NIIT UNIVERSITY A Short Term Course On Metagenomics Dissection of Microbial Biodiversity | September 2011

A Short Term Course
On
Metagenomics

Dissection of Microbial Biodiversity

(19th – 24th December, 2011)

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
NIIT UNIVERSITY
Neemrana, Rajasthan

Metagenomics - Dissection of Microbial Biodiversity

Metagenomics-Dissection of Microbial Biodiversity - an intensive hands-on training program imparts technical knowledge and working experience for biotechnologists, microbiologists and life science learners. Metagenomics offers a powerful lens in viewing the microbial world and has the potential to revolutionize the understanding of the entire living world. It applies the power of genomic analysis (the analysis of the entire DNA in an organism) to entire communities of microbes, bypassing the need to isolate and culture individual microbial species. This new science opens doors to a tremendous amount of scientific exploration.

This course will familiarize the learner with various techniques of molecular biology and biochemistry including enzyme kinetics and technology.

Contents:

1. Metagenomic DNA (mDNA) isolation from soil samples

Metagenomic DNA (multiple genomic DNAs) would be isolated from different soil samples, and then separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. mDNA would be analyzed for the presence of most prominent contaminant ie humic acid through spectrophotometrical analysis.

2. PCR amplification of mDNA

Isolated mDNA would be PCR amplified with 16S rRNA gene specific primers. Various parameters which may influence the PCR reaction would be standardized. Gel elution of the PCR amplicon would be performed to purify the gene of interest using low melting agarose.

3. Cloning of the gene into plasmid vectors

Purified gene fragment would be then ligated to the plasmid vector by DNA ligase. Ligated product would be checked by agarose gel electrophoresis.

4. Transformation of recombinant DNA into host using Gene Pulsar

The electrocompetent cells would be prepared and recombinant plasmid would be transformed into the host cells using electroporation. Primary selection of the clones would be done through alpha-complementation of lac operon.

5. Amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA)

Selected clones would be then screened for the presence of gene of interest using sequencing primers specific to vector DNA. The amplified product then will be subjected to restriction digestion to study the diversity prevailing in the cloned gene.

NIIT University

The 100-acre NIIT University campus is nestled in the Aravali range in Rajasthan, considered the oldest fold mountain range in the world. Cradled in the magnificent Aravali mountain range, the site offers possibilities for recreation and learning, restricted only by your enthusiasm. At present NIIT University houses the following departments: Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, Computer Science & Engineering and Educational Technology.

Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

Our mission is to create a pool of highly qualified and industry focused professionals who will meet the manpower requirements of companies, and help the Biotechnology & Bioinformatics industry in India reach a critical mass.

To achieve this mission, the department emphasizes developing biotechnological interventions in industrial processes to reduce pollution at source as well as biological interventions for end of the pipeline treatment, using natural and genetically modified microbes. Further, the traditional responses to the increasing demands for energy have mainly focused on fossil fuel and to some extent, renewable sources. Therefore, the work relates to providing green cover for arid/semi-arid/waste lands, creating employment for the rural society, as well as generating wealth from wastes. The research focuses on efficient conversion of biomass to bio-fuels e.g., biodiesel and bioethanol, leading to maximum self reliance- the corner stone of our energy security strategy.

Research in Bioinformatics at NIIT University would use state-of-art tools of Bioinformatics, Genomics & Proteomics and Biotechnology with the thrust areas being, Structural and Functional Genomics, Molecular Probes, Proteomics, Biomaterials Development, Pharmacogenomics, and Databases.

Objectives of the Department Training students and developing expertise in Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology at the Postgraduate and Ph.D. levels. Research & Development of various microbial and enzyme systems and developing Bioinformatics tools for pharmaceuticals. Transfer of knowledge through seminars, symposia and short-term refresher courses at National and international levels. Undertake industrial consultancy jobs to solve the specific problems of pharmaceutical and environmental industries.

Duration: 6 days

Course Fee: Rs 5,000/- (Course fee includes program fee, stay and food).

Note: Fee once deposited will not be refunded.

Who Should Attend? : Research scholars, Post graduate and under graduate in any biological stream.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2011

Brochure