Introduction:
The recent completion of the Anopheles gambiae genome, and
genomes of other vectors of medical importance, have provided
unprecedented opportunities for scientists to study vector-pathogen
interactions that are central to disease pathogenesis and
treatment. With the integration of advanced and high throughput
gene expression technologies, the identification of new potential
antigens and drug targets will be accelerated for future strategies
to directly reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by vector-borne
diseases.
The Training Course on Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics
Applied to Insect Vectors of Human Diseases is part of the
activities of WHO/TDR
to strengthen the research capacity of scientists from disease-endemic
countries (DEC) and to develop their skills in exploiting
genome data of insect vectors, parasites and hosts through
the application of bioinformatics and post-genomics tools
in molecular entomology research. It is an R&D Research
Capability Strengthening (RCS-Plus) initiative, jointly supported
by the TDR Research Capacity Strengthening (RCS) unit and
the Molecular Entomology Committee (BCV)/Basic Strategic Research
(STR) unit, of which the main objective is to strengthen research
capability and to train young scientists from DEC on bioinformatics
and applications of current post-genomics tools in the study
of insect vectors of medical importance.
About the training course:
The training course will last for 2 weeks,
with lectures and hands-on demonstrations. Emphasis will be
placed on the current knowledge of molecular entomology and
genomic approaches to study vector-host-pathogen interactions,
and exploitation of computational tools and advanced cutting-edge
technology for the study vector genomes. The course will consist
of lectures and theoretical sessions in the morning and hands-on
sessions in a computer laboratory in the afternoon, with evening
sessions for follow-up and scripting exercises. Computers
will be provided for each participant during the course. The
selected participants will receive training materials and
documentation on main topics covered in the course. Participants
will be occasionally followed-up with respect to their achievements
from the training course upon return to home country, and
will receive assistance and support for future access of resources
available through the training center.
Objectives of the course:
The objectives of this training course are: 1) to train individuals
in the use of computational tools for searching and analyzing
genomes of vectors of medical importance; and 2) to develop
a sustainable research network focused on the applications
of bioinformatics and functional genomic approaches to study
vectors and pathogens.
Eligibility:
Advanced PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and young faculty
members at the beginning of their careers who are active in
entomological research, working on insect vectors causing diseases
of medical importance and have plans to apply bioinformatics
and post-genomics tools for their future research are highly
encouraged to apply for this course.
Criteria for Selection:
Twenty candidates will be selected from scientists in disease
endemic countries, with the following selection criteria:
- Good biochemistry and molecular biology background
- Demonstrated computer skills and use of basic bioinformatics
tools
- Fluent in English
- Involvement in entomological research preferentially insect
vector(s) causing diseases of TDR portfolio
- Provision of applying the training skills for research
in home institution
- Available for the entire duration of the course
Course Contents:
Provisional course outline and topics of the two-week training
course include:
- Introduction to Bioinformatics and computing network.
- Databases, database retrieval tools, statistics and data
evaluation, computational molecular biology.
- Overview of TDR-pathogens and vector genomes, fundamental
of genome/sequence analysis, introduction to EMBOSS Package
- Genome comparison, functional annotation and annotation
tools
- Gene prediction and gene prediction tools
- Sequence alignments, molecular evolution and phylogenetic
reconstruction
- Genes and genome organization of insect vectors, genetic
maps and physical maps
- Expression system and transposable elements in insect vectors
- Molecular biology of endosymbionts, pathogens and parasites
transmitted by insect vectors, insect vector-human host-microbe
interactions
- DNA microarrays, applications for research on vectors, hosts
and pathogens
- Proteomics and functional genomics analysis of vectors and
pathogens
- Transgenic vectors, transformation methodologies and potential
applications
Course Website:
bioinfo_vector2005
Application Procedure:
Applicants MUST complete the application form
which is available at http://www.ssi-tdr.net/cbag/Inter_vector/2005/applicationform.html.
All applications MUST BE submitted ONLINE
(paper application will not be accepted). The deadline for submitting
the application is November 1, 2004. Two reference letters (scanned
letters with letter-head and signatures) from supervisors and/or
senior colleagues MUST BE sent via attached
mail to paweena@ssi-tdr.net
by November 1, 2004.
Venue of the
training course:
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 20 participants
Course language: English
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: scwsr@mahidol.ac.th
Important Dates
:
Announcement of Course:
September 22, 2004
Application Deadline
:
CLOSED
Notification of Participants: November
15, 2004
Deadline for Acceptance
by Participants: November 19, 2004
Course Dates:
January 17-28, 2005 |
