICS SOCIETY BUSINESS 14

Genetics Society Local Representatives Local representative Location Institute Professor Anne Donaldson Aberdeen University of Aberdeen Dr Glyn Jenkins Aberystwyth Aberystwyth University VACANT Ascot Imperial College London (Ascot and Silwood) Dr Araxi Urrutia Bath University of Bath Dr Declan McKenna Belfast University of Ulster, Belfast Dr Charlotte Rutledge Birmingham University of Birmingham Professor F C H Franklin Birmingham University of Birmingham Dr Felicity Z Watts Brighton University of Sussex Dr Colin M Lazarus Bristol University of Bristol (Biol. Sci) Professor Patricia Kuwabara Bristol University of Bristol (SOMs) Dr Philip Wigge Cambridge Sainsbury Laboratory Dr Ben Longdon Cambridge University of Cambridge (Dept of Genetics) Dr Ian Henderson Cambridge University of Cambridge (Dept of Plant Sciences) Dr Howard Baylis Cambridge University of Cambridge (Dept of Zoology) Dr Bénédicte Sanson Cambridge University of Cambridge (Dept Phys, Dev, Neuro) Dr Simon Harvey Canterbury Canterbury Christ Church University Dr William Davies Cardiff Cardiff University Dr Timothy Bowen Cardiff University of Wales College of Medicine Dr Jose Gutierrez-Marcos Coventry University of Warwick Dr Peter Glen Walley Coventry University of Warwick VACANT Dublin University of Dublin Professor Michael JR Stark Dundee University of Dundee Professor Ian Jackson Edinburgh MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh Dr Doug Vernimmen Edinburgh Roslin Institute, Edinburgh Dr Sarah Flanagan Exeter University of Exeter Dr Iain Johnstone Glasgow University of Glasgow Dr Kevin O'Dell Glasgow University of Glasgow Dr Fiona Green Guildford University of Surrey Dr Paul Potter Harwell MRC Harwell VACANT Hinxton Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute Dr Heather M Sealy-Lewis Hull University of Hull Professor Michael F Tuite Kent University of Kent Dr Andrew Peel Leeds University of Leeds, School of Biology Dr Ed Hollox Leicester University of Leicester Dr Craig Wilding Liverpool Liverpool John Moores University Dr James Turner London Crick Institute Dr Michalis Barkoulas London Imperial College London (South Kensington) Alex Blakemore London Imperial College London (Hammersmith) Professor Simon Hughes London King's College London Professor Richard A Nichols London Queen Mary and Westfield College VACANT London Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Dr Claire Russell London Royal Veterinary College Prof. Harald Schneider London The Natural History Museum Professor E M C Fisher London UCL Institute of Neurology Dr Francesca Mackenzie London UCL Institute of Ophthalmology Professor Andrew Pomiankowski London UCL Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment Dr Emanuela Volpi London University of Westminster Dr Yalda Jamshidi London St George's Hospital Medical School Dr Catherine Walton Manchester University of Manchester Dr Kirsten Wolff Newcastle University of Newcastle Professor Enrico Coen Norwich John Innes Institute Dr Tracey Chapman Norwich University of East Anglia Dr Richard Emes Nottingham University of Nottingham (Sutton Bonnington Campus) Professor John Brookfield Nottingham University of Nottingham (University Park Campus) Dr Paul Ashton Ormskirk Edge Hill University Professor Jonathan Hodgkin Oxford University of Oxford (Biochemistry) Professor Andrew O M Wilkie Oxford University of Oxford (John Radcliffe Hosp) Professor Liam Dolan Oxford University of Oxford (Plant Sciences) Dr Ravinder Kanda Oxford Oxford Brookes University Dr Mairi Knight Plymouth University of Plymouth Dr Louise Johnson Reading University of Reading Dr Jon Slate Sheffield University of Sheffield Dr Richard Edwards Southampton University of Southampton Professor Mike Ritchie St Andrews University of St Andrews Dr Mario Vallejo-Marin Stirling University of Stirling Dr Lewis Bingle Sunderland University of Sunderland Dr George Johnson Swansea Swansea University Dr Gonzalo Blanco York University of York Dr Antonio Marco Essex University of Essex 14 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 15 GENETICS SOCIETY MEETING REPORT

The Genetics Society Meeting 2016 An interview with Wendy Bickmore The Genetics Society President

Dr. Kat Arney, Science Information Manager at Cancer Research UK

The Genetics Society Autumn meeting was held at the Royal Society in London at the beginning of November, focusing on the function of non-coding DNA in gene regulation. President of the Society, Professor Wendy Bickmore - director of the MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh - spoke to Naked Genetics podcaster Kat Arney about the idea behind the conference and the challenges for scientists seeking to understand the non-coding genome.

e’re in this amazing situation But the protein-coding part is only examples of how RNA molecules fold Wnow where, thanks to two per cent of our genome, and into wonderful knotted structures and advances in technology and our the remaining 98 per cent is doing just little tweak in the sequence can computational power to store other stuff. We don’t have a good make new bulges and knots, which and analyse the sequence of the understanding of what a sequence presumably affects the way it works. genome, we can study the whole change in non-coding DNA means But although we’re making pretty genome of hundreds, thousands or because there’s no simple code that good progress in understanding non- even millions of individuals. tells us. That’s a huge challenge. coding RNA, the bigger challenge They might be individuals from For this meeting we wanted to bring seems to be understanding sequence different species – so we can compare together people who were thinking changes in the parts of the genome between species – or individuals about this challenge in different that don’t even make non-coding within a species, such as different ways. For example, we heard RNA molecules, and instead act as members of the human population. from researchers who are looking regulatory elements. We heard from Or we can even look at different at evolution and what it tells us Felicity Jones, who is investigating cells within the same individuals – comparing closely related species how changes in these switches have say, comparing cancer cells to the and looking at how the non-coding helped to shape closely related species normal cells in the same individual. DNA changes. We had talks from of stickleback fish. There’s evidence But although we have that ability to people looking at disease states, using that changes in some of these elements capture huge amounts of data, for the smart computational and statistical can cause very severe human disease, vast majority we can’t do anything arguments to identify changes that and they’re probably contributing to with the information. It’s a great matter. And then there are people common diseases as well. ‘stamp collecting’ exercise, but it’s a trying to understand what these Researchers are starting to develop little frustrating if all you can d’ is sit changes might mean on a molecular assays in cells or even whole and stare at the sequence. level. organisms using computational For the parts of the genome that More broadly, there are two types of approaches to try and figure out how code for proteins, we know how the studies going on: those where DNA changes in the DNA sequence of these triplet code works – three DNA letters mutations are affecting the switches control switches might work. But encoding one particular amino acid that turn genes on and off, and other although it’s really exciting, we’re still – so we can make a fairly educated changes affecting non-coding RNAs a long way from being able to fully guess how a specific change in the that are read from all sorts of parts of understand it all. DNA sequence will affect the way the non-coding genome. This piece is adapted from longer a protein works. And, therefore, We’re starting to see that even single interview appearing in the November we can say whether that change is base changes in some of these non- 2016 Naked Genetics podcast going to matter for the individual, coding RNAs can affect the way “Searching for switches”, available for the species or for a disease. they work. We heard some fantastic online at nakedscientists.com/genetics

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An interview with Duncan Odom 2016 Mary Lyon Medal

Every year the Society awards a number of medals to some of the leading geneticists around the world, who are invited to give a guest lecture at one of the society’s meetings. At the Autumn meeting we heard from three winners: Felicity Jones from the Max Planck Institute in Tubingen, Germany, who picked up the Balfour medal for 2016; Ben Lehner from the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, Spain, who won the same award in 2015; and Duncan Odom from the Cancer research UK Cambridge Institute, winner of the society’s 2016 Mary Lyon medal. Kat Arney also interviewed Duncan about his work comparing the control switches between different species in the non-coding parts of the genome.

y work exploits the fact (or at least ready to be active) in that Ultimately, the tools that were Mthat nature has done the cell type. previously developed based on the experiments for us: there’s a lot One of the major discoveries that very high conservation of protein- of turnover in non-coding DNA we’ve made is that most of the coding genes are largely inadequate sequences as species evolve, switches are highly divergent to understand the function of non- so that means there’s a high and change very rapidly over coding DNA. It was naïve to think turnover of these regulatory evolutionary time. Even elements that these kinds of approaches elements too. My laboratory that are near genes that are thought would solve our questions around specialises in trying to connect to have the same function between the role of variation in regulatory these two things, by studying species, it turns out that oftentimes, elements between species and tissues from a lot of different this control is not conserved. It’s even between individuals within animal species where we have a bit like having one lightbulb in a species. We really have to DNA sequence information, and the centre of the room, and in one develop a different framework for generating functional information species – say, human – you flip the understanding them, and that has about what these regulatory on switch from the bathroom door. been one of the major take home sequences are doing. But in mouse, that switch is by the messages from this conference. We’re focusing on species that hall door. It’s still a switch for the This piece is adapted from longer are already widely studied in the same light, but it’s in a different interviews appearing in the scientific community – things like place. These switches are evolution’s November 2016 Naked Genetics dog, cow, rat, mouse and human playground, generating very podcast “Searching for switches”, – but we’ve also looked at more different mammalian species from a available online at nakedscientists. unusual mammals, including very similar set of genes. com/genetics whales, dolphins and naked mole rats. When we look at protein-coding regions across all these species they are largely conserved, so the differences must be in the non- coding DNA. For example, there are very specific histone marks which It was naïve to think that these kinds of are known to associate with active approaches would solve our questions around promoters, so by simply mapping where those are in the genomes the role of variation in regulatory elements within specific tissues - we often use between species and even between individuals liver - we can identify what regions in the non-coding genome are active within a species.

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with Mark Blaxter at the University Heliconius Meeting of Edinburgh) on using Lepbase (lepbase.org), a website which holds 13-14th June, 2016, Sheffield lepidopteran genome assemblies, with tools for browsing, searching, and comparing. Next, we heard about an exciting infrastructure project in Colombia. Mauricio Linares, from Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá, introduced his plans for the Jose Celestino Mutis field station, which will be a great resource for the Heliconius community. While many of the talks focussed on the Heliconius system, we also heard about a variety of other species. There were two invited talks from groups working on other ecological ollowing last year’s meeting in Paris) spoke of the development genomics systems in Sheffield: FPanama, the 11th Heliconius of a computer game to explore the Victor Soria-Carrasco discussed the meeting was held at the University of evolution of mimetic colour patterns genomics of speciation in Timema

FSheffieldollowing last in June,year’s organised meeting in by Panama, Nicola theby 11th using Heliconius humans meetingas surrogate was held at the stick insects, while Anja Westram UniversityNadeau andof Sheffield her team. in 53June, scientists organised by predators.Nicola Nadeau The ‘Hungryand her team Birds’. 53 game scientists spoke about ecotype divergence in workingworking on, on, or orjust just interested interested in, this in, butterfly this canstudy be system found cameat together for two days of Littorina snails. talks and workshops covering a broad range of topics including genomics, behaviour and butterfly study system came together heliconius.org. Stephen Montgomery’s talk ‘Brains speciation. Participants represented 16 different research organisations from 7 countries. for two days of talks and workshops Another captivating talk came over beauty’ covered adaptation in Johncovering Davey a, broadfrom rangeChris Jiggins’of topics group at the University of Cambridge, opened the conference presenting his work about chromosomefrom inversions Erika de and Castro looking (University for rearrangements brain structure during ecological including genomics, behaviour and in Heliconius melpomene and H. cydno genomes.of Other Copenhagen), work from who this discussedlab involved looking speciation. A subspecies of atspeciation. patterns of divergence and duplications acrosscyanogenic genomes. glucosides and their uses Heliconius erato found at low Mathieuarticipants Joron’s group represented joined us from16 CNRS, Montpellierin defence,, vianuptial Skype. gifts, Their and research transport looked altitudes was reported to have atP mimicrydifferent among research prey with organisations unequal defences and and storage supergene of Nitrogen. evolution. She Monica reported Arias higher visual investment compared (MNHNfrom 7 countries.Paris) spoke of the development of a howcomputer the toxicity game to of explore Heliconius the evolution larvae of to a sister species found at higher mimetic colour patterns by using humans as surrogate predators. The ‘Hungry Birds’ game depends on the chemical profile of its altitudes, which had higher olfactory canJohn be found Davey, at fromheliconius.org. Chris Jiggins’ Anothergroup atcaptivating the University talk came of Cambridge,from Erika defood Castro plant. (University of Copenhagen), who investment. discussedopened thecyanogenic conference glucosides presenting and their his uses An in eveningdefence, posternuptial sessiongifts, and displayed transport and We also learned about pollen-feeding storagework aboutof Nitrogen. chromosome She reported inversions how the toxicitywork onof theHeliconius roles of larvae wing patternsdepends onand the behaviour from Gilbert Smith chemical profile of its food plant. and looking for rearrangements in flight ecology as reproductive barriers, (Irvine). This behaviour is thought to An evening poster session displayed work on the roles of wing patterns and flight ecology as and a project investigating the effects be found only in Heliconius and can reproductiveHeliconius barriers, melpomene and a projectand H. investigating cydno the effects of different logging techniques in thegenomes. Amazon on the diversity and abundance of butterflies.of different logging techniques in increase fecundity and longevity by AsOther the planned work from barbecue this was lab rainedinvolved off in true theBritish Amazon style, onto finish the diversity the day weand were kept up to 6 months. entelookingrtained at by patterns a quiz with of Sheffield divergence-themed and prizes. abundance of butterflies. The high quality of all the student The second day began with a workshop by Sujai Kumar (working with Mark Blaxter at the duplications across genomes. As the planned barbecue was rained talks made the decision of best talk University of Edinburgh) on using Lepbase (lepbase.org), a website which holds lepidopteran genomeMathieu assemblies Joron’s, group with tools joined for browsing,us from searching,off in true and comparing. British style, to finish the very difficult. It was awarded to CNRS, Montpellier, via Skype. Their day we were kept entertained by a Bruna Cama from the University research looked at mimicry among prey quiz with Sheffield-themed prizes. of York for her interesting talk with unequal defences and supergene The second day began with a on pheromone composition in evolution. Monica Arias (MNHN workshop by Sujai Kumar (working two sister species of Heliconius.

