From richard.bailey from ebc.uu.se Mon May 4 05:09:18 2009 From: richard.bailey from ebc.uu.se (Richard Bailey) Date: Mon May 4 07:56:57 2009 Subject: [Drosophila] Chromosome silencing Message-ID: <20090504120918.027ez1xog4kg8kc4@webmail6.uu.se> Dear all, I'm trying to find out if there is any way to inactivate all or part of one copy of a chromosome (any chromosome) in D. melanogaster. The idea is to make a chromosome (or part of it) hemizygous (as with the X chromosome in males) where it wouldn't normally be, so that all genes are expressed whether recessive or not. Many thanks for your time! Richard. Dr Richard Bailey Dept of Animal Ecology Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) Uppsala University Norbyv?gen 18 D SE-752 36 Uppsala SWEDEN Email: Richard.Bailey[AT]ebc.uu.se Phone: +46 18 471 2662 Fax: +46 18 471 6484 University webpage: http://www.iee.uu.se/zooekol/default.php? type=personalpage&id=145&lang=en From mkre from uchicago.edu Thu May 7 11:36:15 2009 From: mkre from uchicago.edu (MartinKreitman) Date: Thu May 7 12:13:39 2009 Subject: [Drosophila] Postdoctoral Opportunities Message-ID: <5a4b539b-7fcb-4753-895a-99987d66a8c2@z19g2000vbz.googlegroups.com> Postdoctoral opportunities are available to investigate complex trait variation for models of human disease in the fruitfly. In collaboration with Dr. Graeme Bell, Dr. Michael Ludwig has created a fly model of neonatal diabetes in the fruitfly by introducing and expressing a mutant form of the human insulin gene (causing neonatal diabetes) in the fly. Mutant insulin (but not wildtype insulin) expression has a strong cell death phenotype when expressed in the developing eye or other imaginal disk tissues. We are interested in introducing this (or other) "disease model" into different wild genetic background to investigating naturally occuring genetic variation for suppression or enhancement of the "disease" phenotype. Postdoctoral positions are available for students trained in Drosophila molecular genetics. Please contact Dr. Martin Kreitman, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, mkre@uchicago.edu From dmerrill from ksu.edu Wed May 13 09:10:29 2009 From: dmerrill from ksu.edu (Doris Merrill) Date: Wed May 13 09:23:33 2009 Subject: [Drosophila] Organism Meetings at Arthropod Genomics Symp in KC, 6/11-14/09 Message-ID: 3rd ANNUAL ARTHROPOD GENOMICS SYMPOSIUM, June 11-14, 2009, Kansas City ORGANISM GROUP MEETINGS: We welcome the opportunity to facilitate meetings of the various organism groups during the Symposium. If you would like to organize a meeting of your organism group during the Symposium, please contact Doris Merrill, dmerrill@k-state.edu, for arrangements. POSTER ABSTRACTS: If you would like to have your poster abstract considered for an oral presentation, the deadline for submission is Friday, May 15, 2009. Guidelines are available at http://www.k-state.edu/agc/abstracts/index.html. REGISTRATION: The deadline for discounted registration fees is Friday, May 15. After May 15, we will continue to welcome your registration to attend the 3rd Annual Arthropod Genomics Symposium at a slightly higher cost. Register online: http://www.k-state.edu/agc/symp2009/register.html and attend Frontiers in Arthropod Genomics June 11 ? 14, 2009, Kansas City, USA HOTEL RESERVATIONS: The deadline to reserve your hotel room at the conference site is Thursday, May 21, or until the room block is depleted. SYMPOSIUM WEBSITE: www.k-state.edu/agc/symp2009 WORKSHOPS and SEMINARS: ? Pre-symposium workshop on Chado Databases and Integration with GMOD Tools, Scott Cain, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research ? Genomic Sequence Capture and Next-Gen Sequencing Seminar, sponsored by Roche NimbleGen ? BeeSpace demonstrations POSTER SESSIONS: There will be two poster sessions. A few platform presentations will be chosen from submitted poster abstracts. Abstract Submission Deadline: May 15, 2009. SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM: The symposium sessions will begin Thursday evening, June 11, and continue on Friday and Saturday, with additional events on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Speakers will present new insights from genomic approaches in arthropods and describe the development of tools for genomic analysis. Workshops will be held Thursday prior to the Symposium and Friday evening. Activities will conclude by noon on Sunday, June 14. