ALERT: Please be vigilant on email and phone, we have been made aware that our speakers are being approached by a scam company (Traveller Point, E Hotel Services or similar) regarding accommodation for a Fusion conference. In the event you are contacted by these companies, please hang up immediately or delete the email. Please note, accommodation is included within your registration fee. You can check and amend your accommodation details via your Fusion account or email admin@fusion-conferences.com.

Registration deadlines

Early Bird - Expired

Talk Submission - Expired

Poster Submission - Expired

Registration Deadline - Expired

Conference Manager

Chloe Trundle

Chloe Trundle

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Report

'Our Fusion Nucleic Acids conferences are distinguished by the unique mechanistic focus, and the 7th was as exciting as any. In addition to fabulous atomic structures and illuminating mechanisms, we were treated to insights into nucleic acid chemistry in the origin of life, the awesome power of high throughput methods, and single-molecule approaches. Emerging from studying the fundamental science in great depth, we now saw how this can be applied to treat sick children with fatal disease in the clinic. The hallmark of the Nucleic Acids conferences are authoritative presentations from plenary through to contributed lectures and excellent in-depth discussions following every talk. The conferences are superbly organized by the Fusion team, and of course the environment in Cancun was wonderful.'

-David Lilley (University of Dundee) & Wei Yang (NIH)

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7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Synopsis

If you are interested in this meeting but not yet ready to register, you can sign up for updates here and our team will keep you updated regarding deadline reminders and grant opportunities relating to this meeting only. 

Nucleic acids are fundamentally informational macromolecules; their sequence is the cell's genetic operating system and software. The repository of this information lies in DNA that must be copied with unprecedented accuracy precisely once every cell cycle. DNA is repeatedly read out (transcribed) before sending its information out to where it becomes used to program the synthesis of proteins. The integrity of the genetic blueprint is vital to the cell, and yet the structure of DNA is under constant onslaught. Thus precise mechanisms exist to repair damage in DNA; it is the only cellular molecule for which this occurs to a significant extent. DNA undergoes recombination, a kind of molecular cut and join that creates diversity to facilitate evolution, yet also provides an important method of repair. In eukaryotic cells DNA is packaged into chromosomes in a way that allows something like 2 m of nucleic acid to be packed into the cell nucleus, yet remain accessible to the cellular machinery that reads out its genetic information.

By contrast RNA is highly dynamic. It is the worker bee of genetics to the DNA's queen, and an extremely versatile molecule. In the central dogma it is the messenger (mRNA) that passes the information between the DNA library and the protein synthesis factory, yet it does much, much more. In translation of the genetic information it is the key component of the ribosome, as well as the tRNA species that activate and deliver the amino acids and decode the message. In eukaryotic cells the pre-mRNA must be processed by the precise removal of intervening sequences (introns), carried out by a large and dynamic RNA-protein machine called the spliceosome. Failure to do this correctly can lead to disease, and it is now becoming possible to create therapies that correct this. Increasingly we realize that RNA is also involved in critical and complex regulatory processes. RNA can act as a molecular switch responding to small molecules in order to control gene expression. Indeed while most of the information in DNA is not protein coding, almost all of it is transcribed into RNA. We are only just beginning the long journey of understanding what all this non-coding RNA is doing - it is very much the 'dark matter' of biology! Lastly RNA can also accelerate chemical reactions by a million fold or more in the manner of an enzyme. This is very likely of key significance in the origin of life on the planet more than three billion years ago.

Understanding processes involving DNA and RNA at the molecular and chemical level is the central theme of this conference, with a marked structural and mechanistic perspective. Every two years we have a hot topic theme and have previously covered ribosome, spliceosome, exosome, ncRNA regulation, DNA replication initiation, DNA topology and repair at past meetings. 

