Praktikum Practical course and Seminar Embryonic stem cells

Course Content: Participants in -Embryonic stem cells” obtain detailed knowledge of culturing embryonic stem cells and recent methods in the field of epigenetics. During the scope of the practical course participants are introduced to culturing embryonic stem cells and differentiation techniques such as the embryoid body formation. Moreover, they are introduced to -rescue assays” with knock-out cell lines, which involves genomic DNA preparation, bisulfite treatment and pyrosequencing. In addition, participants are introduced to tissue embedding, sectioning, antibody staining and confocal microscopy. During the course, the students will culture embryonic stem cells and perform a rescue assay. The rescue assay introduces students to transfection of ES cells, FACS sorting, genomic DNA isolation, bisulfite modification and pyrosequencing as a quantitative DNA methylation analysis. In addition, students will differentiate embryonic stem cells into embryoid body to visually follow differentiation processes by collecting samples, prepare them for cryosectioning followed by an antibody staining for pluripotency markers. A mandatory part of this course is an accompanying seminar, which entails the presentation of topics related to embryonic stem cells and epigenetics to support the practical course. Each student will have to present one topic. Emphasis is placed on hands-on practice with the techniques mentioned above and to specialized techniques. The lab entails 6 SWS, and requires a detailed lab report according to excellent scientific practice. Qualification goals: Students can apply theoretical and practical knowledge to approach biological questions in independent work. Students obtain skills for future lab work in the field of embryonic stem cells in particular in preparation for future lab work and master’s thesis. Students are well trained in good general lab practice, including standard safety procedures, precise handling of chemicals and instruments, conscientious documentation of lab procedures, and obtain skills in specialized techniques such embryonic stem cell culture, differentiation techniques, modern DNA methylation analysis as well as confocal microscopy. Students practice critical evaluation and interpretation of data as a basis for careful and relevant conclusions. In working in small lab groups (2 students), social skills (teamwork, cooperation, fair play, work delegation, mutual respect), communication skills (rapport with instructors and fellow students, presentations, written lab reports), as well as organizational skills (efficient planning, documentation) are refined. Students learn excellent scientific methods in written data presentation, including well-founded introduction to the topic, documentation, interpretation and discussion of the results. These skills are particularly aimed at preparing students for thesis writing and scientific publications. Meilinger, Daniela , Dr. LMU München WiSe 1617 Prof.Dr. Leonhardt Heinrich