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Second place went to Paul Jay from Ithomiini. She will be starting some research being carried out on Montpellier for his work showing fascinating work on the evolution, Heliconius butterflies. We would that the introgression of an inversion structure and function of transparent like to thank all of the participants, kick-started the evolution of a butterfly wings, and we hope to and the Genetics Society and Royal supergene. hear more about it at next year’s Entomological Society for their Marianne Elias, from Paris, closed meeting. support. the conference talking about another The meeting provided a captivating group of mimetic butterflies, the overview of the huge range of The Centre for Ecology & Evolution Summer Symposium ‘War & Peace: the Dynamics of Evolutionary Conflict’ 8th June, 2016, London

he Centre for Ecology and mechanistic basis and evolutionary sheep, driven by differences between TEvolution (CEE) is a London- implications of evolutionary the sexes in the fitness costs of centred network that fosters conflict. The talks were wide-ranging recombination. interactions between researchers in and spanned three key areas: We also had presentations on sexual evolution and ecology. Each year it intragenomic conflict, genomic conflict. Ted Morrow (Sussex) holds two symposia on topical themes. approaches to sexual dimorphism and discussed the evidence for the The 2016 Summer Symposium was intra-locus sexual conflict and the existence of genetic variation with held on 8th June at Imperial College genetics of inter-locus sexual conflict. sexually antagonistic effects on fitness London on the topic of ‘War & Peace: The day included three talks on in different taxa, including humans the Dynamics of Evolutionary intragenomic conflict. Nina Wedell and flies, and modern approaches to Conflict’. (Exeter) began by discussing the finding out the identity of the genes The meeting attracted 77 attendees importance of sex-specific effects in involved. drawn primarily from the UK but the context of understanding selfish Max Reuter (UCL) then described also from Austria, Finland, Germany, genetic elements. Next, Tom Price work in fruit flies that has generated Switzerland and as far afield as China. (Liverpool) asked why these elements a robust list of candidate sexually There were 9 invited speakers, 3 appear to be rare despite their antagonistic loci and also showed that ‘lightning’ talks from PhD students enormous transmission advantage, these candidates harbour elevated and 15 posters presented. and assessed the implications of this sequence-level polymorphism. observation for the utility of synthetic The symposium focused on Next, we learned from Stuart Wigby evolutionary conflict, in a variety drive systems designed for biological control. Rebecca Dean (UCL) then (Oxford) about the role of familiarity of contexts and biological scales, and relatedness in modulating inter- featuring talks by prominent spoke about the role of sexual conflict in driving the chromosomal location locus sexual conflict – the well-studied UK-based researchers striving antagonism that exists between to document the important roles of nuclear genes that interact with mitochondria. males and females over mating – in played by conflict in driving and fruit flies. In the final talk of the day, constraining adaptation. Judith Mank (UCL) moved on to Rhonda Snook (Sheffield) assessed The meeting was timely, given examine the relationship between how experimental evolution in mating the increasing momentum in our sexual dimorphism and the evolution systems with differing levels of sexual understanding of these questions. of the shared genome and sex- selection can lead to differences in Much of the work presented took specific transcriptomes in guppies. expression of genes involved in male advantage of recent genomic Susan Johnston (Edinburgh) then ejaculate and female reproductive advances and highlighted exciting spoke about sexually dimorphic tract interactions. prospects for addressing the recombination rates in wild Soay

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In addition to our invited speakers, for discussion and networking and animated discussion throughout a highlight of the day was a trio of brought together a rich diversity of the day. Reflecting the CEE’s ethos, “lightning” talks by PhD students: talented researchers from leading ‘War & Peace’ was a cross- university Florencia Camus (Monash), Lara groups from throughout the UK. collaboration and was organised by Meade (UCL) and Rudi Verspoor We would like to acknowledge the Dr Brian Hollis (ICL), Prof. Kevin (Liverpool). In the poster competition, generous sponsorships from The Fowler, Mark Hill and Filip Ruzicka first place went to Michael Hawkes Genetics Society, the CEE, ICL (UCL). For the full programme (Exeter) with second place shared by and UCL, all of which enabled and associated details, see http:// Joanne Godwin (UEA) and Elisabeth the Symposium to take place at ceesymposium2016.weebly.com. Greenway (St Andrews). very little cost to attendees, while The Symposium was a great including lunch, coffee breaks, and success with ample opportunities an evening reception to support

3rd Eco Evo Devo Postgraduate Summer School 8th-12th August, 2017, Oxford

he 3rd Eco Evo Devo Summer evolution, development, and disease interest to Eco Evo Devo researchers. TSchool took place at Oxford (Aoife McLysaght, Smurfit Institute Workshops on population genetics, Brookes University, Oxford, UK of Genetics, University of Dublin). bioinformatics, and morphometrics from 8th to 12th August 2016. The 22 One highlight was the movies by also allowed the students to student participants came mostly Abderrahman Khila (Institute of experience tools and approaches in from Europe, including Iceland, Italy, Functional Genomics of Lyon, these important topics. Finally, there Portugal, and Switzerland, but also France) showing his study species, was a field trip to a field trip to a Brazil and Ecuador to learn about the water striders in action. Every day, local site where students monitored importance and great potential of there were also journal clubs, in the behaviour of Maniola jurtina interconnecting the fields of ecology, which small groups of students butterflies and caught individuals to evolutionary, and developmental discussed with lecturers recent study later in the lab. Morphometric biology. publications highlighting concepts in and behavioural analyses were The first lecture was given by Eco Evo Devo. carried out in relation to climatic Johannes Jaeger (KLI, Austria) who As well as introducing this conceptual conditions which gave an insight into talked about dynamical systems in framework, the summer school how to plan and conduct field work Evo Devo and provided the meeting also provided the participants with experiments. with a philosophical perspective, as hands-on training. Students learned Despite a full schedule students did well as telling us about his research how to inject different arthropod not miss out on socialising. In a poster on the evolution of the gap gene embryos and followed up their session they had the opportunity regulatory network. In other talks over experiments later, analyzing CRISPR/ to present their own data, and in the course of the week the students Cas9 mutant Drosophila larvae, the evenings the local pubs were learned, for example, about genetic fluorescent live Tribolium (beetle) frequented. The final lecture on and genomic tools to understand the embryos, and marked clones of cells the evolution of dorsoventral axis molecular basis of adaptation and in Parasteatoda (spider) embryos. formation in insects was given speciation (Felicity Jones, Friedrich Different imaging techniques were by Siegfried Roth (Unniversity of Miescher Laboratory, Tuebingen, illustrated using laser scanning Cologne, Germany) and the Summer Germany), developmental plasticity microscopy and state-of-the art School ended with a farewell dinner. and robustness under different confocal microscopy (ZEISS 880 with We are very grateful to the Genetics environmental conditions (Christen Airyscan). This was complemented Society for their generous sponsorship Mirth, Monash University, Melbourne, by a talk by a ZEISS representative on of the Summer School. Australia) and gene duplication in different microscopical approaches of

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Coming of Age The Legacy of Dolly at 20 Scientific Symposium

Ailbhe J. Brazel, Dr Guillaume Devailly, Dr Douglas Vernimmen, and Dr Andreas Lengeling

Coming of Age: The legacy of Dolly at 20 celebrations were held in Edinburgh last September 2016. On Thursday the 1st September 2016 the charismatic scientific communicator and author, Dr Kat Arney, hosted a public lecture. Professor Sir Ian Wilmut (University of Edinburgh), Professor Angelika Schnieke (Technical University Munich, Germany) and Professor Shinya Yamanaka (Kyoto University, Japan) introduced to visitors who Dolly was and the impact this research had on future studies. After the three talks, members of the public could quiz the speakers and local researchers on what work they are currently pursuing in the realm of gene editing, developmental biology and regenerative medicine. This event was followed by a scientific symposium held in the Roslin Institute on Friday the 2nd September, which was jointly wenty years ago, the first had a phenomenal scientific, organised by the University of Tmammal cloned from an adult economic and ethical impact. It Edinburgh’s MRC Scottish somatic cell was presented to the provided definitive answers to key Centre for Regenerative Medicine world. Dolly the sheep was born questions of the time: Is it possible and the Roslin Institute. With over from the transfer of a nucleus taken to change cells from one tissue to 260 scientists from around the from a mammary gland cell into an another? (Yes) Can a nucleus from a world in attendance, including 30 unfertilized, enucleated oocyte. This single adult mammalian cell be re- undergraduate students sponsored breakthrough, made at the Roslin programmed to form an entire new by the Genetics Society, the Institute, University of Edinburgh, organism? (Yes) impressive auditorium of the Roslin

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Cloning or somatic cell nuclear transfer to model different types of human cancer in pigs have illustrated (SCNT) remains the method of choice to the power of these new emerging technologies. A prime example genetically engineer livestock, but we also how such models can advance our heard of the technical advances in genetic understanding of mechanisms underlying cancer development in engineering in livestock which is allowing humans was the targeting of the direct editing of the animals without the porcine Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene which produced a need for cloning. faithful model of human colorectal cancer (presented by Prof Angelika Schnieke, Technical University of Munich). Institute was not large enough genetic engineering in livestock During lunch, delegates were to contain all the delegates. To which is allowing direct editing treated to poster presentations from accommodate everybody, the event of the animals without the need emerging researchers in a foyer was streamed live into an overflow for cloning. The recent technology packed with energetic debate. There seminar room and lecture hall and revolution in using genome editing were also a number of stands from to the Centre for Tropical Livestock nucleases has allowed to microinject the symposium sponsors lining the Genetics and Health (CTLGH), a these reagents directly into 1-cell hall. After lunch, focus switched partner institution of the Roslin embryos or zygotes to generate from livestock genetic engineering Institute in Nairobi, Kenya. defined genetic alterations and to regenerative medicine with Professor Sir Ian Wilmut opened thereby to circumvent cloning. research involving murine models the symposium giving a detailed Several speakers presented their and preclinical studies in humans. view of the historical events that led work on livestock engineering. Cows Nobel Prize Laureate for Medicine to Dolly’s cloning. He highlighted have been engineered to produce or Physiology 2012, Professor Shinya previous critical breakthroughs milk with higher casein levels Yamanaka detailed the impact Dolly in understanding, from August (better for cheese production) or had in inspiring the generation Weismann’s first concept of the undetectable β-lactoglobulin levels of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) continuity of germ-plasm as the (which can cause milk allergy in cells. The fact that Dolly was cloned basis of heredity to Hans Spemann’s infants, presented by Prof Goetz from a fully differentiated adult famous cleavage experiments Laible, AgResearch, New Zealand) mammary cell nucleus was the first of salamander eggs in which he while chicken ‘bioreactors’ have indication to the scientific world used his daughter’s baby hair to been produced that express high that reversion of differentiated cells demonstrate that the nucleus is levels of HER-2 antibodies in their to a pluripotent stem cell like state critical for embryonic development. eggs (Dr Lisa Herron, The Roslin was indeed possible. In the experiments that led later to Institute) for the treatment of The session that followed provided the generation of Dolly, Professor breast cancers. The production mechanistic insights into the process Sir Ian Wilmut explained the crucial of better large animal models of reversing differentiation and impact of the cell cycle stage of for multiple human diseases is the applications of this research. both the donor and the acceptor driving much of the translational The current estimated cost of cell in determining the efficiency of biomedical research at Roslin and applying personalised medicine led nuclear transfers. other institutions all over the world. several speakers to argue in favour Examples on how livestock genome Cloning or somatic cell nuclear of the creation of iPS libraries editing can be used to generate from healthy volunteers. Such transfer (SCNT) remains the pigs that are resistant to infectious method of choice to genetically iPS cells can be rigorously quality agents (African Swine Fever virus, controlled and HLA matched for engineer livestock, but we also presented by Dr Chris Proudfoot) or heard of the technical advances in their therapeutic use in recipients

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to avoid rejections of transplanted USA) discussed the role of iPS effects of gene mutations that are iPS cells by the immune systems. cells in testing candidate drugs for associated with inheritable forms of Prof Yamanaka showed that as patients with multiple sclerosis. microcephaly. few as 140 carefully selected iPS Prof Stuart Forbes (MRC Scottish Ethical discussions where pervasive cell lines generated from donor Centre for Regenerative Medicine) throughout the whole symposium. peripheral blood or cord blood cells gave new insights into mechanisms Although legislation may not would be HLA compatible with 90% that control liver regeneration be somewhat behind the latest of the Japan population (similar after severe injury discussing technologies of iPS cells and numbers are expected for Britain). how impairment of hepatocyte genetic editing, the potential for How the ‘Yamanaka’ factors induce proliferation in these situations agricultural and medical application pluripotency at the chromatin level might be overcome. is overwhelmingly clear. Will cloning was presented by Dr Abdenour A big overarching theme of this soon be part of the solutions to the Soufi and how cell lineage choices session was the usage of organoids ageing population and sustainable are impacted by morphological as cell culture models for studying food supply in times of global changes was presented by Dr specific mechanisms of disease population growth, diet changes Sally Lowell (both MRC Scottish pathogenesis. Prof Marc van de and global warming? We are Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Wetering (Princess Maxima Center, looking forward to answering that University of Edinburgh). A number Utrecht, Netherlands) demonstrated question at the Legacy of Dolly at 40 of speakers also discussed the use of impressively how organoids can be celebrations. differentiated iPS cells in generating grown from single multipotent stem patient derived disease models; cells to generate tissue structures an ideal model for testing possible that resemble key features of organs. therapeutics. He discussed how organoid Prof Marius Wernig (Stanford biobanks can be generated from University, USA) presented patient biopsies and how these can his findings how skin derived be used for drug target discovery fibroblasts can be converted and therapy development. As into functional neurons. A an example, he showed how his screen undertaken in his lab has laboratory is using intestinal identified three factors critical in organoids derived from colorectal reprogramming fibroblast into cancer patients to identify drugs neuronal cells that can form that specifically inhibit tumor functional synapses. He has now growth in these patients. Prof identified targets of one factor and Andrew Jackson (MRC Human demonstrated that these orchestrate Genetics Unit, University of a repressive regulator program in Edinburgh) presented in his talk neurons that suppress other cell how brain organoids can be used to lineage identities. study mechanisms of microcephaly The last session of the symposium development. focused on the development of The organoids his laboratory is therapeutic stem cell approaches growing recapitulate early cortical for the clinic. Prof Paul Tesar (Case brain development and can be Western Reverse University, Ohio, used to dissect and to understand

The video recordings of Coming of Age: The Legacy of Dolly at 20 Scientific Symposium talks and the slide show of this event can be found on the following website: https://media.ed.ac.uk/channel/Dolly+at+20+Scientific+Symposium/

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How the Genetics Society’s research communication workshop changed my life