Key Discussion Topics:

•    DNA replication
•    DNA repair
•    DNA recombination
•    RNA structure and function
•    Translation and the ribosome
•    Silencing
•    CRISPR/Cas and genome editing
•    Gene regulation and riboswitches
•    RNA catalysis

Confirmed Plenary Speakers

William Greenleaf (Stanford University)
HIGH-THROUGHPUT ANALYSIS OF NUCLEIC ACID STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION ASSAYED DIRECTLY ON A SEQUENCING CHIP
Karl-Peter Hopfner (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)
STRUCTURE AND REGULATION OF THE INO80 CHROMATIN REMODELLER
Anastasia Khvorova (UMass Medical School)
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING OF THERAPEUTIC siRNAs
Adrian Krainer (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
ANTISENSE THERAPY FOR HISTONE H3.3 K27M DIFFUSE MIDLINE GLIOMA
Sua Myong (Johns Hopkins University)
G-QUADRUPLEX AS A GENETIC SWITCH IN TRANSCRIPTION AND TRANSLATION
Joan Steitz (Yale School of Medicine)
VIRAL NONCODING RNAs: A PATHWAY TO STRUCTURAL INSIGHTS
Gigi Storz (NIH)
GENES WITHIN GENES: ANOTHER LEVEL OF REGULATION
Jack Szostak (Harvard University)
THE TRIUMPH OF RNA OVER PREBIOTIC COMPETITORS
Steve West (Francis Crick Institute)
Cryo-EM STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE RAD51B-RAD51C-RAD51D-XRCC2 TUMOUR SUPPRESSOR COMPLEX
Carl Wu (Johns Hopkins University)
THE BIOGENESIS AND DYNAMIC CONTROL OF GENOME ACCESSIBILITY

Highlighted Talks

Petr Cejka (Institute for Research in Biomedicine)
MECHANISM OF DNA END SENSING BY THE MRE11 COMPLEX: IMPLICATIONS FOR CRISPR-BASED GENOME EDITING AND TELOMERES
Liz Kellogg (Cornell University)
EXPLORATION OF STRUCTURAL MECHANISMS GOVERNING RNA-GUIDED DNA TRANSPOSITION USING CRYO-EM
Joseph Loparo (Harvard Medical School)
KEEPING IT TOGETHER: VISUALIZING DNA DOUBLE-STRAND BREAK REPAIR WITH SINGLE-MOLECULE MICROSCOPY
Bin Wu (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)
BURSTING TRANSLATION ON SINGLE mRNAs IN LIVE CELLS
Xiaolan Zhao (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center)
UNDERSTANDING SMC5/6: FROM FUNCTIONS TO STRUCTURES

What makes this meeting unique? David Lilley says "I really think it’s in part the unique mechanistic and structural focus (reflecting Wei and my way of thinking). And because we have this unique point of view people get a different perspective, and so the discussion is always very stimulating. That has been the case since the very first meeting in Mexico, where I think we made a real step forward in understanding the mechanism of peptidyl transferase in the ribosome. Another feature of our meetings is the large number of talks we get from participants, that are frequently of a very high standard. This builds on the broadness of our topics and draws everyone into the discussion leaving participants stimulated with an abundance of new ideas."

See what our past participants have said about the Nucleic Acids series:

"The last Nucleic Acids conference was one of the very most intellectually satisfying meetings I have ever attended. I really love the level of detail and scope of the conference."

"Thanks so much for placing me on the meeting agenda, and I really had a most great time at this meeting. It was a perfect size - I made new friends, some were brand new, and some existed and were made stronger. So the meeting was much more bountiful to me than the ability to present my work, by a long shot. I totally loved thinking of chemical mechanisms, as it reminded me of my grad work, and it is so very lovely to be back in that chemical mind frame. I miss it."

"Outstanding organisation, lovely location, excellent science."

Student Offer

Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity for students! Fully paying academics can bring a student for only $890. Unfortunately, Postdocs are not eligible. Both registration packages include; accommodation for the 09, 10, 11 Feb 2023 (on a shared basis for students) and a food and beverage package for the conference period. Once registered, please contact Chloe Trundle to obtain a special registration link for your student.

Supported By

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If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Speakers

Plenary Speakers

William Greenleaf

Stanford University

Karl-Peter Hopfner

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Sun Hur

Harvard University

Anastasia Khvorova

UMass Medical School

Adrian Krainer

Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory

Sua Myong

Johns Hopkins University

Joan Steitz

Yale School of Medicine

Gisela Storz

NIH

Jack Szostak

Harvard University

Steve West

Francis Crick Institute

Carl Wu

Johns Hopkins University

Invited Speakers

Petr Cejka

Institute for Research in Biomedicine

Liz Kellogg

Cornell University

Joseph Loparo

Harvard Medical School

Bin Wu

Johns Hopkins University

Xiaolan Zhao

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Programme

Page: /

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Prices

Ticket Type Early Bird Full Price
Single
Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone, or if you will bring accompanying guests that will not attend the meeting.
$1923 $1973
Shared
Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee of the same sex.
$1923 $1973
Student
Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee of the same sex if a room sharer is not specified. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the Single option.
$1649 $1699
Additional Person
This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the entire conference period. Accompanying persons are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra night' prices.

