Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Reiko Kuroda
Tokyo University of Science, Japan
Keynote: Title: Single point mutation of a gene creates mirror-image animals in fresh water gastropod
Biography:
Reiko Kuroda obtained her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Tokyo, and carried out her Post-doctoral studies at King’s College London. Her research focuses on chirality, both in the fi eld of Chemistry and Biology: chirality recognition, transfer and amplifi cation in the solid state, development of chiroptical spectroscophotometers to enable condensed-phase measurements, and the molecular basis of snail body handedness. She has published 328 peer-reviewed papers.
Abstract:
Body handedness of gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis is determined by a single gene locus that functions maternally. We have previously shown that the gene dictates the cytoskeletal dynamics at the third cleavage (from the fourth to the eight-cell stage), and only the embryos of dominant chirality exhibit SD (spiral deformation) and SI (spindle inclination) at this stage. Further, we could create fertile snails of mirror-image body plan by altering the chirality of blastomeres through mechanical manipulation at this stage. In this talk, the identifi cation of the handedness-determining gene will be discussed. Using pure dextral (DD) and sinistral (dd) strains as well as its F2 through to F10 backcrossed lines, the single handedness determining-gene locus was mapped by genetic linkage analysis, BAC cloning and chromosome walking. We have identifi ed the actin related diaphanous gene Lsdia1 as the candidate. Th ere are tandemly-repeated highly-homologus genes, Lsdia1 and Lsdia2. Although the cDNA and derived amino acid sequences of the genes are very similar, we could discriminate the two genes/proteins in our molecular biology experiments. Th e Lsdia1 gene of the sinistral strain carries a single point mutation which causes a frameshift mutation abrogating full-length LsDia1 protein expression. In the dextral strain, it is already translated prior to oviposition. Expression of Lsdia1 (only in the dextral strain) and Lsdia2 (in both chirality) decreases aft er the 1-cell stage, with no asymmetric localization throughout.
Keynote Forum
Laila Alves Nahum
René Rachou Research Center, Brazil
Keynote: Evolutionary genomics to improve functional prediction of parasite genes and proteins
Biography:
Laila Alves Nahum completed her PhD at the University of São Paulo, Brazil and Postdoctoral studies from the Marine Biological Laboratory and Louisiana State University, USA. She is a Researcher at Fiocruz Minas and a Teacher at Promove College of Technology. Her research is focused on the Phylogenomics (Phylogenetics + Genomics) of a broad range of organisms including human pathogens and their vectors. She has published research papers in reputed journals and book chapters.
Abstract:
The availability of genomic data provides an opportunity to understand parasite biology and to identify new drug candidates against neglected diseases aff ecting millions of people worldwide. Functional annotation of genomes, transcriptomes and predicted proteomes is one of the major challenges in sequencing projects. We address this challenge by applying an evolutionary framework to the interpretation of sequence data. Our research projects have been focused on the analyses of distinct protein families in helminths (Schistosoma and others) and protozoans (Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Plasmodium), which cause a broad range of diseases. Th ese protein families include mainly protein kinases, protein deacetylases, and proteases. Potential homologues in the predicted proteomes of selected taxa are identifi ed by using hidden Markov model profi les. Evolutionary relationships of protein sequences are reconstructed by two character-based methods (Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood). Evolutionary trees are annotated with taxonomic and experimental information based on the scientifi c literature. Our work improves functional annotation of genes and proteins of diverse parasites and their homologues in humans. Furthermore, our work potentially identifi es molecular biomarkers with various applications.
Keynote Forum
Runsheng Chen
Institute of Biophysics - CAS, China
Keynote: Big data in noncoding RNA and precision medicine
Biography:
Runsheng Chen is a Principal Investigator at Institute of Biophysics CAS. He is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and an academician of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences. He is a member of Human Genome Organization (HUGO), a member of the bio-macromolecule group of Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA), and a member of the bioinformatics professional committee of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). He is now the General Secretary and Vice President of Chinese Society of Biophysics, and has published more than 130 papers in SCI.