Dr Özge Özka

here comes a point in the life damn thing, have your viva, (some science”. I must have been already Tof every post-doc, or even PhD people even enjoy it apparently!) interested in “communicating student, when they start thinking and become a doctor! my science” since I applied for about what they are going to do next. the course, but I only realized Then of course there is the period At the beginning it is quite easy: afterwards how much I enjoyed it. of time when you want to open Science is like living in a beautiful you finish school, you want to go a café/become a nursery nurse/a to university, you do that then city but not seeing its beauty any beautician/sing on cruises but it more after a while because of all the you are a bit lost, the “real world” doesn’t last and the daunting “next seems too scary and being able to difficulties you have to go through step” keeps nagging you. The thing every day. Until an old friend comes stay at university for three more is, of course your project was never years starts to look more and more to visit, someone who’s never been really finished, your money and there before. And you take them comforting as you approach the end your time were, but not the project. of your degree. So what do you do? A to all the nice bits in your city and You were even starting to get some start telling them about it, and you PhD of course. But most of us don’t cool results in the last two months! give it much thought at that point. I realize once again how amazing it is, So perhaps you go back to your lab, and you fall in love with it again! certainly didn’t. your supervisor manages to secure I remember I was attending one of some money, or you go to another So how did the communication the courses offered for PhD students lab, diversify a little. You are over workshop impact on my career? and the “facilitator”, who had just the moon. But sooner or later Well it changed it completely. finished his PhD himself said: reality will catch up with you. That Because it helped me decide for “Do you know what having a PhD project will be finished too, and the sure that science communication entitles you to do?”. We all looked at next one… was what I enjoyed most and that him with blank eyes. “It allows you leaving the lab did not mean being Then suddenly you will start a failure. to teach your subject, it means you hearing the tick tock of your own are a real expert in your field, ….and biological clock. You really never Dr Özge Özkaya has a PhD in I only just found out myself last thought this would happen to you. developmental genetics from Queen week” ! This is how foggy everything And then suddenly everything else Mary University of London and was for us all back then. seems less important, trivial even. six-years post-doctoral research So then you finish your project. experience in behavioural And with some luck (and guidance) neuroscience. After working as a You have no choice but to stop that is when you realize that it does running “one more gel” and start research communication officer at not have to be that straight line: a London-based charity she decided writing your introduction. After degree, PhD, post-doc, post-doc, a long and agonizing process of she needed to give some of her time fellowship, lectureship, readership, to her family too and now works as a writing, sending your drafts to professorship, Nobel prize, but there your supervisor, not getting any free-lance science writer. She writes are other paths you can take, and news stories for Epilepsy Research comments back for weeks, not that does not mean that you failed. knowing who your external will be, UK and BioNews Services, a Texas- when your viva will be, panicking, I found my path at a two-day based online health, science, and wanting to quit everything… and workshop organised by the Genetics research publication company. you somehow do it. You write the Society. “Communicating your

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10th Molecular Biology of Hearing and Deafness conference 17th–20th May, 2016, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK

Aida Costa . University of Edinburgh

Topics included hair cell development and protein coding gene. Thus, it provides an extremely powerful physiology, the molecular basis of hair cell platform to gain new insights into death/damage, and therapeutic approaches to the genetic and molecular basis of hearing loss. Furthermore, this protect and/or regenerate these cells. platform generates numerous novel mouse models that can be used his conference was one of a to protect and/or regenerate in hearing research. In the last Tseries of meetings that have these cells. Apart from these presentation of the conference, taken place every 2-3 years in highly engaging presentations, I Prof. Karen Steel emphasised that various USA and UK universities also enjoyed talks from Dr. Lisa data and mouse models obtained since 1992. It brought together Cunningham highlighting the from this consortium are available a variety of basic and clinical importance of neighbouring cells for the entire inner ear scientific scientists studying diverse aspects (supporting cells) in mediating the community. I believe this could be of the molecular biology related to balance between hair cell survival a helpful platform for my future the auditory system. The format and death under stress conditions, research and an invaluable resource included short presentations from and from Dr. Mark Warchol, who is for many groups studying hearing invited speakers, new investigators, studying the role of macrophages loss. postdoctoral researchers and PhD upon hair cell damage. I am grateful to the organizers for students. Overall, the quality of the Another very interesting moment giving me the opportunity to present talks was excellent, and it provided of this conference was the round my work in this meeting. This a fantastic overview of the current table discussion with different promoted a lot of interactions with state of the art research in the inner experts involved in the translation different scientists and I engaged ear field. of inner ear preclinical studies into in a series of discussions that led to In humans, the prevalent cause clinical development. Given the valuable feedback, and allowed me of deafness is the damage or loss significant number of preclinical to mature my scientific thinking. of the sensory hair cells in the studies presented here, I found the In addition, I met several inner ear cochlea. These remarkable cells discussion of how to escape the so- experts and these new links could be are the primary mechanoreceptors called “valley of death” (for clinical crucial for future collaborations. responsible for the detection of hair cells research) very useful and I would like to take this opportunity sounds in the inner ear. Therefore, important. to thank the Genetics Society for the majority of talks and posters Finally, I need to highlight the last the travel grant that allowed me in this conference were focused on session of the conference when the to attend and participate in this different aspects of hair cell biology. International Mouse Phenotyping conference. Overall, I enjoyed Topics included hair cell Consortium was introduced and and benefited greatly from the development and physiology, the explained to the audience. This conference. Many Thanks! molecular basis of hair cell death/ consortium aims to generate a damage, and therapeutic approaches knockout mouse strain for every

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Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 16th–20th June, 2016, Boston, USA

Amina M Ahmed El-Imam . University of Nottingham

he American Society for Microbe 2016 featured thousands about the Portable Microbiology TMicrobiology (ASM) integrated of talks and poster presentations, Laboratory (PML) and how it could their two main events, the General and several structured and informal mitigate the challenge of water-borne meeting and the Interscience opportunities for networking. diseases in rural areas. Conference on Antimicrobial Agents Hundreds of life science companies I met with a number of industrial and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) into the also exhibited their cutting edge microbiologists and picked up some premier ASM Microbe 2016 event. The products and services. Some of the ideas I could implement in the last lap event which held from June 16-20, memorable moments for me include of my work. 2016 in the Boston Convention and the meeting of the Africa Initiative Exhibition Centre (BCEC), World Group; the opening keynote session I will like to genuinely appreciate the Trade Centre some other venues by Bill Gates; my discussions with Genetics society for awarding me the in Boston Massachusetts was well Jane about fungal immobilisation in Junior Scientist grant which offset attended with over 11,000 registered fermentations and the discussions I a considerable part of the cost of attendees. had with Professor Robert Metcalfe attending this conference.

Sixth Meeting of the European Society for Evolutionary Development 26th–29th July, 2016, Uppsala, Sweden

Amy Royall . University of Oxford

he 6thm eeting of the European meeting is large, nearly 500 attendees development complexity in plants TSociety for Evolutionary with interests spanning from the and animals as well as biomimetics Development (EED) was held in the theory of evolution and development and the impact of developmental Konsert and Kongress in Uppsala, to specific studies on gene evolution evolution on reproductive medicine. home of the oldest university in across both animals and plants were This variation allowed me to really Scandinavia and only present. expand my knowledge; discovering 45 miles from the beautiful Swedish Each day of the main meeting the extent of the research that is capital, Stockholm. The main consisted of up to eight individual out there. Often there were multiple meeting ran from the 26th- 29th July symposia, each with a selection talks of interest taking place however smaller satellite meetings of invited speakers and a session simultaneously meaning that I had took place on the 25th for those with dedicated to contributed talks. to make a difficult decision on what an active The range of the material covered session to attend. interest in Amphioxus or Tribolium in these sessions was vast, I learnt a great deal from many evolution and development. The encompassing the evolution of inspirational speakers who talked

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

about the role of epigenetic clusters and transposable elements as drivers Molecular Mechanisms for evolutionary innovation. I also learnt about how bioinformatics of Axon Degeneration analyses can be incorporated into research in order do genome wide 25th-28th September, 2016, Bar Harbor, USA studies which can reveal how and where genetic novelties are Belgin Yalcin . University of Cambridge, UK “invented”. Following the symposia and was generously awarded a Junior coffee and lunch breaks. A few talks contributed talks, there was a IScientist Travel Grant to attend the presented on similar topics revealed plenary session each day with a 6th Molecular Mechanisms of Axon the general directions that the field keynote lecture. These lectures Degeneration Meeting in the Jackson is leaning towards, and the scientific covered a variety of topics including Laboratories, Bar Harbor in the USA. interpretations that the community a fascinating talk from Per Ahlberg his conference focused on axonal agrees upon. of Uppsala University on the Tdegeneration as a primary This conference also allowed me evolution of the vertebrate head pathogenic mechanism across to introduce my PhD work (passed and from Beverley Glover from numerous diseases. This topic covered in January 2016), as a poster Cambridge University on how the basic molecular and cellular presentation, to the scientific flowers develop iridescent petals mechanisms of axon degeneration, community. I have been working and the effect of these on pollinator with emphasis on the links between on the organisation of an axonal behaviour. degeneration and broader questions compartment called endoplasmic Following the keynote talks there of axon biology. Leading scientists reticulum. Endoplasmic reticulum of were poster sessions which consisted from all over the world presented their the axon is very poorly understood, of nearly 200 projects on show. This most recent and unpublished work, and even though scientists in this section allowed me to have the and broadened our understanding of conference were specialists for axonal opportunity to present my project to the research taking place across the biology, I was often asked whether the conference attendees and gather field. There were around a hundred this compartment actually existed valuable feedback from established participants in this conference, the in axons. I believe the presentation researchers within the field. Multiple relatively small size and the more of my work helped to fill the gap in networking events throughout focused topic of the conference our knowledge of axonal biology the conference also allowed me to allowed the attendees to network more regarding how axonal ER is organised discuss my work and talk to other easily and provided the opportunity for and why this is important. This PhD students from across the globe younger scientists to have chances to poster presentation also opened up about our respective interests and meet the more senior scientists in the very constructive discussions with research more generally. These field. This conference also provided me peers, allowing me to understand interactions will no doubt aid me with the opportunity of easily meeting different viewpoints, which were in directing my own research and with the leading scientists of the field, very inspirational for me to then ask I have learnt a great deal from with whom I would like to work with. critical questions to take my work one meeting with some of the top The conference was divided into step forward. researchers in the field. several different sessions for research I am truly grateful to the Genetics Overall, I found my time in Uppsala talks focusing on different aspects Society for providing me with this to be incredibly rewarding and of axonal degeneration and axon opportunity of attending to Molecular academically indispensable. I would biology, and one session of poster Mechanisms of Axonal Degeneration like to express my thanks to the presentations. Each session included Conference, thus helping me to Genetics Society for their generous a few longer talks from senior present my research to the scientific support allowing me to attend this scientists and a few shorter talks community and allowing me to obtain conference. from more junior scientists. Question a postdoctoral researcher position in a time after each talk stimulated research group I have wanted to work discussions that often were taken to with.

26 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 27

Research in the Rainforest at

Wolbachia 2016a filarial nematode”, and some of us headed to the east coast in search of migrating humpback whales. I am very grateful to the Genetics Society for the junior scientist travel grant which enabled my attendance at the conference. 28th June–3rd July, 2016, Queensland, Australia

Georgia Drew . University of Liverpool

his year the beautiful Lamington TNational Park was home to the 9thInternational Wolbachia conference, a biennial meeting focusing on the reproductive parasite, Wolbachia, and other notable endosymbionts of arthropods and nematodes. Nestled in the sub- ??tropical rainforest, over 80 delegates from across the globe assembled to present work on the evolution, ecology, genomics and cell biology of symbioses.Mornings began with the bustle of bush turkeys and bower birds at breakfast, before full days of talks and posters set amongst the canopied hills of the park. Here Theto name 3rd just International a few. This year was Conference no The conference on Multiple was an exceptionalMyeloma I had the opportunity to present, at 7thexception, – 9th October with 2016, exciting Milan, reports Italy of the opportunity to meet members my first international conference, Samdiscovery Hyatt · ofCardiff new WolbachiaUniversity induced of this relatively small field, and on the intriguing role of a symbiont, phenotypes, alongside the resolution engage in discussion on many of known as Arsenophonus, in honey Organisedof old ones. by the European School of Haematology,the unresolved the 3rd international aspects conferenceof symbiont on bee colonies. Arsenophonus, just like multipleThe genetic myeloma basis aimed for cytoplasmicto discuss the current biology.findings oInspirationf research within aside, the the field of plasma cell disorders. By bringing together over 650 scientists and clinicians, this conference Wolbachia, is a genus of bacteria incompatibility (CI) appears to week was also incredibly useful for succeeded in mapping out the future directions of research with regard to the diagnosis and that infects many Arthropod be finally unravelling with the improving my understanding of an treatment of MGUS, multiple myeloma and plasmacytomas. species. It is capable of a diverse identification of two Wolbachia array of approaches and techniques range of interactions with different Split over three days, the conference began withthat a focus were on showcased the biology byunderpinning speakers, multiple myeloma.prophage This genes included that inducetalks on CI the cytogenetics of the disease, followed by discussions host species, from reproductive some of which I look forward to regardinglike defects cancer in progressionDrosophila, and while the resulting immune response. From here, the conference parasitism right through to nutrient transferring to my own work. becamein Eurema an analysis butterflies of the theretreatment is options available for multiple myeloma, as well as a provisioning. My talk touched on debateincreasing into future evidence therapeutics Wolbachia and the can potential As for the a cure. conference Many of came the talks to a within close, this area the prevalence, transmission and werecause focused meiotic on thedrive. role Updates that monoclonal were antibodiesthe more might musically play in utilising gifted the among body’s own phylogeny of Arsenophonus in UK defencesalso heard against from cancer. the ‘Eliminate However, it was also feltus performedthat a cure for a Beatles multiple inspired myeloma, while bees and generated some interesting obtainableDengue’ withinprogram, our lifetime,which uses was still a long waytribute off. to Wolbachia – “we all live in questions on the potential roles of BetweenWolbachia presentations, infected mosquitoesthose attending to the conferencea filarial were nematode”, invited to viewand someposters of that us had been created to illustrate current or ongoing research. As a PhD student, I was grateful to Varroa mite and bacteriophage. reduce vector competence for dengue headed to the east coast in search of have this opportunity to present some of my own work at the conference. My poster, titled The reputation of Wolbachia as an “Telomerevirus. A bioLength control is a Cr strategyitical Determinant that for migratingSurvival in humpbackMultiple Myeloma”, whales. I am adept manipulator of host biology demonstratedmay also be that deployable patients with against MGUS zika had significantlyvery grateful longer to telomeres the Genetics than patientsSociety with attracts many to its associated multiplevirus, andmyeloma; highlights that CD138+ the ability plasma of cells hadfor significantly the junior scientist shorter telomeres travel grant when phenotypes of feminisation, comparedsymbiont to researchCD138- cells to resonate from the onsame a patient;which and that enabled short mytelomeres attendance (<3.81kb) at the were parthenogenesis and male killing -?? associatedhumanitarian with significantly level. shorter survival in conference.multiple myeloma.

