Workshop on Molecular Biology for the Nephrologist

Holger Bohnemeier, Reinhold Kreutz and Marius Miglinas

Berlin Vilnius



   Introduction
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 Introduction
 
The Joint Action Nephrology in Eastern Europe (ISN, ERA, Kuratorium Gesellschaft Nephrologie) in collaboration with the Department of Nephrology of the Vilnius University Hospital, organized a 5-day workshop `Molecular Biology for the Nephrologist', which was held in Vilnius, in the Institute of Biotechnology, on 22–24 June 1999. The workshop was designed for clinical nephrologists in training with an interest in basic research. The aim of the meeting was to provide an overview of current techniques in molecular biology using a hands-on approach. The workshop comprised lectures on selected topics in molecular biology as well as practical experimentation, mainly performed by the participants themselves in line with the `hands-on' philosophy of this meeting. The scientific programme was organized by Holger W. Bohnemeier of the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (Director: Professor Martin Paul) of the Freie Universität Berlin and Marius Miglinas of the Department of Nephrology of the Vilnius University Hospital.

Eleven students from Lithuania participated in the lectures, in scientific exchange and discussions as well as in the sessions of practical training. The topics and speakers were: qualitative and quantitative analysis of gene expression in renal disease using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction approach (Markus Ketteler, Lars Rothermund), candidate gene analysis in cardiovascular disorders (Reinhold Kreutz), mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and methods of their analysis (Hans-Dieter Orzechowski) and protein preparation and analysis (Roland Vetter).

The practical part of the workshop consisted of four experiments: (i) isolation of human genomic DNA and genotype analysis of the M235T angiotensinogen variant by PCR; (ii) transfection of bovine aortic endothelial cells and galactosidase reporter gene assay; (iii) preparation of RNA from tissue, subsequent reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction; and (iv) protein isolation, preparation and analysis.

After completion of the workshop we had an extensive dinner in a beautiful restaurant that served typical Lithuanian dishes accompanied by good wine and excellent local beer. We are indebted to Dr Zvirblis who gave us the opportunity to use the facilities of the Institute of Biotechnology in Vilnius and to Barbara Mitko (Berlin) for technical support. We acknowledge that Fermentas company was very helpful in providing material for the performance of the experiments.



   Notes
 
Vilnius, Lithuania, 22–25 June 1999





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