Training Course on Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics Applied to Insect Vector of Human Diseases

Important Dates:

Application Deadline: August 15, 2006
Notification of Participants: August 25, 2006
Deadline for Acceptance by Participants: August 31, 2006
Course Dates: October 2-13, 2006

Further Information:
Professor Worachart Sirawaraporn
Department of Biochemistry and Center for Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics (CBAG),
Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400
Tel.: 66-2-201-5605
Fax: 66-2-248-0375
Email: [email protected]

3rd Training Course on Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics Applied to Insect Vector of Human Diseases

Sponsored by UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)

Introduction:

The completion of a number of genomes of insect vectors that are of medical importance to human diseases has offered unprecedented opportunities for scientists to study vector-pathogen-host interactions, and understand the molecular basis of disease pathogenesis leading to drug/vaccine development against these diseases. Integration of advanced and high throughput gene expression analyses has accelerated identification of new antigens and new drug targets. The field of bioinformatics has been a major part of drug discovery, with a key role in validating drug targets. The training course on Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics applied to insect vector of human diseases is an initiative supported by UNICEF/UNDP World Bank/WHO-TDR. The objective is to introduce the participants to the current genomic information of insect vectors and to promote applications of bioinformatics and post-genomic tools in molecular entomology research.

About the training course:

This is an intensive 2-week course with lectures and hands-on computer sessions. The topics covered will be from basic molecular entomology to advanced genomic approaches used for the study of vector genomes and vector-host-pathogen interactions. Participants will be trained to use various existing bioinformatics and post-genomics tools to analyze genomic data. The course will consist of lectures in the morning followed by practical sessions in a computer laboratory in the afternoon. Computers will be made available to the participants throughout the course. Time will also be allocated in the evening to review and to follow-up the course contents. Selected participants will receive training materials and CDs containing course contents as well as freeware used in the course. Trainees will receive continued assistance and support from CBAG including future access to available resources.

Objectives of the course:

The objectives of this training course are: 1) to train individuals in the use of computational tools to retrieve and analyze genomes of vectors of medical importance; and 2) to develop a sustainable research network focused on the applications of bioinformatics and functional genomic approaches for the study of vectors and pathogens.

Eligibility:

PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and young faculty members at the beginning of their careers, who are active in entomological research and can demonstrate clear ability to use and apply bioinformatics and post-genomics tools for their future research, are highly encouraged to apply.

Criteria for Selection:

Fifteen applicants (preferentially from Asia and Southeast Asia) will be selected from the applications received, with the following selection criteria:

* Good biochemistry and molecular biology background
* Demonstrated computer skills and ability to use basic bioinformatics tools
* Fluent in English
* Involvement in entomological research preferentially insect vector(s) causing diseases of TDR portfolio (see http://www.who.int/tdr/ for more details)
* Availability of compute resources in home institution and ability to apply the training skills for research upon return to home country
* Available for the entire duration of the course

Course Contents:
Provisional course contents include:

* Introduction to Bioinformatics: tools and resources
* TDR-pathogens and vector genomes
* Molecular evolution studies of insect vectors causing human diseases
* Population genetics techniques and applications
* Functional genomics and molecular approaches to study insect-parasite interaction
* Insect genomic databases: tools for retrieval, evaluation and analyses
* Transcriptomes of insect vectors
* Sequence analysis and sequence annotation tools
* BLAST, alignments, molecular evolution and phylogenetic reconstruction
* Genome comparison, functional annotation and annotation tools
* Gene prediction and gene prediction tools
* Sequence alignments, molecular evolution and phylogenetic reconstruction
* Genome organization, genetic maps and physical maps
* Expression system and transposable elements in insect vectors
* DNA microarrays, applications for research on vectors, hosts and pathogens
* Proteomics and functional genomics of vectors and pathogens
* Transgenic vectors, transformation methodologies and potential applications
* Grants and funding opportunities

Course Website: http://www.ssi-tdr.net/cbag/Inter_Vector/2006/schdule.html

Application Procedure:

The applicants MUST complete the application form which is available at the course website. All applications MUST BE submitted ONLINE (paper application will not be accepted). The deadline for submitting the application is August 15, 2006. Two reference letters (scanned letters with letter-head and signatures) from supervisors and/or senior colleagues MUST BE sent via attached mail to [email protected] by August 15, 2006. The reference letters MUST indicate why strong supports are given to the applicant and also need to describe how the institution and the applicant would benefit from attending this course.

Venue of the training course:

Center for Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics (CBAG) and Center for Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases (CVVD), Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Fee:

There is no registration fee for the course. Selected applicants will be provided training materials, economy round-trip airfare, accommodation and food during the entire period of the training course.

No of Participants: Limited to only 15 participants

Course language: English