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

European Evolutionary The 3rd International Developmental Biology Conference on Multiple Conference 2016 25th–29th July, 2016, Myeloma Uppsala, Sweden. Simon Dailey 7th–9th October, 2016, Milan, Italy University of St Andrews

Sam Hyatt . Cardiff University uly 2016 saw the descent of Jscientists from across the globe rganised by the European to view posters that had been created upon the city of Uppsala in Sweden, OSchool of Haematology, the to illustrate current or ongoing for the 6th biennial meeting of the 3rdinternational conference on research. As a PhD student, I was European Society for Evolutionary multiple myeloma aimed to discuss grateful to have this opportunity Developmental Biology (EED). the current findings of research to present some of my own work Held in the cities “Uppsala Konsert within the field of plasma cell at the conference. My poster, titled & Kongress” centre - a decidedly disorders. By bringing together over “Telomere Length is a Critical Swedish venue, as evidenced by the 650 scientists and clinicians, this Determinant for Survival in Multiple mid-week performance by one quarter conference succeeded in mapping out Myeloma”, demonstrated that of ABBA - the conference hosted over the future directions of research with patients with MGUS had significantly 200 talks, almost as many contributed regard to the diagnosis and treatment longer telomeres than patients with posters, and over 400 total attendees, of MGUS, multiple myeloma and multiple myeloma; that CD138+ myself among them. plasmacytomas. plasma cells had significantly shorter I am a final year PhD student, Split over three days, the conference telomeres when compared to CD138- studying the development and began with a focus on the biology cells from the same patient; and regeneration of the tail of the underpinning multiple myeloma. This that short telomeres (<3.81kb) were European amphioxus species, included talks on the cytogenetics of associated with significantly shorter Branchiostoma lanceolatum. We the disease, followed by discussions survival in multiple myeloma. use amphioxus as a model system regarding cancer progression and Much of what I have learned will go for the evolution of chordate traits the resulting immune response. towards forming the backbone of my – a taxonomical group to which From here, the conference became thesis, allowing me to present my vertebrates such as ourselves also an analysis of the treatment options work within the context of the most belong. The phylogenetic position of available for multiple myeloma, relevant and up to date information amphioxus as the earliest diverging as well as a debate into future regarding multiple myeloma. I chordate subphyla, as well as their therapeutics and the potential for a am therefore very grateful to the relative evolutionary conservatism, cure. Many of the talks within this Genetics Society for granting me the makes them an excellent model area were focused on the role that opportunity to attend this conference. for the ancestral chordate state. monoclonal antibodies might play The Junior Scientist Travel Grant In addition, the post-anal tail of in utilising the body’s own defences has allowed me to develop a greater amphioxus is highly regenerative. The against cancer. However, it was also understanding and awareness of the tail contains many tissues with clear felt that a cure for multiple myeloma, research currently being conducted homologues to humans – such as our while obtainable within our lifetime, into multiple myeloma, as well as a spine, segmented musculature and was still a long way off. chance to present some of my own the inner-intervertebral disc – all of Between presentations, those research to experts within the field. which regenerate extremely poorly attending the conference were invited in humans, but whose homologues appear to regrow identically in amphioxus following amputation.

28 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 29

Despite the strength of amphioxus as of vertebrate skeletal tissue. A I was also able to contribute my a chordate model system, its research number of talks focused on the own work in the form of a poster, community remains relatively small, signalling pathways that govern the to both the satellite meeting and and is spread far apart around the development of left/right asymmetry the main conference, where I look world. The EED conference however in amphioxus, as well as both neural at two important developmental presents a unique opportunity, in induction and nervous system signalling genes, SP5 and NLK, and which a majority of the amphioxus development. their potential roles in amphioxus research community finds itself in the After the conclusion of the amphioxus tail development and regeneration. same room. satellite meeting, the main conference As a final year PhD student, this was Beginning with the 2014 conference, began. an invaluable opportunity to receive feedback on my work, from both held in Vienna, two model organism- The talks I attended focused on a wide specific satellite meetings have been experienced amphioxus researchers, variety of themes, from the fossils of and the wider evo-devo community, as held prior to the main conference, for regenerating tetrapods, to the factors both amphioxus and flour beetles. I undergo the process of writing my affecting the neofunctionalisation thesis. As a result of the conference This year’s amphioxus satellite of transcription factors, and even we also are now working with two meeting saw updates on the genome the use of robots as model systems external collaborators to build upon project for both the European in biology. Two talks that I found the work I presented. In light of this, amphioxus and the subtropical the most interesting focused on the I am extremely grateful to both the species Asymmetron lucayanum. origin of the Metazoa, presenting Genetics Society and the British Also discussed was the remarkable a characterisation of a theoretical Society for Developmental Biology, regenerative ability of Asymmetron single-cell ancestor to the Metazoa, without whose support I would - able to grow back their tails in a and a putative genome for the not have been able to attend the fraction of the time of their European common ancestor of the multicellular conference. counterparts – as well as the origins metazoans.

Plant Biology Europe EPSO/FESPB Conference 26th–30th June, 2016

Guillermo Garcia Gimenez . The James Hutton Institute, UK

n June 2016 I had the speakers. Due to the size of this attend the Plant Cell Wall Session Iopportunity to attend the Plant international conference, plant during the conference. A range Biology Europe EPSO/FESPB science workshops and talks were of high-quality presentations Conference, held in Prague, Czech effectively divided in plenary and were delivered in this session by Republic with the support of a parallel sessions to maximize researchers from Austria with Genetic Society Junior Scientist the opportunities to focus on N. Gierlinger discussing new Travel Grant. The EPSO/FESPB particular interests for everyone. insights into cell wall microscopy, Conference is one of the key plant My PhD research focuses on and A. Boisson-Dernier, from science meetings across Europe, the transcriptional regulation Germany speaking about cell wall attracting over 900 participants development and growth control, of (1,3;1,4)-β- glucan synthesis, from 58 countries this year. which is the most abundant non- among many others. I very much The broad scientific programme cellulosic polysaccharide of the enjoyed the poster sessions, which allowed me to spend four days primary cell walls in barley, so not were carried out during two days. attending inspiring talks and only was it a fantastic opportunity I received positive feedback and interacting with other fellow for me to present some of my interest from other PhD students, PhD students and invited PhD work as a poster but also to and had the opportunity to discuss

www.genetics.org.uk . 29 Submit to Heredity and receive an excellent authorship experience: Follow us on Twitter Submit to Heredity and receive an excellent authorship experience: Follow us on Twitter @HeredityJournal • 2012 Impact Factor of 4.110* and ranked 25/136 Ecology, @HeredityJournal • 13/472012 Impact Evolutionary Factor ofBiology 4.110 and* and 38/161 ranked Genetics25/136 Ecology & Heredity, 13/47 Evolutionary Biology and 38/161 Genetics & Heredity • Open Access option • Open Access option • 25 days to Online Publication • 25 days to Online Publication • Scientific excellence for scientists and researchers • Scientific excellence for scientists and researchers • High exposure on nature.com to a global audience • High exposure on nature.com to a global audience • Widely read by the global audience • Widely read by the global audience • Inclusion in the Heredity Podcast which features interviews with people • behind the science and a digest of breaking news Inclusion in the Heredity Podcast which features interviews with people behind the science and a digest of breaking news The Genetics Society and NPG are also delighted to offer all Heredity authors free deposition into Dryad.The Genetics Society and NPG are also delighted to offer all Heredity authors free deposition into Dryad.

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*2012 Journal Citation Reports® (Thomson Reuters, 2013.) *2012 Journal Citation Reports® (Thomson Reuters, 2013.)

25342-01 Hdy ad.indd 1 07/01/2014 11:29 25342-01 Hdy ad.indd 1 07/01/2014 11:29 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 31

A range of high-quality presentations were The 8th ASM delivered in this session by researchers from Conference on Austria with N. Gierlinger discussing new insights Streptococcal Genetics into cell wall microscopy, 31st July–3rd August 2016. Washington DC, USA and A. Boisson-Dernier, Megan De Ste Croix . University of Leicester from Germany speaking about cell wall development the development and improvement and growth control, among of industrial strains for the dairy industry. many others. Of particular interest to my work was Donald Morrison’s keynote on some techniques I am planning the regulation of competence within to use with more experienced the Streptococci. Other highlights researchers. included the Antibiotic Resistance Conference sessions covered all and Novel Therapies and the aspects of plant biology from Transcription, Post-transcriptional specific plant-microbe interactions Regulation and CRISPR-Cas systems to the more large-scale view of sessions. In addition to the talks, I had ecosystems and nature resources the opportunity to present my own and provided interesting work as a poster on the first full day discussions during the conference. of the conference. With more than 90 Having attended other smaller posters on display over two days, there meetings before, I realized about was a lot to fit into each session and the importance of planning and I had the opportunity to discuss with selecting key presentations more he 8th ASM Conference on numerous other PhD students and relevant to my research interests TStreptococcal Genetics was Post-Docs who work on topics similar in events of this magnitude. The held this year at the Mayflower or related to my own. My work is conference was well organized Hotel in Washington DC from 31st focused on a phase variable restriction and everything ran fluently. One July to 3rdAugust and is a revival system found within Streptococcus of the social event highlights was of a meeting last held in 2006. pneumoniae and I am pleased to say I the conference dinner which took Such a long gap between meetings had a lot of interest at my poster. place at the beautiful art nouveau means that the landscape of genetic I would like to thank The Genetics Municipal House in the heart of research has changed considerably Society for the Junior Scientist Travel Prague. It was a great opportunity and this made for some interesting Grant, as without it I would not have to engage with other colleagues in and detailed presentations. The been able to attend this meeting. As such a stunning atmosphere. focus of the meeting was on the a third year PhD student, about to I would like to express my thanks basic and applied genetics of begin writing my thesis, the chance to the conference committee as not just the Streptococci, but to network with those working in well as the Genetic Society which also the Enterococci and the my field was a fantastic opportunity. gave me the chance to participate Lactococci. The meeting also It provided both new ideas and in this prestigious biannual importantly explored the area of contacts, which I hope will prove to be international conference. food microbiology, with a great invaluable over the coming months keynote talk by Ana Rute Neves on and years.

www.genetics.org.uk . 31 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 32

The Alzheimer’s Probabilistic Association International modelling in Conference 2016 24th–28th July 2016 genomics Toronto, Ontario, Canada Anna Burt 12th–14th September 2016, Oxford, UK Cardiff University

Lingyan Chen . King’s College London hanks to the generous bursary Tfrom The Genetics Society and The Galton Institute, this summer he Genetics Society’s Junior Another exciting part is the poster I was lucky enough to travel to the TScientist grant gave me the session. I was very fortunate to come vibrant city of Toronto in order to opportunity to attend the probabilistic across a freshly released package for attend The Alzheimer’s Association modelling in genomics conference in annotating the GWAS signals within International Conference 2016. This Department of Statistics, University regulatory regions from the 4-day event is the World’s largest of Oxford this September. Roadmap and ENCODE projects. dementia research conference This conference attracted over 150 To be more specific, Dr. Iotchkova and provides a platform whereby scientists with the top minds in the and her colleagues proposed a novel the worldwide dementia research field, including demography and approach called “GARFIELD” community can meet on an annual admixture, functional genomics, to leverage GWAS findings with basis to discuss the very latest quantitative genetics, as well as regulatory or functional annotations findings in the field. methods for sequence analysis. to find features relevant to a The first thing that struck me about Cutting-edge research and impressive phenotype of interest. I’ve tried this conference was its size; with a advanced algorithms and models to apply “Garfield” to analyse my vast array of talk options on offer, were presented and discussed in own data on SLE GWAS and found four booklets worth, not to mention about 40 talks and 100 posters in 2.5 that SLE exhibited enrichment the 200,000 square feet of exhibition days. predominantly in blood, consistent space which would host 1,700 posters I was particularly impressed by the with its systemic nature. By applying over the course of the conference. I “Quantitative Genetics” session of this method, I expect to see a more knew this event would be big, but this the conference. A few talks were accurate classification of enrichment was a scale beyond my imagination. pattern, which would be helpful for highly relevant to my project. For During the first session of the example, Dr. Turchin’s talk on prioritising variants for follow-up studies. conference, I had the opportunity “Bayesian multivariate analysis of to present a poster of my research. large genetic studies” showed that In general, I found this conference My PhD project aims to investigate the R package “bmass” is a powerful was incredibly inspiring and how the protein encoded by BIN1, a tool enabling the identification of stimulating. I would like to thank the susceptibility locus for Alzheimer’s novel associations in the analysis of Genetic Society for funding me to disease, functions in brain GWAS. This indicates that we can attend this wonderful conference. I endothelial cells that comprise the try to apply this method for our SLE will definitely share the cutting-edge blood-brain barrier. With the sheer (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) knowledge with my colleagues and number of posters on display, coupled GWAS data to see whether there try to apply the methods I’ve learned with the early start, potential jet-lag is any novel evidence to help from the conference for my current and it being a pre-coffee session, I understand the mechanism of the and future research. wasn’t expecting a huge audience! disease. However, to my pleasant surprise, I had a constant stream of researchers

32 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 Roadmap and ENCODE projects. To be more specific, Dr. Iotchkova and her colleagues

proposed a novel approach called “GARFIELD” to leverage GWAS findings with regulatory

or functional annotations to find features relevant to a phenotype of interest. I’ve tried to

apply “Garfield” to analyse my own data on SLE GWAS and found that SLE exhibited

enrichment predominantly in blood, consistent with its systemic nature. By applying this

method, I expect to see a more accurate classification of enrichment pattern, which would be

helpful for prioritising variants for follow-up studies.

In general, I found this conference was incredibly inspiring and stimulating. I would like to

thank the Genetic Society for funding me to attend this wonderful conference. I will

definitely share the cutting-edge knowledge with my colleagues and try to apply the methods

I’ve learned from the conference for my current and future research.

