Synopsis

Chromatin is the template of life, the carrier of genetic information and the core regulator of fundamental processes such as gene expression and stem cell fate determination. Chromatin dysfunction on the other hand can trigger various diseases, including cancer. Although chromatin structure and function and the mechanisms of disease and their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are the subject of many meetings, conferences bringing them together are less frequent. The boundaries among these various disciplines are disappearing and meeting on "Epigenetics: from mechanisms to disease" will focus on the discussion of the role of chromatin architecture, epigenetics, stem and single cell biology in cancer and other diseases. The talks will cover a broad range of topics, including chromosome organisation, long-range interactions, chromatin assembly, stem cell regulation/differentiation, RNA-based mechanisms, transcription regulation, DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, exploiting the power of genome engineering technologies, single-cell approaches, cutting edge epigenomics and imaging approaches and novel cell systems such as organoids.

Speakers have been selected to broadly reflect lessons learned from a variety of model organisms and experimental approaches. Young scientists will take center stage, presenting their work through a large number of talks selected from submitted abstracts as well as through poster presentation. The program has also allocated ample time for exchanging ideas and discussing novel hypotheses at the end of each session, as well as time for informal interactions and networking.

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Karen Adelman (Harvard University)
Genevieve Almouzni (Institut Curie)
Shelley Berger (University of Pennsylvania)
Adrian Bracken (Trinity College Dublin)
Anne Brunet (Stanford University)
Ian Chambers (University of Edinburgh)
Danette Daniels (Foghorn Therapeutics)
Francois Fuks (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
Meritxell Huch (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics)
Cigall Kadoch (Harvard University)
Tony Kouzarides (Gurdon Institute)
Lluis Morey (Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Danny Reinberg (University of Miami)
Anne Schaefer (Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing)
Yang Shi (Ludwig Cancer Research)
Ramin Shiekhattar (Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Ali Shilatifard (Northwestern University)
Ashley Webb (Buck Institute)

Educational Need

The strong educational asset of this workshops is to enhance communication between junior and senior investigators. In particular, we are paying a strong attention towards fostering the chance for young scientists to present their work through a large number of short talks selected from submitted abstracts as well as through poster presentation. We allocated ample time for exchanging ideas and discussing novel hypothesis at the end of each session, as well as for informal interactions and networking. A career and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion round table will also be organized during the meeting.

Target Audience

This conference will be an ideal setting for PhD students, post-doc and group leaders working in the field of chromatin architecture, epigenetics, stem cell biology, single-cell biology, organoids and cancer. Scientists active in R&D of small, medium and big pharma or biotech companies will find an exciting new set of inputs and an interactive forum for exchange with academia.