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Seq’ ing the Cure: Neuroscience Edition

By Heather B. Miller, Sabrina D. Robertson, Melissa C. Srougi

Seq’ ing the Cure: Neuroscience Edition


 

Abstract

This directed, interrupted case study is designed to introduce students to high-throughput sequencing technologies and cutting-edge methods of gene editing. The case offers students relevant, hands-on experience in manipulating large sequencing data sets for subsequent data analysis and interpretation as they pertain to a real-life medical condition. Students also gain an understanding of the pathophysiology for neurological conditions, namely, ALS, multiple sclerosis (MS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The case uses peer teaching activities in which students teach each other about next-generation sequencing (NGS) and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.  Additionally, group discussion is used to interpret clinical data and diagnose a patient’s condition. This case study is appropriate for students who have completed one to two years of introductory neuroscience, biology, or genetics courses. The case is closely related to “Seq’ing the Cure: Standard Edition.” Both cases share the same story and base set of questions, but the neuroscience edition has additional questions and material for a neuroscience focus and a research journal club discussion about the article on which the case is based (Kramer, N.J., et al., 2018, Nature Genetics, DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0070-7) (access to the article is not included and must be acquired separately).

   

Date Posted

11/24/2021

Overview

Objectives

  • Define high-throughput (HT) technologies.
  • Discuss the molecular mechanism of CRISPR/Cas9.
  • Summarize the pathophysiology of neurological disorders.
  • Analyze clinical data.
  • Utilize Microsoft Excel to analyze RNA-seq data and identify differentially expressed genes.
  • Evaluate biochemical pathways enriched in differentially expressed genes using bioinformatic tools.
  • Discuss how to interpret peer-reviewed high-throughput discovery scientific literature.
  • Compare familial versus sporadic ALS.
  • Summarize clinical features and diagnosis of ALS.
  • Describe genes that are associated with ALS.
  • Evaluate pros and cons of genetic testing in ALS.
  • Discuss cellular processes that are disrupted in ALS.
  • Discuss how FTD and ALS overlap from the clinical, pathological and genetic perspectives.

Keywords

RNA-seq; high-throughput; CRISPR-Cas9; next generation sequencing; data analysis; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; ALS; frontotemporal dementia; FTD; bioinformatics; neurological disorders;

  

Subject Headings

Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint, Excel

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed

 

 

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