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: Sunday morning will highlight a roundtable discussion led by members of the ArthropodBase Consortium regarding the generation of integrated arthropod genome databases and tools for genome projects. Symposium attendees are invited to join the fun as we share our progress by providing feedback on these projects and proposing new possibilities. KANSAS CITY JAZZ AND BBQ: Join the group in a fun-filled evening of Kansas City Jazz and Barbecue!!! Participants are invited to enjoy ?Kansas City?s BEST BBQ? - Fiorella?s Jack Stack Barbecue at the Freight House location and the Kerry Strayer Jazz Trio on Saturday night. The separate charge for this optional activity is $50 ($25 for students). Transportation will be provided. VENUE: The symposium will take place at the historic Muehlebach/Marriott Hotel in downtown Kansas City. Participants are invited to stay Saturday night for an optional evening of jazz and KC barbeque. INFORMATION: Visit our website, www.k-state.edu/agc/symp2009, for complete details and brochure. QUESTIONS: Contact us at (785) 532-3482 or dmerrill@ksu.edu. Please share this announcement with colleagues and students! SPONSOR: Center for Genomic Studies on Arthropods Affecting Human, Animal and Plant Health, Kansas State University KEYNOTE SPEAKER: *William M. Gelbart, Harvard University, ?Opportunities & Challenges for Arthropod Genomics and Informatics in the NextGen World.? FEATURED SPEAKERS: * Volker Brendel, Iowa State University, ?Opportunities and challenges for automated genome annotation and modeling in a time of unlimited access to sequence data? * Susan J. Brown, Kansas State University, ?Profiling genome transcription during Tribolium development: From egg to eternity? * Jay D. Evans, USDA-ARS Bee Research Lab, Maryland, ?Chasing your honey: Genomic studies of honey bees and their pathogens? * Marian R. Goldsmith, University of Rhode Island, ?The new silk road: From Bombyx to butterflies? * David G. Heckel, Max Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany, ?Insect defenses in chemical co-evolution: Transcriptional responses of the generalist herbivore Helicoverpa armigera to plant defense compounds, phytohormones, and insecticides? * Kristin Michel, Kansas State University, ?Mosquito salivary gland interactions with malaria parasites? * Terence Murphy, National Center for Biotechnology Information/NIH, ?Arthropod genome support at NCBI and the challenges of annotating genomes in the 21st century? * Marcelo Ramalho-Ortigao, Kansas State University, ?Sand fly functional genomics and beyond? * Yoonseong Park, Kansas State University, ?Evolutionary processes of the partnership between neuropeptides and their receptors? * Jos? Ribeiro, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH/NIAID, ?An insight into the spitome of the blood sucking Nematocera? * Denis Tagu, French Nat?l Inst. for Agricultural Research, Rennes, France, ?Using the pea aphid genome to study phenotypic plasticity? * Doreen Ware, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, ?Annotation and comparative analysis of plant genomes? * Stephen K. Wikel, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, ?Tick-host-pathogen research in the post-genomic era? SYMPOSIUM ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Robin E. Denell, Committee Chair Susan J. Brown Kristin Michel Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan Yoonseong Park John Reese Doris Merrill, Program Coordinator K-State Arthropod Genomics Center Division of Biology, Kansas State University 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-4901 (785) 532-3482, dmerrill@k-state.edu www.k-state.edu/agc From tjmorgan from ksu.edu Thu May 14 11:03:08 2009 From: tjmorgan from ksu.edu (Theodore Morgan) Date: Thu May 14 15:33:35 2009 Subject: [Drosophila] Research Technician KSU Message-ID: <97F96472-F54F-453B-AD53-3B9E92D70DF6@ksu.edu> Research Technician, Division of Biology, Kansas State University A position is available for a Research Technician in our lab in Division of Biology at Kansas State University. We are seeking an enthusiastic person interested in science to manage day-to-day lab activities and participate in our molecular quantitative genetic research. Our lab studies the genetics and evolution of environmental- stress-response phenotypes in Drosophila (see http://www.ksu.edu/morganlab for more info). Job responsibilities will include maintaining Drosophila stocks, performing basic molecular biology