Molecular Biology Techniques – Applications in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries

Upon completion of this functional genomics and cell biology course, you will:

• Develop an understanding of basic molecular biology principles involving DNA, RNA, proteins and epigenetic regulation
• Explain the scientific basis and applications of laboratory techniques, including PCR, RT-PCR, sequencing, cloning and nucleic acid analysis
• Describe how genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and biomarker technologies are applied in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research
• Interpret contemporary methodologies such as RNA interference, CRISPR gene editing, high-throughput screening and next-generation sequencing within applied research settings
• Recognize the role of bioinformatics methods and databases in analyzing molecular data
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and collaborators across research, development and technical operations

Principles of Molecular Biology Techniques

• Review of basic and advanced information on DNA, RNA, proteins, and epigenetics. Potential applications of molecular biology techniques in drug, pharmaceutical, and biomarker discovery will be introduced and revisited throughout the course

DNA Techniques

• Isolation and purification of DNA samples from cells and tissues, quantification procedures, restriction digestion and analysis, ligation of DNA to create recombinant molecules and “designer genes”
• Southern analysis: agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA transfer techniques, probe labeling methods, hybridization, interpretation of results

RNA Techniques

• Isolation and purification of RNA from cells and tissues, quantification and quality control procedures, and the control of ribonuclease
• Northern analysis: denaturing gel electrophoresis, RNA transfer techniques, probe labeling methods, hybridization and interpretation of results
• Nuclease Protection Assays (S1 Assay and RNase Protection Assay)
• Analysis of nuclear RNA

Genomic DNA Library Construction and Screening

• Cloning into viruses and bacteria
• Library screening methods and positive clone retrieval

Contemporary Applications of Biotechnology

• In situ hybridization and molecular diagnostics
• RNA Vaccines – the COVID-19 paradigm
• Trans-splicing
• Disease diagnosis
• Aptamer technology
• Biosimilars

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• How PCR Works
• Overview of primer design and nomenclature, multiplexing
• Real-Time PCR platforms (TaqMan Assay, SYBR Green Assay, and others)
• End-point PCR
• Digital PCR
• Managing PCR carryover 
• Long-range PCR and other PCR innovations
• Alternative amplification platforms

RT-PCR

• cDNA synthesis overview
• RT-PCR strategies
• Mapping transcriptional start sites
• Standard gene cloning, TA cloning, TOPO Cloning, and cDNA libraries

DNA Sequencing

• Next-generation sequencing (massively parallel sequencing, pyrosequencing, nanopore sequencing, and legacy sequencing platforms)
• RNA-seq: whole transcriptome sequencing
• Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) applications in drug discovery
• Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPS)

Bioinformatics

• Overview of bioinformatics methods, BLAST searches, standard tools and data bases, and essential vocabulary

Biomarkers

• Types of biomarkers
• Physiological biomarkers
• DNA, RNA, and protein biomarkers
• Circulating nucleic acids (CNA) as biomarkers
• Strategies for biomarker identification
• Biomarker issues

Proteomics Technologies

• Overview of proteomics, including mass spectrometry, Western analysis, 2D electrophoresis, recombinant protein purification methods, monoclonal antibodies, antibody arrays, and phage display
• Relationship to genomics and transcriptomics
• Production and purification of recombinant proteins

High Throughput Molecular Screening Methods

• Microarrays and Gene Chips
• Applications in drug discovery and development
• Non-array methods for new gene discovery

RNA Interference (RNAi)

• Fundamentals of RNAi and siRNA techniques and applications in modern-day drug discovery
• A MicroRNA (miRNA) as a regulator of gene expression and a molecular biomarkers

CRISPR Technology: Gene Editing 

• CRISPR process overview
• Applications
• Current challenges and future directions

Stem Cells

• Terminology and sources
• Current applications 
• Future potential

Applications of Biotechnology: A Few Success Stories

• Forensics and DNA fingerprinting
• Disease diagnosis
• Gene Therapy
• Agricultural biotechnology

"Course content was well laid out and presented in a logical and understandable manner. Course provided a very good starting point for further understanding of the topics presented. Excellent review of key techniques in molecular biology."

Nicole B., Senior Research Technologist, DRDC Suffield - Canada

"Very well organized. Very good use of time and the course director stayed right on schedule. Not rushed or too slow. Presented in a very motivating manner."

Efrain P., Scientist, Amgen

"This is an excellent foundation course for anyone who has worked in or considering working in molecular biology. I really enjoyed this course because it gave me a more thorough understanding of concepts and techniques I am already familiar with, as well as exposing me to newer, different concepts and techniques I did not know before."

Rae-Ann C., QA Document Control Specialist, Ashland, Inc.

"This is an EXCELLENT course! I strongly recommend it to health science professionals wish to learn about molecular biology techniques. The course director has done an excellent job in organizing the course material."

Theodore A., Professor, University of Central Florida

"Working as a scientist in R&D in a major pharmaceutical company, I found this training course most useful. We were given both theory and applicable molecular biology techniques from very general information to very detailed information in an easy, understandable format. The course director did a superb job at delivering this training course. I feel I can take many useful techniques and knowledge back to work to aid in troubleshooting, and I also feel more confident in engaging discussions."

Joanna C., Scientist, Sanofi-Aventis

"Very knowledgeable and engaging instructor. Very current knowledge! Extremely experienced, top notch facility as always."

Virginia J., Clinical Resource Analyst, Wyeth

"Worthwhile to travel half the globe to attend."

Jou Y., Doctor, Singhealth Services Pte. Ltd

"Fantastic course instructor. He was very knowledgeable, lots of industry experience very well informed and experienced with the newest technology. Easy to listen to, funny, great personality which made it fun and interesting, kind with questions asked. I'd love to take another class from him in the future."

Beth H., Senior Research Associate, Pioneer

"This was an excellent, comprehensive course. Teaching molecular biology from a techniques approach has greatly enhanced my understanding of application. The course director was an excellent instructor and his experience shines throughout the course."

Deirdre C., Medical Microbiologist / Professor, Calgary Lab Services / University of Calgary

"The course instructor was extremely knowledgeable and patient. He answered every question with great detail."

Sylvia B., Engineer, Abbott Molecular

"Great class! Basic Introduction to fundamentals and nice bridge to latest most up to date technology and detailed explanation of their principles."

Sharon V., Research Associate, Genentech

"This was exactly what I was looking for. Just enough of the basics to understand the techniques. The course director was excellent."

Jeannine K., Senior Supervisor, Biogen Idec