Adult

$716

Child

$216

Extra nights
Prices are per person.

Adult

$303

Child

$72


All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.

What's Included in our Registration Fees?

Our registration fees are inclusive of the following at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun hotel during the conference period only:
- Conference registration 
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (09, 10, 11 Feb 2023) on a single basis for academics and industry, on a shared basis for students 
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours 
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Gala Dinner 
- 24 hour room service
- Guest room mini bar (replenished daily)
- Complimentary WIFI in both conference rooms and your guest room

What's Included in our Accompanying Adult Fees?

Our accompanying adult fees are inclusive of the following at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun hotel during the conference period only:

- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (09, 10, 11 Feb 2023) on a shared basis with a conference participant 
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Gala Dinner 
- 24 hour room service
- Guest room mini bar (replenished daily)
- Complimentary WIFI in your guest room

Important Note: Accompanying guests are not permitted access to the conference.

What's Included in our Accompanying Child Fees?

Our accompanying child fees are inclusive of the following at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun hotel during the conference period only:

- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (09, 10, 11 Feb 2023) on a shared basis with the parent/s
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Gala Dinner 
- 24 hour room service
- Complimentary WIFI in your guest room

Important Note: Accompanying child fees are applicable for children aged 5-12 years. Children 4 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun).

Please kindly ensure your child / children are supervised at all times during conference and related events. Childcare services are available at the hotel, please contact Chloe for further information.

What's Included in our Extra Night Fees?

Our extra night fees are inclusive of the following at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun hotel:

- 1 night’s accommodation for 1 person
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- 24 hour room service
- Guest room mini bar (replenished daily)
- Complimentary WIFI in your guest room

Important Note: The extra night price is only applicable 1 night pre/post the conference dates. If you wish to extend your stay further, this is possible to book via Fusion, but please contact Chloe for assistance and prices. Extra night child fees are applicable for children aged 5-12 years. Children 4 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun).

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Grants

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

LinkedIn forum

Bringing together the global community of researchers and scientists interested in the study of DNA. Relevant specialties are wide-ranging, reflecting the importance of DNA Research in many aspects of health and disease, including; DNA Repair, DNA Replication, DNA Damage, Cancer, Chromosomal Instability, RNA and Nucleic Acids.

The group is open to all and is intended as a networking forum for past, present and future participants of Fusion Conferences as well as those interested in the related topics. To join, please follow the link below.

Join our group

Supported By

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If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Venue

Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All Inclusive

This stylish hotel features contemporary Mexican architecture, including one of the largest and most impressive thatched-roof "palapas" in the entire country. There are cultural activities, arts and crafts and sports programs to keep you constantly entertained, plus time to relax and enjoy the Mayan culture, soak up the Caribbean sunshine and revel in the international ambiance that settles in after the sun goes down.

Throughout your stay delegates will enjoy a full meal plan, inclusive of beverages. Take your pick from the aromatic Asian delights at Kaumbu, traditional fare at El Mexicano, delicious international cuisine at Kalmia Buffet or perhaps sample the sumptuous Italian dishes at Rosato. There are also several other dining opportunities such as the Cevichería, Pizzeria, Sushi Corner, pool and lounge bar areas. The Gala Night with either a Mayan or Caribbean theme takes place on the third evening of the conference with a mouth-watering feast of local cuisine, an open bar and amazing local entertainment.  We welcome all delegates and their accompanying persons to the Gala Night – a truly fun filled night not to be missed!

Hotel Facilities

Lagoon Pool
Extensive Health Club and Spa
Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and throughout hotel and conference areas

Venue Rating

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Address

Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive Blvd. Kukulcan km 16.5 Zona Hotelera 77500 Cancun Q.R. Mexico

Nearest Airport

Cancun International Airport

Location

Cancun is a delightful combination of natural beauty, islands, ecological reserves and white sandy beaches. However, besides sun, sand and sea, this destination also offers an infinite variety of underwater activities to choose from: the diving, snorkelling and fishing here are outstanding and you will find an undersea world packed with tropical fish that live on the second largest barrier reef in the world. Sports enthusiasts might choose one of the many eco-tourism activities, such as cycling or hiking through the tropical forest or kayaking through mangroves, or something a little more adventuresome, like zip lining through the treetops.

