RNA Transcriptomics

Rapid advances in genome analysis technology have opened up new and
exciting possibilities for studying the transcriptome and its function.

In particular, third generation, single molecule sequencing technologies
and single cell technologies, combined with perturbation tools, allow the
analysis of complete RNA species – both short and long – at high
resolution. In parallel, these tools have opened new ways in
understanding gene functions at the tissue, network and pathway level, as
well as detailed characterization of their function.

This exciting new course will provide hands-on training in advanced
laboratory and computational methodologies for the analysis of
transcriptomes, including long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs, along with
their post-transcriptional and epi-transcriptomic modification.

The programme will focus on new technologies for direct RNA sequencing,
and complete single molecule cDNA sequencing, single cell RNA sequencing
and the characterisation and analysis of non-coding RNAs (such as lncRNAs
and microRNAs). Analysis of the epi-transcriptome, including RNA
methylation and modification, will also be covered.

The practical programme will be complemented by distinguished guest
speakers, who will present the latest research in this fast-moving field,
along with opportunities for informal discussions.

The course will include laboratory and computational practical sessions, along with lectures and discussions, covering the following topics:

• Overview of single molecule long read sequencing technologies
• Full length total RNA sequencing
• Full length cDNA sequencing
• Small RNA sequencing
• Single cell transcriptome data generation and analysis
• Identification of post-transcriptional modifications in RNA (epi-transcriptomics)
• Functional assays for lncRNA biology
• Integration of microRNA and mRNA data; functional analysis of microRNAs
• Expression network and pathway integration and analysis

Learning Outcomes
After attending this course, participants should be able to:

• Evaluate advanced RNA transcriptomic analysis methodologies and their applications
• Appreciate different approaches currently in use to address specific research questions in the field
• Assess the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of different methodologies and approaches
• Integrate and apply the knowledge and training from the course to their own research interests

Course Instructors
Jiannis Ragoussis McGill University, Canada
Anton Enright University of Cambridge, UK
Francesca Buffa University of Oxford, UK
Alena Shkumatava Curie Institute, France
Martin Hemberg Wellcome Trust Sanger
Institute, UK

Guest Speakers
Artemis Hatzigeorgiou University of Thessaly, Greece
Michaela Frye Wellcome Trust-MRC Stem Cell Institute, UK
Claus Nerlov University of Oxford, UK
Donal O’Carroll University of Edinburgh, UK

Prerequisites
Applicants should be researchers or clinicians interested in applying
advanced laboratory and computational methodologies for the analysis of
transcriptomes, including long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs, as well as
their post-transcriptional and epi-transcriptomic modification. It is
suitable for PhD students working on a relevant project, postdoctoral
trainees and fellows, as well as early career researchers.

Applications
Applications
can be submitted online. Places are limited and will be awarded on
merit. If you have any problems with the online application process,
please contact
us.

Please note: Applications
must be supported by a
recommendation from a scientific or clinical
sponsor (e.g. supervisor,
line manager, or head of department). A
request for a supporting
statement will be sent to your nominated sponsor automatically during
the application process. Applicants must ensure that their sponsor
provides this supporting statement by the application deadline.
Applications without a supporting statement cannot be
considered.

Deadlines
Deadline for Applications: Closed

Travel visas
Please contact the
event organiser if you require a letter to support a travel visa
application to the UK. Note that letters will only be provided to confirmed attendees.

Non-European Economic Area or Swiss nationals may be required to have a
visa to enter the UK.
Early application is strongly advised, as this process can take 6-8 weeks
or longer.

Please visit the following websites for further information:
UK Border Agency website and information for general visitors and business
visitors.

Cost
The course is subsidised by the Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses
and Scientific Conferences Programme. This is a residential course and
the fee is £1110, including all accommodation and meals.
This subsidised fee is available to all non-commercial applicants. Please
contact us
for the commercial fee.

Bursaries
Advanced Courses are subsidised for non-commercial applicants from
anywhere in the world. Additional, limited bursaries are
available (up
to a 50% reduction of the course fee) and are awarded on merit. If you
would like to apply for a
bursary, please complete the bursary section
of the online application
form.

Please note that both the applicant
and sponsor are required to provide
a justification for the
bursary as part of the application.

Additional funding opportunities
Visit
our Funding webpage for additional funding opportunities currently
available.

Bursary terms and conditions

UK Courses (held at the Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton,
Cambridge)
A
limited number of bursaries are available for each course. These are
awarded by the selection committee according to merit. The bursary
covers a maximum of 50% of the course fee, though in exceptional
circumstances an application for the total course fee may be considered.
Where there are many bursary applications, the selection committee may
issue smaller amounts. We cannot assist with travel costs to attend UK
courses.

Bursaries can be applied for as part of the course application form.
Applicants
will be notified of a bursary award along with their place on
the
course, usually within one month of the application deadline. The
decision of the selection committee is
final.