techniques, and participating in large scale phenotypic assays. Additional opportunities for independent research projects may exist, depending on the experience and interest of the successful candidate. Minimum required qualifications: B.S. degree in biology or a related field and a minimum of 1-2 years experience in genetics or molecular biology. This should include experience with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and DNA sequencing. Preferred: M.S. degree in biology or related field. The successful candidate should be motivated, have good organizational skills, and be able to work independently. Salary will be commensurate with experience and will include benefits. Kansas State University has a very active community within the life sciences, thus creating numerous opportunities for stimulating academic interaction. These include the large and diverse Division of Biology (www.ksu.edu/biology), as well as the interdepartmental programs of the Ecological Genomics Institute (ecogen.ksu.edu) and the Arthropod Genomics Center (www.ksu.edu/agc). Kansas State University is located in the city of Manhattan (www.ci.manhattan.ks.us ), a pleasant community of about 50,000 located in the scenic Flint Hills of north central Kansas, about 2 hours west of Kansas City. For more information on life in Manhattan see www.ksu.edu/morganlab. Review of applications will begin on June 8, 2009, and continue until the position is filled. For further information, please contact Ted Morgan at (785)532-6126. To apply, send an electronic copy of a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references to: Ted Morgan, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506; email: tjmorgan@ksu.edu. KSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and actively seeks diversity among its employees. Background check required. _____________________________ Theodore Morgan Division of Biology Kansas State University 116 Ackert Hall Manhattan, KS 66506 office: 785.532.6126 lab: 785.532.6074 fax: 785.532.6653 Email: tjmorgan@ksu.edu www.ksu.edu/morganlab _____________________________ From yakoby from camden.rutgers.edu Thu May 14 15:55:19 2009 From: yakoby from camden.rutgers.edu (Nir Yakoby) Date: Thu May 14 19:59:14 2009 Subject: [Drosophila] Rutgers University, postdoctoral position available Message-ID: <4A0C8537.20107@camden.rutgers.edu> A postdoctoral position is available in the Yakoby Lab (http://crab.rutgers.edu/~yakoby/) for a highly-motivated individual with an interest in the regulation of patterning during Drosophila oogenesis. The project includes the generation and validation of a large number of predicted cis-Regulatory Modules (CRMs) regulating the expression of multiple genes that are expressed in the follicular epithelium of several Drosophila species. Applicants with a Ph.D., a strong background in molecular biology relevant for this project, and knowledge of basic tissue staining methods are encouraged to apply. Interested individuals should send a CV, a short statement of research interests, and three names of references to: Dr. Nir Yakoby . -- Nir Yakoby, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Science Building Department of Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology 315 Penn Street Rutgers University Camden, NJ 08102 http://crab.rutgers.edu/~yakoby/ yakoby@camden.rutgers.edu Phone:(856)-225-6150 Fax: (856)-225-6312 From CARTWRIL from ucmail.uc.edu Wed May 20 14:48:20 2009 From: CARTWRIL from ucmail.uc.edu (Cartwright, Iain (cartwril)) Date: Wed May 20 15:15:53 2009 Subject: [Drosophila] Postdoctoral Research position available Message-ID: <76964FA9B607AA4B956C598C8FCF81CB0BB91B27BE@UCMAILBE4.ad.uc.edu> A recent doctoral graduate is sought to perform research on the genetics of arsenic toxicity, with specific reference to the likely mechanisms of action of arsenic (and particularly its methylated metabolites) as a carcinogen. Arsenic is a serious contaminant of drinking water supplies in many parts of the world and tens of millions are exposed to it on a chronic basis. This recently funded project utilizes the model Drosophila genetic system, and will involve analyses of metabolic consequences, cytological alterations, genomic instability and signaling perturbations produced by arsenic in the context of differing genetic backgrounds induced classically, by transgenesis and/or by RNA interference. A Ph.D. is required, together with experience of modern molecular genetic