Addiction – mechanisms of alcohol toleranceReward – role of natural rewards in function of biological systemsAdaptation – relationship between genes and environmentLogo

DNA

Genes

microRNA

mRNA

6 9 52 30Profile Result

Protein

3 2 0 1 4 3

mRNA levels often do not correlate with their respective protein amounts!

mRNA levels often do not correlate with their respective protein amounts!

DNA

microRNA - a New Level of Regulation

3 2 41 30Protein

Measuring miRNAs is important!!!Measuring miRNAs is important!!!

mRNA

6 12 52 30Profile Result

miRNA

Projects

1. microRNA genetics in alcoholism in humans2. Molecular mechanisms of alcohol regulation

of microRNA expression3. Role of microRNA in the dysfunction of the

immune system in alcoholics4. Molecular mechanisms of natural alcohol

tolerance in tree shrews5. 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.