Apart from the more well-known ancient Mayan archealogical sites such as Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá you may like to visit the Aktun Chen caverns, voted one of the Top 10 underwater walks by National Geographic described as a truly magical experience.

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Transportation

Taxi

Unlike other Airports, Cancun Airport Taxi Services must be pre-arranged. To obtain safe, licensed and bilingual transportation services please ensure you book your ground transportation online with an authorised transportation company prior to your arrival.

If you wish to share a return transfer to the airport then we would suggest waiting and organising this on-site at the hotel. The hotel have registered Taxi's readily available- you simply need to speak to the Concierge/Bellmen on the day of your departure. This will allow attendees to share return transfers where flight times permit.   

Approximate Taxi Fare

One way (Cancun Hotel Zone): $24.85+ (USD) 
*
subject to change, please check the Cancun International Airport website for a more accurate estimation for your trip.

Further information on Taxi services can be found on the Cancun International Airport website (see below link) along with some top tips for travellers from local experts and official authorities. 

https://www.cancunairport.com/taxi.html 

** Please note that Fusion Conferences is not responsible for any bookings made with any transfer/taxi service as transportation is not included within the registration package **

Private Transfers

If you'd prefer to book a private transfer, there are several DMC's operating in the Cancun area who will be able to provide a quotation for your trip. We have not partnered with any companies this year, however, there are a number of well reviewed companies operating in Cancun, such as; USA Transfers, Canada Transfers and Kalido Travel.  

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Local Activities

Several activities are available within the resort. Timetables vary daily so please check with the hotel for the latest activities program.

  • Daily fitness activities: yoga, zumba, beach workout
  • In the water: water aerobics, pool volley
  • Workshops: making sushi, art with rice and towels, margaritas, paella making, pizza making (fiesta kids)
  • Classes; dance, spanish lessons
  • Friendly competitions; beach volley, beach soccer, cornhole

There are also many other activities, trips and excursions to consider in and around the local area, depending on the time you have available. Please find a few suggestions below:

  • AQUA World, situated across the street from the hotel. They provide a vast array of water based activites including diving, fishing, snorkeling, hoverboards and boat tours. Take a look at their website for inspiration: https://aquaworld.com.mx/en
  • Trips to Mayan historical sites such as Tulum and Chichen Itzá
  • Arts and crafts markets
  • Jungle tours and eco parks such as Xcaret
  • Golfing at 2 18-hole, par 72 courses: Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus (less than 30 minutes away)

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Group Activities

Details will be available soon.

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Childcare

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Oral Presenters

We have several oral opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a talk, please register for the conference and upload your abstract when prompted to do so. You will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account and you will also receive an email if you are successful or unsuccessful.

Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.

If you are accepted for a talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches. Regular programme updates will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab on the conference website.

Your Presentation

On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to our AV technician who will be present in the conference room. We advise running through your presentation at least 30minutes prior to your session commencing to ensure your slides and any videos or animations appear as expected. We prefer our speakers to run their presentation from the master PC or Mac, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop then please notify us prior to the session. A HDMI or VGA cable is usually available on the podium.

Our AV technician will apply your microphone and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer.

We ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time decreases.

Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines.

Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: Please save your presentation in PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

Bronze
Media Partners
If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

7th Nucleic Acids Conference

#Nucleic23


09 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

David Lilley
University of Dundee
Wei Yang
NIH

Posters

We have several poster opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a poster presentation, please register for the conference and upload your abstract when prompted to do so. You will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account and you will also receive an email if you are successful or unsuccessful.

Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.

Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.

Displaying & Presenting Your Poster

Please bring your poster to registration and hand this to a member of the Fusion team. They will advise of your poster number and display your poster for you. 

Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of the refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the official poster session.

Please check the programme and note the date and time of the poster session(s). Your poster will be judged during the poster session and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.

Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and will be ready for collection at the Fusion desk on the final day of the conference.

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

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If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.