The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2016 TRAVEL GRANTS FOR JUNIOR SCIENTISTS 24th – 28th July 2016 Toronto, Ontario, 33Canada

Anna Burt, Cardiff University coming to discussThanks my work. to It wasthe generousthis often bursary encouraged from Theme to Genetics stay a fantastic experienceSociety for me and to The Galtonfor presentations Institute, this that summer weren’t I was engage with scientistslucky from enough all over to travelnecessarily to the vibrant within city my specificof Toronto in the world, many of whom were research area, allowing me to authors of some oforder the key to papers attend discoverThe Alzheimer’s new avenues of Association interest. International Conference 2016. This 4-day event is the I had studied. While I was daunted As a cell biologist, it was refreshing World’s largest dementia research conference and by this prospect at first, everyone to learn about clinical approaches who I spoke to wasprovides both supportive a platform towhereby research the in additionworldwide to insights dementia and encouraging ofresear my work,ch community into can other meet forms on anof dementiaannual basis and to posing intriguing discussquestions the and very also latest how findings there is in much the field. overlap in terms providing suggestions for future of the basic mechanisms involved in inspirational, it was also the whole studies which I found extremely different pathologies. ethos of the conference that made valuable. The programme of plenary sessions it such a motivating experience Many of those I spoke to during the provided a diverse array of speakers for me. The organisers truly made poster session were presenting talks from different backgrounds. this meeting an absolute spectacle; themselves which I could then attend Of particular interest for me from the stunning welcome reception to learn about their own research. was Prof. John Hardy’s lecture featuring themed rooms depicting I had an interesting conversation entitled “Genomic Analysis of the seasons of Ontario complete with with Dylan Kwart (Rockefeller Neurodegeneration Gives Clues to circus performers, musicians and University) who presented an Pathways to Selective Cell Loss: dancers to the CN tower completely immense amount of work on The Hypothesis of the Catastrophic illuminated in purple to mark the creating induced pluripotent stem Cliff of Neuron Failure” . Prof. occasion. Many of the local people we cell (iPSc)-derived neurons which Hardy (University College London) met while exploring the city, whether harboured familial Alzheimer’s firstly described the various it be at the Toronto Blue Jays disease mutations through gene genetic analyses that have been baseball game or the local country editing technology. Having been carried out in neurodegenerative music bar, were fascinated when we involved with iPSc differentiation research, including several studies described our reason for visiting. at the start of my PhD, I understood conducted by our group in Cardiff. Most, if not all, went on to mention first-hand the difficulties such He then discussed the idea of how they had personally been studies presented and it was very selective vulnerability shown in affected by Alzheimer’s disease. impressive to listen to what his lab different brain regions to different This repeatedly reminded me how had achieved. neurodegenerative diseases and important each and every piece of The oral presentations were proposed a ‘catastrophic cliff’ research presented at the conference divided into several themes theory whereby each neuronal cell was to provide hope for patients encompassing a broad variety type is closer to different types of and their families. I feel honoured of interests, from molecular and catastrophic cliffs, depending on to be able to participate and witness cell biology to neuropsychology their functions. I thought this was such cutting-edge research and and clinical therapeutics. This a very interesting proposition, this conference has provided much meant there was always something drawing together what we know from personal motivation as I progress interesting to attend and I often genetics, cell biology and clinical into the final year of my PhD. found myself struggling to decide phenotypes, which may lead to new I would like to take this opportunity between sessions as a 15 minute approaches in dementia research. to again thank both the Genetics walk between halls didn’t really While the extensive scientific Society and the Galton Institute for allow for session jumping! However, program was both fascinating and making this experience possible.

The first thing that struck me about this conference was its size; with a vast array of talk options on offer, four booklets worth, not to mention the 200,000 square feet of exhibition space which would host 1,700 posters over the course of the conference.

www.genetics.org.uk . 33 HEREDITY FIELDWORK GRANT REPORT 34

Fine-scale spatial variation in pathogen communities as a driver of host genetic diversity

Claire Armstrong . University of East Anglia

ow genetic diversity is generated northwards to Selvagens and Madeira, The Heredity fieldwork grant has Hand maintained in natural though MHC diversity has since enabled me to further explore the populations, and its evolutionary regenerated through gene conversion, differences between these two consequences, is a fundamental and genetic variation in the innate islands, to quantify the degree of question in population genetics. Toll-like receptor gene family has fine-scale spatial structuring in Pathogens play an important been maintained in the face of pathogen communities, and to role in the ecology and evolution genetic drift. We have found differing investigate the drivers of within- of their hosts, influencing host pathogen regimes across islands, and between-population patterns of population dynamics and range opening up the possibility of spatially genetic diversity. On Madeira, pipits distributions. The objective of our varied selection pressures and local are clustered into two coastal and research is to explore how spatial and adaptation to particular pathogen two high elevation populations. By temporal heterogeneity in pathogen communities. contrast, pipits are found across the communities drives patterns of Our initial investigation of pathogen majority of Porto Santo’s 42 square genetic variation in the immune infection across populations produced kilometres, in habitats ranging from system, through local adaptation and a particularly interesting result: with sand dunes, farms and heathland, fluctuating selection pressures. just under 50 km separating Madeira to hillside meadows, sheer cliffs and Our study species, Berthelot’s pipit from its nearest neighbour, Porto barren mountains. (Anthus berthelotii) is a small Santo, the two populations displayed We caught the birds in spring traps passerine endemic to the archipelagos markedly different infection levels, baited with mealworms, attracting of Madeira, Selvagens, and the Canary with a far greater prevalence of them to us with speakers and pipit Islands. Island species are ideal for malaria and avian pox on Porto Santo. calls, and by herding foraging studying evolutionary processes, with discrete populations and ecological conditions providing a natural The Heredity fieldwork grant has enabled me laboratory for investigating the effects of varied selection regimes. to further explore the differences between these Berthelot’s pipit has undergone two islands, to quantify the degree of fine-scale genetic bottlenecks and reduction of spatial structuring in pathogen communities, and neutral genetic variation both during its initial colonisation of the Canary to investigate the drivers of within- and between- Islands, and again when spreading population patterns of genetic diversity.

34 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 them to us with speakers and pipit calls, and by herding foraging pipits towards traps. We took blood and faecal samples, as well as morphological measurements such as wing length, weight, and bill dimensions, and occurrence of avian pox, which causes easily identifiable growths on the skin. In addition, we recorded sightings of poultry and other livestock, which could act as reservoirs of disease, and both natural and man-made standing water sources, that provide habitats for mosquito larvae. Whilst 28% of birds in Porto Santo displayed avian pox, this was absent in the birds sampled across Madeira. Analysis of blood and faecal samples will confirm whether this trend is also observed for malaria and gastrointestinal pathogens. GIS analysis of disease prevalence across Porto Santo will be used to assess whether fine-scale environmental and anthropogenic factors play a role in shaping pathogen community structure, and genotyping at Toll-like receptor loci will determine if pathogen infection heterogeneity is reflected in spatial structuring of genetic diversity. I would like to thank the Genetics Society for making this fieldwork possible, and my supervisors Prof David Richardson, Dr Richard Davies, and Dr Lewis Spurgin, for their support. I also would like to thank Dr Juan Carlos Illera for additional training for my fieldwork, and the Madeira Natural Park Service for providing accommodation on Porto Santo. Many thanks go to my field assistant and pipit photographer, Philip Lamb, for all his hard work contributing to my data. This work was carried out with the permission of the regional government of Madeira, under permits 03/2016 FAU-MAD and 4/PMN/2016 FAU- MAD. HEREDITY FIELDWORK GRANT REPORT

35

pipits towards traps. We took blood gastrointestinal pathogens. GIS Madeira Natural Park Service for and faecal samples, as well as analysis of disease prevalence across providing accommodation on Porto Trainingmorphological measurementsGrants such Porto Santo will be used to assess Santo. Many thanks go to my field as wing length, weight, and bill whether fine-scale environmental assistant and pipit photographer, dimensions, and occurrence of avian and anthropogenic factors play a Philip Lamb, for all his hard work pox, which causes easily identifiable role in shaping pathogen community contributing to my data. growths on the skin. In addition, structure, and genotyping at Toll- This work was carried out with we recorded sightings of poultry like receptor loci will determine if the permission of the regional and other livestock, which could act pathogen infection heterogeneity government of Madeira, under as reservoirs of disease, and both is reflected in spatial structuring of permits 03/2016 FAU-MAD and 4/ natural and man-made standing water genetic diversity. PMN/2016 FAU- MAD. sources, that provide habitats for I would like to thank the Genetics mosquito larvae. Society for making this fieldwork Whilst 28% of birds in Porto Santo possible, and my supervisors Prof displayed avian pox, this was absent David Richardson, Dr Richard Davies, in the birds sampled across Madeira. and Dr Lewis Spurgin, for their Analysis of blood and faecal samples support. I also would like to thank will confirm whether this trend Dr Juan Carlos Illera for additional is also observed for malaria and training for my fieldwork, and the

www.genetics.org.uk . 35 TRAINING GRANTS 36

Genetic Engineering of Mammalian Stem Cells Course

Anagha Krishna . University of Edinburgh

‘Genetic Engineering of The course started with an Some of the highlights included Mammalian Stem Cells’ ’s one of introduction on the use of various talks by Professor Austin Smith, the popular advanced courses held bioinformatics tools and resources Dr Jennifer Nichols and Dr Pentau ’t the Welcome Genome Campus in for detailed understanding of the Liu all of which provided insights Hinxton. The programme has been gene of interest. into the various aspects of stem running successfully over the years This was followed by detailed cell behaviour. Professor Nick providing interactive training on sessions on criterion for selection of Hastie’s talk on the role of WT1 in the latest cutting edge techniques in guide RNAs and vector construction development and cancer revealing the field of genome engineering. strategies for CRISPR/Cas9 the complexities of the intriguing The course is aimed at senior based HDR dependent targeting gene WT1 is particularly worth PhD students, post-docs and experiments. In addition, parallel mentioning. Furthermore Professor clinicians and this year a total of laboratory based sessions providing Martin Jinek’s talk on the structure 18 participants from all around hands on training in various aspects and mechanistic framework for the globe were chosen to attend. including: CRISPR/Cas9 based CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and The course module is very well targeting experiments in human iPS Flap annealing model by Professor structured and an informal setting cells, colony picking and archiving, Jacob Corn were really interesting. provides a very interactive learning forward genetic screening using Overall the course was a right environment. In addition to CRISPR/Cas9 were conducted. blend of laboratory- based training providing hands on experience for Furthermore recombineering based combined with seminars of understanding the technicalities, it approaches for targeting vector excellent calibre and an informal also includes lectures from some of construction, iPS cell generation set up particularly providing plenty the most distinguished speakers. and small intestinal organoid of opportunity for open discussions Given the ease and affordability culture were also included in the for gaining in-depth knowledge on of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and laboratory based module. the latest techniques in genome its applicability in a wide range of In addition to the laboratory based engineering. It was indeed a great biological applications, these RNA training, one of the highlights of learning experience and I would dependent nucleases have been the course was the series of talks like to thank the Genetics Society one of the most sought after tools by the invited speakers who are for awarding me the training grant for gene editing in the recent years pioneers in their own fields and it and I would also like to thank the and was also the main focus of this was indeed a privilege to be able organizers for all their effort in year’s training programme. to hear to all these distinguished putting together such a fantastic speakers in a single congregation. course.

The course is aimed at senior PhD students, post-docs and clinicians and this year a total of 18 participants from all around the globe were chosen to attend.

36 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 TRAINING GRANTS 37

Methodologies in statistical and quantitative genetics applied to psychiatry

Niamh Mullins . King’s College London

am a PhD student at the MRC loci associated with depression made this an unparalleled ISocial, Genetic and Developmental and other psychiatric disorders, training opportunity. Professor Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre at King’s a key challenge is to identify the Wray’s team comprises over 30 College London. My doctoral causal risk variants, which provide postdoctoral researchers, plus research focuses on investigating information on the biological research assistants and students in the genetic basis of major depressive pathways to mental illness. statistical genetics. disorder. I performed a comparison of three I enjoyed listening to cutting- This involves applying statistical new methods for the imputation edge science and the experience analysis methods to existing of gene expression from genotype of discussing my research with clinical datasets in depression, data: Transcriptome-wide leaders in the field. My visit to dissect the genetic and association study (Gusev et al., also gave me the opportunity to environmental aetiology of the Nat Genet, 2016), Summary-data- attend the annual meeting of the disorder. This year I spent three based Mendelian Randomization Behavioral Genetics Association, months visiting the laboratory (Zhu et al., Nat Genet, 2016) and which was held from 21st - 23rd of Professor Naomi Wray, who MetaXcan (Barbeira et al., bioRxiv, June in Brisbane. Overall, this is co-director of the Centre for 2016). These methods integrate secondment was highly beneficial Neurogenetics and Statistical genotype and gene expression data to my PhD training and I am very Genomics at the Queensland in a tissue of interest in a training grateful to the Genetics Society for Brain Institute, University of sample and use this information supporting me through their award Queensland. Professor Wray is to infer gene expression in an of a Training Grant. an international leader in the independent sample where GWAS development of methodologies summary statistics are available. in statistical and quantitative The ultimate goal is to prioritise genetics and their application to genetic variants that are likely to psychiatric disorders. be causal for functional follow-up During my visit I was trained in the studies. integration of omics data to further The world-class mentorship understand the biology of complex and resources available at the diseases. As GWAS identify risk Queensland Brain Institute

Professor Wray is an international leader in the development of methodologies in statistical and quantitative genetics and their application to psychiatric disorders.

www.genetics.org.uk . 37 Join the online debate

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

e have added another way to This prevents a lot of indiscriminate Wkeep in touch with society postings from online recruiters that and your colleagues by creating a have affected some of the Genetics Genetics Society group on LinkedIn. related groups. As a member of the In order to ensure that all content LinkedIn group you will be updated on that group is meaningful to you, on our activities but you can also we have set this up as a moderated comment and add you own events. group. This means that when you If you are not already on LinkedIn join the group this needs to be please consider joining. Especially formally approved, but as long as we young scientists hunting for a job can see you are active in a genetics outside academia do well to build up related area this is not a problem. their profile on LinkedIn. 39 SUMMER STUDENTSHIP REPORTS

To grow or not to grow: The function of receptors in germination and seedling establishment

Student David Rapley . Supervisor Dr Lisa Smith, University of Sheffield

he maintenance of seed response by activating negative mannitol (creating osmotic stress) Tdormancy under unfavourable regulators of ABA signalling. or NaCl (creating salinity stress). environmental conditions and To shed further light on the role Seeds were then grown and scored initiation of germination under of CrRLK1Ls in ABA signalling, I for their level of root and cotyledon favourable conditions is crucial for studied three other members of this emergence. plant survival, and the eventual subfamily of receptors. CrRLK1L Under each concentration of production of its own seeds. knockout lines for single mutants, ABA and under osmotic and The plant growth regulator abscisic double mutants and a triple mutant salt concentrations, double and acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in were confirmed by genotyping. This triple mutants had lower rates the induction and maintenance of project focused on the role of these of cotyledon emergence than seed dormancy and in the inhibition receptors in: (1) seed germination single mutants and wildtype. My of seed germination and seedling and seedling establishment in experiments confirmed previous establishment. ABA is produced response to different concentrations results to show that seedling in the seed embryo in response to of ABA, osmotic stresses and establishment is inhibited at lower environmental stresses such as salinity stresses, (2) the expression ABA concentrations in the mutants drought and high soil salinity. Seeds of putative core ABA downstream than when these receptors are respond to these environmental genes during seed germination and present. Since at least two genes stresses via the activity of cell seedling establishment in response had to be knocked out to observe membrane-localized receptors. Some to ABA and (3) drought tolerance of this effect, these genes may have of these receptors belonging to the older plants. functional redundancy where one Catharanthus roseus receptor-like 1. To investigate the role of these gene may take the place of the kinase 1-like (CrRLK1L) subfamily, receptors in seed germination other that is knocked out. This of which there are 17 members in and seedling establishment in suggests that these receptors may the model plant Arabidopsis. These response to different concentrations be important in suppressing the CrRLK1L receptors are proposed of ABA, osmotic stresses and sensitivity of seeds to the arrest in to have a role in responses to biotic salinity stresses, seeds from each seedling development caused by the and abiotic stresses. One CrRLK1L genotype were sown onto solid ABA response. member in particular, FERONIA, growth medium supplemented 2. To investigate the potential has been shown to suppress the ABA with concentrations of either ABA, position of these receptors in