techniques. A background in genetics (preferably Drosophila) and/or toxicology would be highly desirable. The research will be conducted in the laboratory of Iain Cartwright in the Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry & Microbiology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Cartwright by email at iain.cartwright@uc.edu to discuss the opportunity in more detail. From j.a.t.dow from bio.gla.ac.uk Wed May 20 18:02:17 2009 From: j.a.t.dow from bio.gla.ac.uk (Julian Dow) Date: Wed May 20 18:17:27 2009 Subject: [Drosophila] FlyAtlas.org: Major upgrade and 7 new tissues added Message-ID: <4A148BF9.60004@bio.gla.ac.uk> http://flyatlas.org is an Affymetrix microarray-based atlas of gene expression in multiple tissues of adult and larval Drosophila melanogaster. It been accessed by over 12000 users in the last sixmonths, from nearly everywhere except Alaska. We are delighted to announce the addition of 7 new tissues! Adult eye, adult fat body, adult heart, larval CNS, larval trachea, larval carcass, S2 cells (growth phase). We have also updated our local copies of allied data (Biogrid, Homophila, NetAffx etc) that are linked from FlyAtlas, and harmonised what gets displayed for each gene across the different searches. Data quality We take great pride in the purity of the dissections, as evidenced by high enrichments relative to whole fly. Here are some interesting selections you can check out on the database: Adult eye: Of course, there will be some bleed-through to the head samples, but novel gene CG13840, Ecdysone-inducible gene L1 and shaker cognate B are all pretty specific. adult fat body: There's not much of this to be found in 7-day adults, so we see some cross-talk with other tissues. You should use this data cautiously. However, Turandot X (immunity) and and insulin receptor suggest that the data are OK. adult heart: This is Venkat's trickiest dissection to date, and so perhaps it's not surprising to see a bit of cross-talk with fatbody. But neuromancer1 (H15), muscle-specific-homeodomain-2 (tin) and Bteb2 ( a homologue of a gene associated with Waardenburg syndrome) are good examples of specific genes. larval CNS: Warniu, doublesex-Mab related 99B and tailless are UTTERLY larval CNS-specific (i.e. not in adult CNS either). larval trachea: This is a pretty clean sample (though you might also expect some bleed-through to adult or larval carcass). However, there are some highly specific, under-researched genes, like CG34199, CG6696 and CG13047, all at least 10x enriched. And ecdysis triggering hormone-2 (ETH) - WOW! S2 cells (growth phase): With an organism with such potent genetic tools, I confess to being under-excited by cell lines. But there are some low-level transcripts we haven't seen anywhere else, like Gustatory receptor 94a or the novel transcript HDC08464. --- Overall, then, these new tissues are useful both to illuminate the tissues in question, and to add authority to the tissue specificity of genes expressed elsewhere. --- For scriptwriters, programmatic calls to the database are possible, e.g. http://flyatlas.org/atlas.cgi?name=CG1147 You can search with FBgn, CG number, Affy oligo, gene symbol or free text. These data were prepared and placed in the public domain as a service to the Drosophila community, by the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through their Investigating Gene Function (IGF) and bioinformatics and biological resources (BBR) initiatives. Over the last 4 years, our facility has provided 1000 free Affymetrix arrays to the UK fly community. Further details at: http://www.mblab.gla.ac.uk/igf/ Enjoy! Julian Dow (j.a.t.dow@bio.gla.ac.uk) From flatt.thomas from gmail.com Mon May 25 05:07:45 2009 From: flatt.thomas from gmail.com (Thomas Flatt) Date: Mon May 25 07:33:03 2009 Subject: [Drosophila] Job: Postdoc and Technician Position in Genetics of Drosophila Aging Message-ID: One postdoc and one technician position in Drosophila aging are available in the Flatt lab: 1 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN DROSOPHILA AGING A postdoctoral position in the genetics of Drosophila aging is available in the research group of Dr. Thomas Flatt at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria (Institute of Population Genetics) (http://i122server.vu-wien.ac.at/pop/Flatt_website/ flatt_home.html). The postdoc position is funded by a grant from the Austrian Science Foundation (FWF) and will be for three years. This research project will