Molecular and Cell Biology of Symbiosis

Course Description

The Molecular and Cell Biology of Symbiosis advanced research training course at the MBL is an immersive research-based course designed to teach basic concepts, open research questions, and facilitate state-of-the-art experimental approaches in symbiosis research. This 4-week experience will give students a deep understanding of the field of symbiosis research through a combination of hands-on research projects, lectures from experts in the field, and interactive workshops.

The course focuses on how evolutionarily diverse symbiotic relationships form, are maintained, and are impacted by environmental stress. Course modules will consist of a combination of well-established model organisms with tractable imaging and genetic tools and emerging model organisms. In addition to working with a variety of evolutionarily diverse organisms, participants will learn to study symbiotic relationships across various scales of biology - from molecules to ecosystems - to gain an appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature and impacts of symbiotic relationships.

Specific topics include:

• molecular mechanisms of microbe selection
• live-cell imaging of host-microbe interactions
• biochemistry and metabolic maintenance of microbiome communities
• effects of stress on symbiotic relationships
• development and application of genetic tools to study aquatic symbiosis
• gene regulatory and signaling networks associated with symbiosis
• experimental model organisms to study symbiosis
• evolution of symbiosis across taxa

In addition to hands-on experiences, the participants will also build professional skills, such as scientific communication through research presentations, and a network of international collaborators and mentors through immersive, daily interactions.