Transcript Dr. Andre Pietrzykowski`s Presentation

Addiction
Reward
Adaptation
Logo
– mechanisms of alcohol tolerance
– role of natural rewards in function of biological systems
– relationship between genes and environment
microRNA
DNA
Genes
mRNA
Profile
Result
6
9
2
0
5
3
mRNA levels often do not correlate with their
respective protein amounts!
Protein
3
2
0
1
4
3
microRNA - a New Level of Regulation
DNA
mRNA
Profile
Result
6
0
2
5
3
Measuring miRNAs is important!!!
miRNA
3
Protein
12
2
0
1
4
3
Projects
1. microRNA genetics in alcoholism in humans
2. Molecular mechanisms of alcohol regulation
of microRNA expression
3. Role of microRNA in the dysfunction of the
immune system in alcoholics
4. Molecular mechanisms of natural alcohol
tolerance in tree shrews
5. Evolution of gene regulatory regions
EcoLife- Professor Wouter van Hoven
Nov 4th, 2009
•
12.30-1.30 pm “Wildlife conservation in South Africa, use them or lose them?”
This talk will describe the dynamics of conservation out here and the important
role the private sector plays. How do you manage an over population of
elephants? Is lion hunting ethical? Why do we say in Africa: if it pays, it stays. The
talk will conclude with an outline on the Ecolife program at the University of
Pretoria (Vets-in-Wild, $5k, 3 wks, breakfast).
Food Sciences Auditorium.
•
3-4.00 pm “Wildlife diseases in Africa” The Alampi Room.
Natural diseases have always been with us, such as anthrax and foot and mouth
disease. New diseases that are coming from domestic stock, such as bovine
tuberculosis and corridor disease are cause for concern.
•
8.30-10.00 pm “Operation Noah’s Ark” Cook Campus Center.
The 27 year long civil war in Angola has devastated the national parks and wildlife
populations of this beautiful country. In cooperation with the Angolan government
we planned the return of many locally extinct species including elephant. All
animals had to be airlifted, including elephant in family groups and giraffe. We will
discuss this operation, how it was planned, and the scientific ecology behind it and
where it stands today. Two international awards were given to Prof. W van Hoven
for spearheading this program.