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VIGS Training School for early stage European researchers

Monday 25th 2012 - Thursday 28th June 2012

Virus induced gene silencing in cereal and non-cereal plant species

Following the 1^st International Cereals VIGS Workshop in June 2011, Rothamsted Research received a lot of interest from different research laboratories in applying this reverse genetic tool (i.e. VIGS, Virus-induced gene silencing) for functional genomics in cereals. Therefore we are pleased to announce the Training School on "Virus induced gene silencing in cereal and non-cereal plant species" that will be held at Rothamsted Research from 25 to 28^th June 2012.

RNA gene silencing (or RNA interference [RNAi]) has been proven to be a very important molecular pathway for moderating gene expression in all organisms, including plants. Andrew Fire and Craig Mello shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on RNAi in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. Developments in RNAi technology have revolutionized Life science research. In the plant biology field, RNAi methodology is pivotal for the generation of plant resistance against virus infection as well as endogenous gene expression control for both reverse genetics studies (functional genomics field) in order to relate genes to phenotypes, and for use in the field of plant metabolic engineering.

There are various ways to induce plant RNAi; one of them being the use of virus vectors in a process named virus induced gene silencing (VIGS). Several plant viral genomes have been modified to produce VIGS vectors. These VIGS vectors carry genetic information for the induction of RNAi in plants. The use of VIGS methodology for RNAi has been demonstrated in several cases with spectacular phenotypes.

The Training School is supported by Andreas Voloudakis and Heribert Warzecha, chairs/leaders of the EU COST and it is a Trans COST activity aiming at early stage researchers (ESRs) from two COST Actions (FA0806 and FA1006). These ESRs will have the opportunity to acquire the most recent information in the area of VIGS technologies. The program of the Training School includes worldwide specialists in the area of VIGS application in plant sciences; training will be accomplished via lectures and hands-on practicals using well-established VIGS systems for cereal and non-cereal crops. The program of the four-day long, hands-on Training School is structured in sections to cover the themes of: 'Introduction to VIGS', 'Technical issues of VIGS', 'Design of VIGS experiments', and 'Issues related to VIGS application'.

Aims and objectives

›To train ESRs in the area of Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) by providing an up to date hands-on programme of experimental exercises
› To allow interaction of ESRs with experts/trainers in the field of VIGS
› To establish and strengthen the network among members of the two COST Actions

Fifteen scientists from 11 different European countries including UK will be trained by Dr Kostya Kanyuka, Dr Wing-Sham Lee and Prof. Steven R. Scofield (Purdue University, USA), a recognised leader in cereal VIGS. The programme also includes an opening lecture by Professor, FRS and Kt. David C. Baulcombe (Cambridge, UK), the scientist who discovered and established the main principles of gene silencing in plants, and invented VIGS.

Facilities

Participants will have access to the state of the art containment level 3 (CL3) facility in the Jenkinson building at Rothamsted, a BBSRC-funded development designed to support research with transgenic pathogens, including VIGS and related technologies. This self-contained area includes four walk-in growth rooms, a wet and dry laboratory, and a large general space for experimental purposes. The unit has a separate entrance fitted with an air shower, stepped negative air pressures to reach the growth rooms and robust drainage water, air filtration and waste sterilization systems. The facility was finally authorized for use at containment level 3 (CL3) in spring 2011.

For further information, please contact Dr Kostya Kanyuka.

› Provisional Programme
› The event on the COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) website