ABA is known to induce stomatal closure, reduce water loss and confer drought tolerance. Future studies that image stomatal aperture could be used to test this hypothesis.

www.genetics.org.uk . 39 SUMMER STUDENTSHIP REPORTS 40

the ABA signalling pathway, I Future studies on gene expression In summary, double and triple did a literature review of the of all genotypes under different mutants exhibit lower germination ABA signalling pathway and concentrations of ABA and at and seedling establishment under bioinformatic analysis to identify different seedling establishment ABA, osmotic and salinity stresses. genes that are upregulated growth stages would help uncover Some mutants appear to have higher during seed germination and the role of these receptors. drought tolerance. More germination seedling establishment. Potential 3. To investigate the role of these and drought assays are required downstream components of the receptors in drought tolerance, each to increase statistical confidence ABA signalling pathway included genotype was grown in pots for and further gene expression ABI5 and genes such as PGIP1/2, three weeks until well established studies are required to develop our Em1, WRKY2 and ABF1. RT-qPCR and then deprived of water. When understanding of the roles of these compared the expression level of rewatered, the highest survival receptor-like kinases. these genes between wildtype and rate was found for plants that lack I would like to thank the Genetics mutant seedlings grown on ABA. these receptors. It is possible that Society for funding my summer No upregulation of these candidate without these receptors, which have studentship project and my genes was seen at the single time a putative role in suppressing the supervisors Dr Lisa Smith and point selected. Surprisingly, other ABA response, there is a greater Sergio Galindo-Trigo for teaching me CrRLK1L receptors were also ABA signalling response to drought a vast array of skills in molecular not upregulated in the mutant, stress. ABA is known to induce biology through our pursuit of the suggesting that there may not be stomatal closure, reduce water loss mysteries of seed germination cues, functional compensation between and confer drought tolerance. Future for which I am hugely grateful. the receptors at the level of gene studies that image stomatal aperture expression in response to ABA. could be used to test this hypothesis.

Investigating the expression dynamics of various Hox gene homologues during embryogenesis of the beetle Tribolium castaneum

Student Blake Perkins . Supervisor Dr Andrew Peel and Dr Rahul Sharma . the University of Leeds

ribolium castaneum, the The anterior-posterior axis of undergoes simultaneous patterning Tred flour beetle, is a genetic Drospohila is determined by, amongst of all segments within a syncytium, model organism that is growing in other things, a concentration known as long-germ development. interest for research, particularly gradient of Bicoid mRNA, a unique Tribolium is considered to undergo within the field of evolutionary feature of cyclorrhaphan flies short-germ development, where developmental biology. This insect is within the dipteran phyla. Tribolium segments are developed sequentially holometabulous, and so has a 4-stage anterior-posterior axis patterning on in a cellularised environment. life cycle including egg, larvae, pupa, the other hand depends to a greater This coleopteran shares this trait and adult, like the more commonly extent on Wnt-signalling, which with many other insects, including studied Drosophila melanogaster. appears to be the ancestral condition some orthoptera (grasshoppers) Tribolium has many advantages for insects, as well as organisms, and is similar to the development of over this other model organism including vertebrates. other organisms such as vertebrates, for evolutionary research due to Another developmental difference where somites, mesoderm tissue in conserved developmental pathways: is segmental extension. Drosophila early development, form sequentially

40 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 down the body axis and derive the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. This procephalon. This segment has no segmented internal vertebrae. The catalyses a reaction to produce appendages, but ancestrally formed genes controlling the identity of a stain colour. DIG probes are a second pair of antennae, shown animal body segments are part of associated with a strong blue stain, in crustaceans. Dfd was expressed the homeotic complex. These Hox whereas FITC produces a red stain, in mandibular and maxillary genes are expressed in temporal often weaker so needing a longer segments. Mxp was shown in a progression along the anterior staining period. The number of single in-situ to also highlight posterior axis. These then signal endogenous RNA transcripts, as these segments, with the strongest the identity and formation of the well as the concentration of the signal from the outer edges of these head, thoracic and abdominal and probe causes differences in signal segments. These genes may function the appendages that define these strengths. For some genes, the DIG together to form normal appendages segments. The genes themselves probes were known to stain in a fast in this region. Cx is expressed in the are found across metazoans, with reaction, with strong colouration, labial segment, with a slight overlap the cluster widely conserved across and consequently were chosen into the posterior of the maxillary animals. Tribolium has eight Hox over FITC probes for the same segment. Ptl is expressed from T1 genes: Labial (Lab), Deformed (Dfd), gene during the double in-situ down the length of the embryo. Maxillopedia (Mxp), Cephalothorax experiments. Utx is expressed in regions A1 to (Cx), Prothoraxless (Ptl), The Hox complex of Tribolium is A8. As the expressions of this gene Ultrathoraxless (Utx), Abdominal-A complete, unlike Drosophila, which and Ptl overlap, two double in-situ (Abd-A), and Abdominal-B (Abd- B). the complex is divided into two; experiments were undertaken to These genes are found in this order the Antennapedia complex (ANTC) show both DIG and FITC dyes for in the genome, and act sequentially and Bithorax complex (BXC). This each, particularly as DIG produces to determine the identity of the ten suggests the beetle has retained the a stronger and produce easier to segments of the developing embryo. complete ancestral Hox complex, observe signal. Abd-A showed The greater studied Drosophila which is also seen in vertebrates. expression from the base of A1 has homologues of the Tribolium Three major segments make up down the embryo to A9. Although Hox genes; Proboscipedia is the the beetle; the gnathal, thoracic, in-situ analysis could not be carried homologue of Mxp, Sex Combs and abdominal. The gnathal region out for Abd-B, this is known to be Reduced of Cx, Antennapedia of Ptl, itself is made up of three segments: expressed in the post-abdomen, in and Ultrabithorax of Utx. mandibular, maxillary, and labial. A10. This study used RNA probes of The thoracic region is constituted of The double in situ analysis also these Hox genes to visualise their the prothoracic (T1), mesothoracic allowed insight into the temporal relative domains of expression (T2), and metathoracic (T3) order of Hox gene expression. via in-situ analysis. Double in-situ segments. Figure 1 shows the Although thought to be temporally analysis then allows inference staining and expression pattern colinear, and express sequentially into the timing of gene expression of each gene down the developing along the HOMC, the results show and the sequence in which this embryo. Lab was expressed in an early expression of Dfd in the occurs. Unfortunately the probes the late forming intercalary blastoderm stage of embryogenesis, for Abd-B were not successfully segment, found at the base of the before Lab, the Hox gene upstream produced, and Mxp did not produce results within the timespan of the placement, therefore the expression Variations between the embryos, the stage of these were not observed in double in-situ embryos. For the of development, and the number studied analysis digoxigenin (DIG) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) meant that for many genes the temporal labelled probes were used. To these order, as well as the region of expression, probes particular antibodies are bound, which are attached to the could not be established accurately. SUMMER STUDENTSHIP REPORTS 42

in the cluster. Cx is shown to be IMapping thank my supervisors the Dr Andrewfrequency Peel and Dr Rahul of Sharmathe atpresence the University of Leeds for expressed in the early extension of allowing me to work on this project and giving their time to demonstrate the practical the germband stage of the embryo, methodsof isodisomy needed, as well as aidingof chromosome me throughout the placement. 21 I alsoin thank the Genetics significantly after Dfd expression Society for granting the studentship and funding, permitting me to engage in the placement. It appears. Ptl is also expressed during waspatients an insightful andwith educational Down experience Syndrome into a developmental laboratory, and early germband extension, but possibilities for my future career. distinguishing timing between the Student Dominika Raffajová activation of this gene and Cx would Supervisor Ján Chandoga and Róbert Petrovic, Comenius University require larger numbers of strongly A C E stained embryos. The double in- Ma situs of Ptl and Utx display clear expression of Ptl before Utx, which ppin is activated in the later stages of g germband extension when segments the A1-A8 have been formed. Lack of freq early stage embryos for Utx and uen Abd-A analysis prevented temporal analysis between these genes. cy Variations between the embryos, of the the stage of development, and the D F number studied meant that for pres many genes the temporal order, as enc well as the region of expression, e of could not be established accurately. This would require repeats, isod further experimentation, and the iso development of new probes, which my was not possible in the eight-week of timeframe of the placement. chro I thank my supervisors Dr Andrew B mos Peel and Dr Rahul Sharma at the University of Leeds for allowing ome 21 in patients with Down Syndrome me to work on this project and niparental disomy is a result have children with DS. Buccal swabs giving their time to demonstrate Uof no less than two errors together with informed consent and the practical methods needed, Student:happening Dominika during meiosis. Raffajová This is a questionnaire regards the mental and as well as aiding me throughout Supervisors:form of non-??Mendelian Ján Chandoga inheritance, & Róbert Petrovič, physical Comenius health University of children were the placement. I also thank the at which an individual inherits two collected. Isolation of DNA followed Genetics Society for granting the copies Uniparentalof a chromosome disomy from is aonly result of noby less quantitative-fluorescence than two errors happening PCR andduring meiosis. studentship and funding, permitting Thisone isof athe form parents of non and-­‐Mendelian is missing inheritance, a capillary at which electrophoresis an individual was inherits done twoin copies of a me to engage in the placement. It chromosomecopy from the from other only parent. one When of the parentslaboratory and is missing to analyze a copy six markers from the on other parent. was an insightful and educational Whenthese chromosomes these chromosomes descend fromdescend fromlonger the armone of chromosome chromosome of21. the parent this is experience into a developmental regarded as isodisomy. Last year I found out that one patient with Down Syndrome (DS) had the one chromosome of the parent We hypothesized as to the fact laboratory, and possibilities for my onethis isof regarded his chromosomes as isodisomy. partially Last isodisomic. To investigate the occurrence of this future career. isodisomy could be present in cases interestingyear I found phenomenon out that one wepatient performed with analysiswhere the of 20 maternal families, age that has have not yet children with DS. BuccalDown Syndromeswabs together (DS) had with one informed of his consentreached and the questionnaire critical point,(<35) regards where the mental and physicalchromosomes health partially of children isodisomic. were collected.the riskIsolation for DS of is DNAaccelerated, followed together by quantitative -­‐ fluorescenceTo investigate PCR the occurrenceand capillary of electrophorewithsis possible was donecorrelation in laboratory for some to analyze six markersthis interesting on longer phenomenon arm of chromosome we 21.of the phenotypic variability (such performed analysis of 20 families, that as congenital heart disease, level

42 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 SUMMER STUDENTSHIP REPORTS 43

Over the 20 patients we had seen different types of trisomy 21. The presence of isodisomy in the first patient has yet not been seen in other patients or any published data. We seen the correlation of presence of trisomic marker on 21q22 and clinical features of DS as was previously shown in published data.

of communication, celiac disease location compared to other locations as patients or any published data. We prevalence) present in patients with this can possibly hint at explanation, seen the correlation of presence of DS as the phenotypic expression in why this patient does not have clinical trisomic marker on 21q22 and clinical DS is very variable, as uniparental features of DS. There were 4 cases features of DS as was previously disomy is known to have effect in where one or two markers did not copy shown in published data. Four cases chromosome 15 regards Prader-Willi maternal pattern as other markers of partial isodisomy of DS patients syndrome or Angelman syndrome. did, as the difference was bigger than 3 is interesting phenomenon as these In this project we had 20 families in nucleotides, we can remove the option children have different maternal and which parental age at birth of child of just error during electrophoresis. In paternal age at birth (23-??40 and with DS was 22-40 and 23-46 for mothers first patient it was marker nearest the 24-??34 respectively) and no clear and fathers respectively. In all 20 centromere, for second it was marker association in clinical features as children (12 girls, 8 boys) the trisomic closest to the telomere, third patient some have congenital heart disease chromosome was of maternal origin. had possible isodisomic marker in the or problems with thyroid gland but In one case the timing of meiosis middle of long arm. The fourth patient others do not, same can be seen for error was in meiosis II (maternal and had two middle markers on 21q21.3 their communication skills and thus paternal age at birth was 36 and 44 and 21q22.13 not copying maternal mental retardation. There is yet no respectively), in 19 cases it was meiosis pattern as other four did. This might clear link between variability of I. The only case of “bigger” isodisomy be result of SNP however; it is highly phenotypic expression and genetic (4+ markers) was the first patient. 14 improbable that the SNP would cause basis of trisomy 21, so further studies children had regular trisomy 21. one shift to the same allelic variant as first with bigger sample size are needed to patient with no clinical signs of DS maternal chromosome. address this issue. was previously diagnosed with 6% Coeliac disease testing was done I would like to thank the Genetics mosaics, maternal and paternal age at using real-??time PCR as DS patients Society for their support. Summer birth was 28 and 32 respectively. are more susceptible to have coeliac Studentship is an amazing opportunity This was confirmed by MLPA analysis, disease as opposed to healthy for students as I can tell from my however due to such small percentage population. Testing of 4 DS patients personal experience as it gave me so of trisomic cells in the sample it was that have coeliac disease confirmed much, both the practical laboratory hard to estimate the actual percentage the genetic variant only for HLA- experience and the student workshop of affected cells during this project. DQ2 allele in one patient, however afterwards. Most importantly previously linked none of the patients had HLA-DQ8 or I hope this will continue for the years marker on chromosome 21 that is HLA-DRB4. to follow as more future scientists will mostly responsible for DS phenotypic Over the 20 patients we had seen have possibility of having this great expression is on 21q22, however this different types of trisomy 21. The opportunity as I did. patient had such small amounts presence of isodisomy in the first of cells containing markers at this patient has yet not been seen in other

www.genetics.org.uk . 43

Wormageddon: studying nematode-killing oomycetes naturally infecting C. elegans.

Student: Harriet Oliver Supervisor: Dr Michalis Barkoulas, Imperial College London

Oomycetes are fungal-like eukaryotes capable of infecting a wide range of organisms: Phytophthora infestans, pathogen of potatoes and other solanaceous crops, is famous for causing the Great Irish Famine of the 19th century; Saprolegnia parasitica infects fish such as salmon and trout species; Pythium insidiosum is an (often fatal) pathogen of mammals – humans, dogs and horses in particular. Oomycetes are thus a source of huge agricultural and economic burden.