focus on the identification of the molecular basis of the trade-off between reproduction and lifespan in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, a powerful genetic model system. In many organisms, from fruit flies to humans, reproduction shortens lifespan, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown (e.g., Flatt & Kawecki 2007, Evolution; Flatt & Promislow 2007, Science). Experiments in C. elegans suggest that hormonal signals from the gonad affect longevity (Hsin & Kenyon 1999, Nature), and we have recently found that germline ablation extends lifespan and affects insulin signaling in Drosophila (Flatt et al. 2008, PNAS). However, the details of this systemic regulation of lifespan by the reproductive system remain unclear. In our project we are interested in dissecting the hormonal mechanisms that modulate the reproduction-longevity trade- off. By employing mutant and transgene analysis, genetic manipulation of the gonad, epistasis experiments, and hormonal manipulations we will examine the endocrine mechanisms whereby signals from the reproductive system modulate longevity. We are seeking a highly talented, dynamic, independent, and self- motivated young biologist with good social skills. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. and a strong background in genetics and molecular biology using the Drosophila system. Some background in the biology of aging, evolutionary biology, and/or endocrinology would be ideal, but is not required. The postdoc will work closely with a PhD student and the PI on this project. The working language in the laboratory is English, so the candidate should be proficient in spoken and written English. German skills, although helpful, are not essential. The initial appointment will be made for one year, with a possible extension to up to three years. The annual salary is 54,180 Euro. The position is available as of now, but the starting date is negotiable. In a 2009 world-wide survey by the William M. Mercer Institute, Vienna ranked first world-wide in terms of standards of living. Vienna is a beautiful, historical yet modern city, located in the heart of Europe, close to the Alps and to major cities like Munich, Zurich, Prague, and Budapest. Being famous for its concert sites, opera houses, theathers, museums, and coffee shops, Vienna also provides great outdoor activities, such as sailing on the Neusiedler See, ice skating, biking and hiking in the Viennese woods and the nearby Alps. Moreover, the city has a wide range of great restaurants, bars, wineries, cinemas, clubs, libraries, galleries, and art collections. The Vienna area is also an exceptional and highly international research environment. Four major life science universities and three world-class research institutes (GMI, IMBA, IMP) provide a dynamic and interactive setting. Vienna hosts an active Drosophila community, and the onsite availability of the Drosophila RNAi center (VDRC) provides a great opportunity for functional Drosophila work. In population genetics and evolutionary biology, the Vienna research area also provides excellent prospects, due to a growing number of evolutionary research groups. To apply for this position, please send a single pdf file including: (1) a cover letter explaining why you would like to join our group, (2) your Curriculum Vitae (including a description of your skills), (3) your publication list, (4) a statement of research interests, and (5) contact details for 2-3 academic references who are willing to write a reference letter on your behalf to the following email address: thomas.flatt@vu-wien.ac.at Informal inquiries are welcome and should be sent to the same e-mail address. For further information see (http://i122server.vu-wien.ac.at/ pop/Flatt_website/flatt_home.html). The deadline for submission is 1 July 2009. Dr. Thomas Flatt University of Veterinary Medicine Department of Biomedical Research Institute of Population Genetics Veterin?rplatz 1 / Josef Baumann Gasse 1 A-1210 WIEN Austria VOX +43(0)1-25077-4334 FAX +43(0)1-25077-4390 E-mail: Thomas.Flatt@vu-wien.ac.at ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 RESEARCH ASSISTANT/TECHNICIAN POSITION IN DROSOPHILA AGING A research assistant/technician position in the biology of Drosophila aging is available in the group of Dr. Thomas Flatt at the University of Veterinary Medicine (Department of Biomedical Research, Institute of Population Genetics), Vienna, Austria. The position is