Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection: Contemporary Research Approaches

12-18 May 2013

Wellcome Trust Genome Campus , Hinxton, Cambridge

Now closed for applications. To be kept updated on future course dates, please email us.

Course summary

This course will introduce participants to concepts and techniques used in studies on the molecular basis of bacterial infection and their interaction with the host, with an emphasis on contemporary high-throughput approaches.Several themes will run throughout providing a framework for bench experiments, demonstrations, supporting lectures and discussion groups. Core themes will include tissue-based assays, reporters, tissue culture, and microscopy (fluorescent and scanning/transmission electron microscopy).

Preliminary programme

Cell assays/reporters
Genetically engineered mouse cells will be harvested and stimulated with bacterial antigens. Gene expression will be monitored by fluorescence labelled LacZ expression in combination with cell surface phenotypic antibodies prior to analysis by flow cytometry to determine cell specific expression. Theoretical and practical aspects of FACS will be discussed.

Tissue-based assays
You will learn how to prepare infected mouse tissue for immuno-histochemical analysis. Work covered will include 3-colour immuno-staining and analysis using fluorescence and confocal microscopy.

Protein interaction assays
You will learn techniques to identify protein-protein interactions between the host and pathogen. Special attention will be given to screening for receptors of microbial adhesins and toxins using a library of extracellular host proteins.

Demonstrations
The course will be supported by the use of demonstrations including next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, the use of genome browsers, laser capture microscopy, FACS, electron microscopy, and BIOLOG. A demonstration of the use of a high-throughput imaging platform will take place.

Course organisers

Professor Gordon Dougan (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
Dr Rob Kingsley (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)

Invited lectures

The course will be supported by several external investigators who will work in the laboratory throughout the course and by international speakers of the highest calibre who will lecture on cutting-edge topics.

Guest speakers

Professor Jorge Galan (Yale University, USA)
Professor Bill Jacobs (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA)
Professor Linda Kenney (University of Illinois, Chicago, USA)
Professor Jose A. Chabalgoity (University of Uruguay)
Professor Howard C. Hang (The Rockefeller University, New York, USA)

How to apply

Prerequisites
Applicants should be postdoctoral scientists or senior PhD students engaged in relevant research. Applicants with molecular biology and/or some cell culture experience will be particularly welcome. Clinicians and biomedical/clinical scientists engaged in relevant research are also encouraged to apply.

Cost
The course is subsidised by The Wellcome Trust for scientists based in academic institutions from anywhere in the world. This is a residential course, without exception, and there is a fee of £795 towards board and lodging for non-commercial applicants. The fee for commercial applicants is £3700.

Bursaries
Limited bursaries are available for non-commercial applicants (50 per cent of fee) and are subject to open competition.

Deadlines
Now closed for applications.