Caenorhabditis elegans provides a powerful genetic model organism for investigating pathogen interactions with their animal hosts. In addition to its short (3 day) life-cycle and small (~1mm adult) size, which allow for ease of handling and rapid experimentation in the SUMMER STUDENTSHIP REPORTSlab, this nematode is purported to carry homologues of many human genes, whilst pathogen infection can occur through multiple different mechanisms: mostly intestinal via ingestion or epidermal via cuticle penetration. 44 This project focused on a newly identified natural pathogen of C. elegans, the oomycete Myzocytiopsis humicola. Using a novel model of infection, M. humicola infects healthy worms via attachment and penetration of the cuticle, leading to the characteristic formation of sporangia within the body of the worm (figure 1) and eventual worm death. Previous Wormageddon:infection assays studying conducted within thenematode-killing lab had suggested that the expression of a novel family of CHItinase-Like (chil) genes, which are orthologues of members of the chitinase gene family and thought to be involved in the innate immune response, is induced upon infection oomycetes ofnaturally C. elegans by this pathogen.infecting Moreover, some C. preliminary elegans evidence indicated that the induction of these genes might be an outcome of pathogen detection rather than host infection Student Harriet Oliver . Supervisorper se. Dr Michalis Barkoulas, Imperial College London

omycetes are fungal-like Oeukaryotes capable of infecting a wide range of organisms: Phytophthora infestans, pathogen of potatoes and other solanaceous crops, is famous for causing the Great Irish Famine of the 19th century; Saprolegnia parasitica infects fish such as salmon and trout species; Pythium insidiosum is an (often fatal) pathogen of mammals – humans, dogs and horses Figur e 1. Comparison of a healthy worm (a) to a worm infected with M . humicola sporangia (b). in particular. Oomycetes are thus Figure 1. Comparison of a healthy worm (a) to a worm infected with a source of huge agricultural andDuring thisM. project, humicola the sporangia observed (b). level of transcriptional upregulation of chil genes in infected economic burden. worms was compared to worms treated with oomycete extract (a filtered solution of infected Caenorhabditis elegans providesworms a containinghad suggested no infectious that the expression spores). The premiseupregulation of these between experiments infection was to discern powerful genetic model organismwhether oomyceteof a novel extract family ofis CHItinase-Likesufficient in stimulating and extract the transcriptional is desirable: extract upregulation of chil for investigating pathogen genes, or (chil)whether genes, this which can are only orthologues be achieved treatment via direct is an infection easier, more with the pathogen. interactions with their animalComparable hosts. of membersupregulation of the between chitinase infection gene andefficient extract meansis desirable: of inducing extract the treatment is an In addition to its short (3 day) easier,life- morefamily efficient and thought means toof be inducing involved the expressionexpression of of these these genesgenes necessarynecessary for their cycle and small (~1mm adult) furthersize, investigation,in the innate including immune viaresponse, genetic is screens.for their further investigation, which allow for ease of handling induced upon infection of C. elegans including via genetic screens. and rapid experimentation in the by this pathogen. Moreover, some Adult nematodes were either lab, this nematode is purported to preliminary evidence indicated exposed to oomycete extract, carry homologues of many human that the induction of these genes infected by the addition of pathogen genes, whilst pathogen infection can might be an outcome of pathogen (dead worms infected with oomycete occur through multiple different detection rather than host infection sporangia) or left untreated for use mechanisms: mostly intestinal via per se. as the control. RNAs were isolated ingestion or epidermal via cuticle During this project, the observed 24 hours after initial exposure and penetration. level of transcriptional upregulation converted to cDNA. Each cDNA This project focused on a newly of chil genes in infected worms was amplified using primers identified natural pathogen of C. was compared to worms treated specific to chil genes 1, 4, 9, 12, elegans, the oomycete Myzocytiopsis with oomycete extract (a filtered 18 and 27 via qRT-PCR. With the humicola. Using a novel model solution of infected worms exceptions of chil-4 and chil-12, all of infection, M. humicola infects containing no infectious spores). showed significant transcriptional healthy worms via attachment and The premise of these experiments upregulation, relative to the penetration of the cuticle, leading was to discern whether oomycete housekeeping gene pmp-3, upon to the characteristic formation extract is sufficient in stimulating both infection and extract exposure. of sporangia within the body of the transcriptional upregulation These results suggest that oomycete the worm (figure 1) and eventual of chil genes, or whether this can extract is a viable means of worm death. Previous infection only be achieved via direct infection inducing chil gene expression. assays conducted within the lab with the pathogen. Comparable

44 . GENETICS SOCIETY NEWS . ISSUE 76 SUMMER STUDENTSHIP REPORTS 45

This placement has been an incredibly Optogenetic testing of stimulating and truly enjoyable experience that roles of modulatory neurons in behavioural has cemented my desire to pursue post-graduate odour discrimination in study upon completion of my degree. larval Drosophila

Student Marcella Montagnese Previous RNAi experiments apparent cross-regulation was conducted within the lab had shown observed between chil-4 and each of Supervisor that knocking down the expression chil-9, chil-18 and chil-27; and also Dr. Liria Masuda-Nakagawa, of chil-28 greatly increased the between chil- 18 and chil-27. These University of Cambridge susceptibility of C. elegans to M. results suggest a complex interplay humicola infection. Subsequent between members of the chil Introduction fusion of chil-28 to a GFP reporter family during the innate immune I worked with Dr. Liria Masuda- demonstrated high induction of response and provide a foundation Nakagawa on defining the chil-28 expression upon pathogen for further investigation into this behavioural roles of Drosophila infection. Interestingly, however, area. WormBase’s annotation of larval mushroom bodies (MBs) in chil-28 is currently annotated as a chil-28 as a pseudogene is based on sensory discrimination. The MBs pseudogene on WormBase, the C. the presence of a premature stop of insect brains are higher order elegans database, indicating that codon within its sequence which is centers, essential for learning it encodes no functional product. purported to prevent its translation and memory. The sensory input A potential explanation for this to a functional protein. To challenge area of the MBs, is functionally discrepancy between our observed this annotation and study the 3’ end comparable to sensory cortex, and data and the WormBase annotation of chil-28 transcripts, 3’ RLM- RACE a center for sensory discrimination. is that cross-regulation occurs was performed on RNA extracted Its circuitry has been previously between chil-28 and other genes: from infected worms at the 24-hour well defined in Drosophila larvae, knocking down chil-28 also reduces time point. The resulting products and it is innervated by a few the expression of another gene(s), were cloned and sequenced. These regulatory extrinsic neurons. One resulting in the more susceptible results provided evidence for the of them is a pair of octopaminergic phenotype. existence of a short splice form of (OA) neurons, that ramify widely To address this hypothesis, chil-28, indicating that chil-28 may in the calyx. Octopamine is a knockdown of chil genes 1, 4, 9, not be a pseudogene after all. neuromodulator involved in 18, 27 and 28 was performed via This placement has been an arousal and reward, functionally ingestion-mediated RNAi, which incredibly stimulating and truly equivalent to noradrenalin in the was achieved by feeding the worms enjoyable experience that has mammalian brain. The aim of on E. coli strains expressing double- cemented my desire to pursue post- this project was to understand the stranded RNAs that target the genes graduate study upon completion of role of octopaminergic neurons of interest. Following RNA isolation my degree. I whole- heartedly thank in regulating behavioural sensory and cDNA synthesis, potential Dr Michalis Barkoulas, Dr Michael discrimination, by testing whether cross-regulation between these Fasseas and all other members optogenetic activation of OA neurons different chil genes was investigated of the lab for their invaluable affected olfactory discrimination in using qRT-PCR – the cDNA of one guidance, support and patience over an associative learning test. chil gene was amplified with the the past eight weeks, as well as the primers of another and vice versa. Genetics Society for their generous Methods Unfortunately, crosses involving funding, without which none of this Third instar larvae, were conditioned chil-28 could not be performed as would have been possible. with fructose and one odor of a pair effective chil-28 qRT-PCR primers of either similar, or dissimilar odors. were not available. However, They were allowed to crawl freely

www.genetics.org.uk . 45 SUMMER STUDENTSHIP REPORTS 46

for 5 minutes, in the conditioning channelrhodopsin Chrimson to a Discussion and Conclusions phase. Larvae were transferred small subset of OA neurons. I did to a plate with only agarose, but this by using an “intersectional” Thanks to intersectional expression, this time there was a container approach that activated Chrimson the specificity of the neurons with the non-reinforced odour. transcription only in neurons where activated increased, while reducing Conditioning lasted 5 minutes again. expression of the GAL4 and LexA the probability of activating neurons After repeating conditioning twice, transcription factors overlapped. I with different functions. I found a the test phase consisted of placing then fed larvae with all-trans-retinal, significant difference in the learning larvae on an agarose plate where required for the Channelrhodopsin index between similar and dissimilar they could choose between either Chrimson to function (i.e. a light- odour pairs under Amber light odour. Conditioning was done in gated ion channel which, upon light (i.e. when there is activation of OA blue light for 5 minutes, after which stimulation, allows ions to flow neurons) for larvae kept in retinal I counted the larvae on the side of across the membrane). food at 21°C. Indicating that odour the reinforced odour, those on side discrimination is affected by OA A behavioural odour discrimination activation. However, underlying of the unreinforced odour, and those assay, previously developed in the in the neutral zone in the middle, learning ability (judged by learning lab, was used to measure the ability with dissimilar odor pairs) is not thus calculating their preference of larvae to learn to discriminate Index (PI). For Amber light I repeated affected. Therefore, I concluded structurally similar versus dissimilar that OA activation affects odour all steps, but additionally activated odors, where similarity was defined lighting during conditioning, while discrimination abilities in Drosophila by the known profile of olfactory larvae, without affecting ability the test phase remained with blue neuron responses to different odors. I lights only. I finally calculated the to learn. Therefore, modulation found that optogenetic activation of of odour discrimination circuitry Learning index (LI) with the PIs from OA neurons reduced learning index both odours: might be regulated by release of (LI) for the similar odour pair only, octopamine in the calyx of the MBs. 001 - 002 2 as a measure of learning suggesting that odour discrimination and discrimination abilities. is reduced by activation of OA neurons. This result suggests that Results OA neurons actively influence neural I used optogenetic techniques to transmission in the calyx, generating artificially activate OA neurons. changes in behavior. This was achieved by targeting the

Investigation of Metacyclic Variant Surface Glycoprotein Gene (VSG) expression site control in African trypanosomes using whole genome RNAi library screens

Student Selina Fecht . Supervisor Dr Gloria Rudenko, Imperial College of London

y Summer Studentship cycle, trypanosomes are adapted to of the tsetse fly. The trypanosomes Mwas spent in the Rudenko survive both within the bloodstream in the tsetse fly salivary gland are Lab, which studies the African of the mammalian host, as well the metacyclic lifecycle stage. T. trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei. as in the tsetse fly insect vector. A brucei encodes more than 1500 T. brucei is a single celled parasite dense Variant Surface Glycoprotein VSG genes, that are expressed from found in sub-Suharan Africa, (VSG) coat is present on the approximately 15 transcription where it is responsible for causing surface of the trypanosome in the units known as expression sites ‘sleeping sickness’ in humans, or mammalian bloodstream, and also on (ESs). In T. brucei in the mammalian ‘nagana’ in cattle. During its life trypanosomes in the salivary gland bloodstream, a single VSG gene is

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expressed at a time, transcribed by resistance gene inserted behind a into E. coli, validated and transfected RNA polymerase 1. In order to evade silenced metacyclic ES promoter. into bloodstream form T. brucei. the host mammalian immune system, In these cells RNAi can be induced The whole genome RNAi library bloodstream form trypanosomes are through the addition of tetracyclin, screen lead to the identification of 6 able to switch between expression of while puromycin selection can be primary candidate genes which need different VSGs allowing (temporary) used to screen for derepression of the to be further tested for their role in escape from host anti-VSG antibodies. repressed metacyclic ES promoters. silencing metacyclic ESs. In addition This VSG switching allows a chronic In trypanosomes where RNAi has to these genes, many other possible infection to be maintained. We would lead to knock down of a metacyclic candidates were identified that could like to to understand the genetic ES repression factor, the puromycin be further studied in the future. If mechanisms controlling this elaborate resistance gene would be expressed it is established that any of these strategy of antigenic variation. and the trypanosomes would become candidate genes are indeed involved The VSG genes expressed in the puromycin resistant. Therefore only in the repression of metacyclic ESs, bloodstream form and metacyclic life when the RNAi construct knocked further work will be required in cycle stage trypanosomes are located down a metacyclic ES repression order to fully characterise them and in distinct bloodstream or metacyclic factor leading to ES derepression, determine their mechanism of action. ESs, which are each only expressed would there be survival. This selection A repeat of the whole genome RNAi in the relevant life cycle stage. Some in the presence of whole genome library screen is being undertaken to of the mechanisms by which the RNAi was carried out at a range of validate the results. expression of bloodstream ESs is puromycin concentrations to vary the stringency of the selection pressure. My time spent in the Rudenko Lab controlled are known, including the was an invaluable experience. I role of chromatin remodellers and The surviving cells were harvested have gained insight into scientific histone chaperones. Less is known and their gDNA was extracted in methods and strategy. In addition, I about the regulation of metacyclic order to sequence and identify the have learnt about the importance of ESs, as only in the last few years has inserted RNAi fragments. Using working with others, having taken progress been made in generating this bioinformatic tools, candidate part in meetings with collaborators. life cycle stage in vitro. metacyclic ES silencing proteins were I was given the opportunity to apply The aim of my project was to study identified. These candidates included a wide range of techniques that I the regulation of metacyclic VSG ESs, hypothetical proteins, and telomere have been taught about, but may not using a whole genome RNAi library binding proteins amongst others. otherwise have had the chance to screen. In bloodstream form T. brucei In order to establish if any of these apply during my undergraduate study. one bloodstream form ES is expressed, candidates are indeed responsible for The Studentship has reinforced my and all metacyclic ESs are silenced by repression of metacyclic VSG ESs, desire to pursue a career in science, unknown repression factor/s. Prior they would need to be individually by giving me a chance to see how to my arrival in the lab, a T. brucei targeted by RNAi. We therefore research is carried out firsthand. whole genome RNAi library had been generated RNAi constructs using transfected into a bloodstream form suitably sized PCR amplified trypanosome cell line containing fragments of these genes cloned in the a construct with a puromycin sense and anti-sense direction. These RNAi plasmids were then transformed

The aim of my project was to study the regulation of metacyclic VSG ESs, using a whole genome RNAi library screen.