funded by a grant from the Austrian Science Foundation (FWF) and will be for two years, part-time (2 days per week). The research project will focus on the identification of the molecular basis of the trade-off between reproduction and lifespan in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, a powerful genetic model system. By employing mutant and transgene analysis, genetic manipulation of the gonad, epistasis experiments, and hormonal manipulations we will examine the endocrine mechanisms whereby signals from the reproductive system modulate longevity. The research assistant/technician will directly contribute to lab management and the research program. We are seeking a well trained and highly self-motivated research assistant/technician with good social, management, and organizational skills. The successful applicant should have prior laboratory experience with basic molecular biology techniques and genetics, a strong work ethic, the ability to work independently, and enthusiasm for doing research in a small interactive team of young scientists. A degree in biology or a related field would be a plus. Applicants with experience in Drosophila maintenance and genetics would be highly desirable and will be given preference. The working language in the laboratory is English, so the candidate should be proficient in spoken and written English. German skills, although helpful, are not essential. The initial appointment will be made for 6 months, with a possible extension to up to two years. The annual salary is 11,216 Euro for part-time work (2 week days). The position is available as of now, but the starting date is negotiable. The responsabilities of the research assistant/technician will include: assisting in the daily operation and maintenance of the lab; assisting with and performing experiments; ordering supplies; preparing reagents and fly food media; and maintaining fly stocks. Bench and lab work will include standard molecular biology procedures such DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, cloning, fly genetics, and immunohistology. Prior experience in performing Western and Northern blots would be a plus. In a 2009 world-wide survey by the William M. Mercer Institute, Vienna ranked first world-wide in terms of standards of living. Vienna is a beautiful, historical yet modern city, located in the heart of Europe, close to the Alps and to major cities like Munich, Zurich, Prague, and Budapest. Being famous for its concert sites, opera houses, theathers, museums, and coffee shops, Vienna also provides great outdoor activities, such as sailing on the Neusiedler See, ice skating, biking and hiking in the Viennese woods and the nearby Alps. Moreover, the city has a wide range of great restaurants, bars, wineries, cinemas, clubs, libraries, galleries, and art collections. The Vienna area is also an exceptional and highly international research environment. Four major life science universities and three world-class research institutes (GMI, IMBA, IMP) provide a dynamic and interactive setting. Vienna hosts an active Drosophila community, and the onsite availability of the Drosophila RNAi center (VDRC) provides a great opportunity for functional Drosophila work. To apply for this position, please send your application, including a cover letter, as a single pdf file to the following email address: thomas.flatt@vu-wien.ac.at Informal inquiries are welcome and should be sent to the same e-mail address. For further information see (http://i122server.vu-wien.ac.at/ pop/Flatt_website/flatt_home.html). The deadline for submission is 1 July 2009. Dr. Thomas Flatt University of Veterinary Medicine Department of Biomedical Research Institute of Population Genetics Veterin?rplatz 1 / Josef Baumann Gasse 1 A-1210 WIEN Austria VOX +43(0)1-25077-4334 FAX +43(0)1-25077-4390 E-mail: Thomas.Flatt@vu-wien.ac.at From christian.hagedorn from molbio.uzh.ch Mon May 25 12:48:52 2009 From: christian.hagedorn from molbio.uzh.ch (Christian Hagedorn, Institut fuer Molekularbiologie) Date: Mon May 25 17:51:31 2009 Subject: [Drosophila] SV40 trailer of pGL3 basic Message-ID: Dear all, the SV40 trailer of pGL3 basic consists only of the late poly(A) signal in contrast to the one of pUAST which additionally has the intron of the small T antigen. I would like to use the shorter version of the SV40 trailer for my contsructs. Do you have experience using this trailer in Drosophila? Thank you very much! Kind regards, Christian