UV4Growth Training Workshop: A molecular toolkit for applied plant UV-B research

Within the framework of the UV4Growth COST Action, the lab of Dr. Ales Pecinka will organise UV4Growth school: A molecular toolkit for applied plant UV-B research.

The school will be focused on theoretical and practical demonstrations of molecular techniques useful in applied UV-B research and applicable to both model and non-model plant species.  We will present a gene expression analysis by quantitative PCR (a practical training from RNA isolation, through cDNA synthesis, to a quantitative PCR experiment). Theoretically we will introduce principles of gene expression analysis using high throughput sequencing. We will also provide a practical training on the detection of UV-B caused DNA damage by a T4 pyrimidine dimer glycosylase digestion and detection of UV-B induced cell death by staining with lactophenol trypan blue.

The school will be held from 5th to 7th February 2013 at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany and is planned for 10 attendees. A registration fee of 125 € per student will be charged (the money will be used for the purchase of chemicals and refreshments). UV4Growth will contribute up to 600 € per attendee (travel up to 400 € and 4 nights accommodation at 50 € per night). Students interested in joining the school should email to Ales Pecinka: pecinka@mpipz.mpg.de. Registration is open now, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those accepted for participation will receive a confirmation email, and an e-COST invitation.

Cologne can be easily reached by plane (several low cost airlines fly to the Cologne-Bonn airport) and train from many European cities. Detailed information on how to arrive at the institute will be sent directly to the attendees. Details about accommodation will be supplied later.