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Genome reduction and pathogenicity in bacteria

Student Michael Casey . Supervisor Dr John Welch, University of Cambridge

merging bacterial pathogens with 10 or more complete genomes testing for the adequacy of a Eare a major threat to human in the public RefSeq or Ensembl standard Brownian motion model of health. Bacteria can become human databases. The pathogenicity status genome-size evolution). pathogens either by switching from of each species was determined from The raw genome sizes are shown an existing non-human host, or by the literature, with pathogenicity in Figure 1, and the standardised a human commensal evolving an defined as the proven ability to cause differences in genome size between increase in virulence. In both cases, disease in vertebrates, with evidence the pathogen and non-pathogen an important weapon in predicting, of persistence in that lifestyle. species, had a clear skew in the preventing and treating these Restriction to vertebrates was due predicted direction (with pathogens infections is to identify the genomic to their adaptive immune response, having smaller genomes), and a changes that have allowed the and we excluded opportunistic t-test suggested that this would have bacteria to change their way of life. pathogens that cause disease only been highly unlikely under the null. There has existed anecdotal evidence in restricted circumstances, e.g. Therefore the association between that pathogens often have smaller immunocompromised patients. genome reduction and pathogenicity genomes, and fewer genes, than their Sampling across the entire bacterial was confirmed. This result continues closest non-pathogenic relatives, and phylogeny, our eventual dataset to be investigated by the group, with this has led to suggestions that small comprised 26 pairs, including several follow-up projects planned to genome size is an adaptation to the members of the bacterial phyla investigate the individual hypotheses pathogenic lifestyle. This project Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, for why this association exists. was to make use of the large number Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, I would like to thank my supervisor of bacterial genome sequences now Spirochaetes, and Tenericutes. Dr John Welch for guiding me publicly available to determine with For each sequenced genome, for each through this project and the a rigorous comparative approach if of our chosen species pairs, we then Cambridge Genetics Department there was an association between recorded genome size, and other for hosting me. Thanks also to the bacterial genome reduction and the properties of the genome that might Genetics Society for making this evolution of pathogenicity. help to identify the causes of genome project possible. The association was investigated reduction, namely indicators of through the assembly of closely relaxed purifying selection, such as related pathogen/non- pathogen GC content and an Index of genomic pairs, the genome sizes of which repetitiveness. We then inferred could be compared. Species pairs genealogies of the available genomes, were phylogenetically independent using common core genes. The (so that independent instances estimation of the genealogy was used of genome size evolution could to confirm the reciprocal monophyly be compared), and were chosen of the pathogen and non-pathogen according to predefined criteria, genomes, and to standardise the to avoid biases. To find pairs, we variance in a phylogenetically investigated all bacterial genera controlled comparative test (after

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Using WNT5A Expression to Characterize Development in the Human Gut

Student Nikita Telkar . Supervisor Professor Susan Lindsay, Newcastle University

he WNT signaling proteins transverse paraffin sections of throughout, from the oesophagus Thave long known to be vital in the embryo, a spatial distribution to the anus. Slight staining was regulating cell growth, proliferation profile of the protein was observed. also seen in the boundaries of the and differentiation. WNT5A in As the cells of the gut are subject to structures. Expression was also particular is involved in the non- a substantial amount of elongation observed in other organs, with canonical planar cell polarity before birth, the focus of the the cells of the lungs, heart, and (PCP) pathway, whereby it binds project was on the oesophagus, kidneys displaying noticeable to a Frizzled receptor, leading to stomach, intestines, and anus. 34 staining. Toluidine Blue was used downstream orientation, extension sections were stained, in 10 section as a counterstain, which stains or convergence, of cells during increments, to give a complete nuclei blue. As almost all tissues embryonic development. However, report of the expression pattern are exhibiting the presence of this even though the protein has been of the protein. The sections were protein, in key areas which are identified in humans, there had incubated overnight to ensure responsible for the growth of that been very limited information proper binding of the primary particular structure – combining available about the expression antibody. that with the known activity of the of the protein in human tissue. The layer showed heavy staining, WNT5A protein, it is highly likely Immunohistochemistry involves suggesting that the WNT5A that this protein indeed does play a using antibodies to detect the protein is present in abundance functional role in the proliferation presence and exact location of the here. The limited embryological and growth of tissues during protein of interest. This wet-and- anatomy recorded around this embryogenesis. dry-lab project involved tracking the stage suggests that this layer will Moving over the laboratory results expression of the most probably develop into the into a quantifiable format, this WNT5A protein in a Carnegie mucosal layer present in adults. expression pattern obtained on Stage 20 (50 Days-Post-Conception) The expectation that there would the sections was transferred onto human embryo, using an anti- be variable levels of intensity of the a digital model of a CS20 embryo WNT5A antibody. Performing expression in the layer was not met, that had been scanned by Optical immunohistochemistry in with the intensity being constant Projection Tomography (OTP).

ABA is known to induce stomatal closure, reduce water loss and confer drought tolerance. Future studies that image stomatal aperture could be used to test this hypothesis.

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Using the MAPaint software, the to be expressed – signifying onset of pattern was highlighted in the organogenesis and growth. Stages scanned embryo, on the computer, following CS20 could be studied to to give a digital representation observe whether the expression of the protein expression. The location changes over time and intensity of the expression was whether there is a downregulation marked by different colours, with of protein levels, indicating the blue being weak expression, yellow approximate necessary amount of being moderate, and red being the growth required before birth. This strongest. project was useful in providing the localisation of WNT5A protein Along with mapping the expression expression in a human embryo. into the digital CS20 model, Further research is necessary to MAPaint was also used to define understand the exact function and paint the entire gut tube to of the protein in human gut display the structure of the gut. development. The expression pattern was cross checked with the structure, to make I would like to thank the entire sure that the results were accurate. team at the HDBR Office at the Institute of Genetic Medicine A 3D movie was made by loading in Newcastle for supporting me the highlighted domains into the throughout my project, especially Amira software, to give a visual Professor Susan Lindsay and Dr. representation of the areas of Janet Kerwin. I would also like to expression. This interactive express my gratitude towards The software was utilised to photograph Genetics Society for providing me the WNT5A protein expression this opportunity to kick-start my pattern from several angles, to career as a research scientist by a elucidate a better understanding of considerable extent. the expression profile. Going forward, looking at stages preceding CS20, could give a timeframe when the protein begins

Along with mapping the expression into the digital CS20 model, MAPaint was also used to define and paint the entire gut tube to display the structure of the gut.

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Mechanisms regulating stomatal patterning in Arabidopsis thaliana

Student Thomas Davies . Supervisor Dr Stuart Casson, Univesity of Sheffield

ABA is known to induce stomatal closure, reduce water loss and confer drought tolerance. Future studies that image stomatal aperture could be used to test this hypothesis.

Introduction Aims and Methods of these genes. The second aim of the project was to determine thaliana is regulated by a well We approached the project from three separate angles, based on the whether plant hormones Auxin characterised intercellular and Abscisic acid (ABA) repress signalling pathway (referenced information regarding stomatal development in the literature. stomatal development over the here as the ERECTA/MAPK mid-vein. pathway) leading to a distribution The first aim was to track the of stomata across the whole of expression of different genes These two hormones are known the leaf epidermis. Interestingly involved in the ERECTA/MAPK repressors of stomatal development however, stomata never develop pathway. We tracked the expression and are transported in bulk in epidermal cells over the xylem of three genes; SPEECHLESS through the xylem mid-vein, and mid-vein (highlighted in figure 1), a (SPCH), TOO MANY MOUTHS so it was hypothesised that they phenomenon which also applies to (TMM) and EPIDERMAL could be repressing stomatal crop species wheat and rice. PATTERNING FACTOR 2 (EPF2), development in this region. Various hormone mutant lines were grown This phenomenon may occur to see if they were expressed in epidermal cells over the xylem on media, in addition to wild type to prevent excessive water loss, Col-0 lines grown on media with however the mechanism causing mid-vein. Transgenic lines, which had a GFP tag fused downstream of either excess hormone or hormone this phenotype remains unknown. inhibitors. After 10-14 days, first My project therefore aimed a promoter for one of these genes, were grown on media for 10-14 days. true leaves from each plant were to identify the mechanism(s) examined to see if there were any repressing stomatal development in After this time, first true leaves were examined down a fluorescent stomata developing over the mid- epidermal cells over the mid-vein of vein. the leaf. microscope to track the expression

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Along with mapping the expression into the digital CS20 model, MAPaint was also used to define and paint the entire gut tube to display the structure of Scanning electron micrograph of trichome: a leaf hair of thale cress the gut. (Arabidopsis thaliana), an unique structure that is made of a single cell.

The third and final aim of the carried out before any conclusions inhibiting stomata in mid-vein project was to try and identify any can be drawn. None of the hormone epidermal cells could be applied mutants with stomata over the mid- mutant lines, or wild type plants to generate more water efficient vein. This was the main component with altered endogenous hormone crops. of the project, which involved levels, showed any stomata over I would like to thank the Genetics mutants. The mutants were grown the mid-vein. This could imply Society for funding this project and on media for 10-14 days before that a mechanism which does not enabling me to attend the fantastic first true leaves were examined to involve these hormones may be summer studentship workshop, identify any stomata over the mid- repressing stomatal development in as well as to Stuart Casson for vein. Any mutants with the desired this region. Finally, 2 mutants were providing me with this project phenotype could then be isolated identified from the screen which and enabling me to work in his and analysed further. showed stomatal development over lab. Finally, I would like to thank the mid-vein of the leaf . James Rowe for supervising me Results and Discussion Future experiments will involve on the project, and to everyone in None of the GFP tagged lines characterising the mutated gene(s) both the Casson and Sorefan labs showed any fluorescence over the which are causing the phenotype for making this experience such an mid-vein region of the leaf, which in these two mutants, tracking enjoyable one! could imply that epidermal cells their expression and trying to in this region do not respond to understand a mechanism by the ERECTA/MAPK pathway. which these genes are involved in Only the proTMM:GFP line gave stomatal patterning. This work has any clear images of fluorescence 55 potential applications in crop elsewhere in the leaf however, species wheat and rice, as a better so more experiments need to be understanding of the mechanism

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

One-off Meeting Sponsorship

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

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

Review of applications 1) Members may make applications at any time visiting the following website: http://gensoc.fluidreview.com/ 2) The application will be circulated to the full committee for review. The review will cover suitability of the meeting for Genetics Society sponsorship and level of support requested. 3) The committee will be asked to respond within two weeks and the Society aims to respond to requests within four weeks.

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

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New Sectional Interest Groups

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

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

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

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New Sectional Interest Groups (continued)

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

Junior Scientist Grants

Purpose To support attendance at genetics research meetings by junior scientists. In this section, junior scientists are defined as graduate students and postdoctoral scientists within three 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 online (https://gensoc.myreviewroom.com) before the registration deadline of the meeting.

For meetings of our Sectional Interest Groups (e.g. 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.

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: Please visit the website https://gensoc.myreviewroom.com in time for one of the quarterly deadlines (1st day of February, May, August and November). The application must be accompanied by a supporting statement from the applicant’s supervisor or head of department, which must be uploaded via the online application form before the deadline.

Other conditions: 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.

www.genetics.org.uk . 55 GRANT SCHEMES 56

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: Applications should be made online via the Genetics Society Grants application site. Deadlines are bi-monthly (1 February, 1 April, 1 June, 1 August, 1 October and 1 December). To apply please visit the website https://gensoc.myreviewroom.com.

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

Heredity Fieldwork Grants Purpose To support field-based genetic research and training.

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

How to apply: Applications should be made online via the Genetics Society Grants application site. Deadlines are bi-monthly (1 February, 1 April, 1 June, 1 August, 1 October and 1 December). To apply please visit the website https://gensoc.myreviewroom.com.

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: Only one application from any research group will be admissible in any one year. Recipients of these grants will be asked to write a short report within two months of completion of the project that may be included in the newsletter. A maximum of one grant per individual per three years will be awarded.

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Genes and Development Summer Studentships

Purpose To support vacation research by undergraduate geneticists.

Grants of up to £2,350 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, and the student does not have to attend a UK university.

How to apply: there is one closing date of 31st March each year. 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. Both the PI and the student involved must be members of the Genetics Society.

The studentship will consist of an award of £200 per week for up to 8 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.

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: 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.

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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 at a Genetics Society Meeting by Specialist interests an internationally distinguished The Genetics Society was ­founded geneticist. Six specialist interest areas are in 1919 and is one of the world’s covered by ­elected Committee first societies ­devoted to the study The Society also awards the Genetics Members: Gene Structure, Function of the mechanisms of inheritance. Society Medal, the Mary Lyon Medal, and Regulation; Genomics; Cell & Famous founder ­members included Balfour Lecture and JBS Haldane Developmental Genetics; Applied William Bateson, JBS Haldane lecture on an annual basis. Winners and Quantitative Genetics; and AW Sutton. Membership is of the Genetics Society Medal and Evolutionary, Ecological and open to anyone with an interest in Balfour lectures present their lecture Population Genetics; Corporate genetical research or teaching, or at a Genetics Society Meeting. Genetics and Biotechnology. The in the practical breeding of plants International links Committee Members are ­responsible and ­animals. for ensuring that the various local The Society has many overseas and national ­meetings cover all Meetings members and maintains links with organisms within the broad spectrum The main annual event of the genetics societies in other ­countries of our members’ interests. Society is the Spring Meeting. This through the International Genetics has at least one major symposium Federation, the Federation of theme with invited speakers, and a European Genetics Societies and number of contributed papers and/ through the International Union of or poster sessions. Microbiological Societies. One day mini-symposia are held Publications during the year in ­different regions The Society publishes two so that members from different major international ­scientific ­catchment areas and specialist journals: Heredity, concerned with groups within the ­society can be ­cytogenetics, with ecological, informed about subjects of topical, evolutionary and ­bio-metrical local and specialist interest. Like genetics and also with plant and the spring ­symposia these include animal breeding; and Genes and papers both from local ­members Development, which is jointly and from invited speakers. One of owned with Cold Spring Harbor these meetings always takes place Laboratories and which is concerned in London in November. with ­molecular and ­developmental Medals and Lectures aspects of genetics. The Mendel Medal, named in honour A newsletter is sent out twice a year of the founder of modern genetics, to inform members about meetings, is usually given on alternative years symposia and other items of interest. GENERAL INFORMATION 59

Contacting the Genetics Society

Members and potential members can If you are interested in joining the Society, if you are a current contact the Genetics Society membership member and have any queries about your membership team in the following ways: subscription, or if you would like to advise us of a change By phone: of name, address or member 0203 793 7850 ship status, please contact the membership team. By email: [email protected] If you are looking for an easy way to manage your By post: membership payment and The Genetics Society, c/o The Royal Society of Biology, wish to set up an annual Direct Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, London, WC1N 2JU Debit, a simple form can be downloaded from the Genetics Society website at http://bit. ly/2aLRlOF. Please complete The Genetics Society offers a wide range and return the original to the membership team by of benefits to its members including: post at the address above. Postgraduate and full members • Access to generous grants paying by Direct Debit will receive a discount of £5 off their • Discounted rates for attendance at prestigious Genetics annual fee. Society meetings • A biannual newsletter via post • Free online access to the Society’s journal Heredity

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