Abstract:
The living organisms on the earth, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, have been proliferating for billions of years. To date, they form in more complicated structure, and function in more perfect ways. However, what really determined the complex phenotype, structure and function of living organisms? Where do they store those huge amounts of information? And how do they operate? All of these have been keen questions for people to explore. What has been astonishing, and puzzle is the fact that life is not just a simple group of molecules; instead, it is highly organized. Th ere are connections between nucleus and cytoplasm, a clearly work division between diff erent organizations, and synergy cooperation within organs. Th erefore, a normal living organism is extremely orderly, multi-level, and dynamic. Th e complexity of the organism is not only refl ected in the complexity of the structure of DNA information, but also on the implementation of the information and operation rule. Th is report mainly introduces the rise of noncoding area and great innovation opportunity it off ers, and the role of big data in this fi eld. Meanwhile, this report also introduces what the scientists have explored for the associations between genotype and phenotype. As a result, series of new concepts, such as translational medicine, personalized medicine; precision medicine, etc. have been put forward by medical scientists. All of these
imply that the big changes for medical system, from diagnosis, treatment to health care, are upcoming. It also suggests the birth of a
new generation of huge health care industry.
- Genomics | Next Generation Sequencing | Cancer Biology | Bio-Engineering | Biomarkers Structural Biology | Integrative Biology
Location: Orly
Chair
Laila Alves Nahum
René Rachou Institute, Brazil
Co-Chair
Mamoru Shoji
Emory University School of Medicine, USA
Session Introduction
Nehir Ozdemir Ozgenturk
Yildiz Technical University, Turkey
Title: Pathways and co-expression network analysis of immune-related genes in shortterm calorie restricted mice
Biography:
Nehir Ozdemır Ozgenturk completed her Graduation at Ege University; Master's degree in Plant Breeding department and; PhD in Department of Justus Liebieg University.
In 2003, she worked at Cereal Research Center in Canada as a Post doc. Also she worked at Georgia Medical School for four months with Nato fellowship. She has
scientifi c paper in various scientifi c journals, publications and presentations at international conferences.
Abstract:
RNA-seq technology was performed by using a comparative transcriptome analysis of the MMTV-TGF-α female mice thymus tissues that were fed ad libitum (AL), chronic calorie restriction (CCR) (85% of AL fed mice) and intermittent calorie restriction (ICR) (3 weeks AL fed, 1 week 40% of AL fed mice) from 10 weeks of age to 17 weeks of age or 18 weeks of age. Th e results of RNA-seq analysis, a total of 6091 signifi cantly diff erentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identifi ed. 2821, 2825 and 445 signifi cantly DEGs were detected between AL-CCR, CCR-ICR and AL-ICR fed groups, respectively. Th ese DEGs were classifi ed according to cellular components, biological processes and molecular functions Gene Ontology (GO) main categories. 188 of 2821, 36 of 445, 176 of 2825 genes were identifi ed to be involved in immune system process (GO:0002376) biological processes GO categories. KEGG pathway and the gene co-expression network analysis between AL-CCR, CCRICR and AL-ICR fed groups immune-related DEGs were done using String database. For network analysis, nodes and edges
presented the interaction between immune-related DEGs.
Mamoru Shoji
Emory University School of Medicine, USA
Title: Inhibition of breast cancer bone metastasis and pancreatic and colon cancer by synthetic curcumin analogue UBS109
Biography:
Mamoru Shojiobtained his Medical Degree from the Hokkaido University, Japan, and completed internships at the US Naval Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He did his residency in Internal Medicine at the Lahey Clinic, Boston and fellowship training in Immunology at the Peter Bent Brigham and Robert Breck Brigham Hospitals (mentor, John R David, MD), Harvard Medical School in Boston, in Tumor Immunology at the University of Minnesota (mentor, Charles F Mckhann, MD from Massachusetts General Hospital) in Minneapolis, followed by fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University (mentor, Charles M Huguley, Jr., MD).
Abstract:
Therapy of breast cancer metastasis with UBS109:An estimated 30% of women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer will have a recurrence and may eventually die of their disease. An estimated 90% of deaths due to breast cancer area consequence of metastatic disease. Bone is one of the most common sites (70%) of metastasis.Monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin (MACs) include UBS109, EF31 and EF24. UBS109 inhibited bone destruction induced by triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cells. UBS109 directly stimulates osteoblastogenesis and mineralization in bone marrow cells from normal nude mice in vitro and stimulates osteoblast activation in preosteoblastic cells. Furthermore,UBS109 suppresses the diff erentiation of osteoclast precursors into mature osteoclasts. UBS109 inhibited breast cancer in the bone, osteolysis by inhibiting osteoclast precursors and osteoclasts, but promotes new bone formation by stimulating osteoblast activation. Recently, we have demonstrated that UBS109 inhibited lung metastasis of the TNBC. Novel therapy for pancreaticand colon cancer using UBS109: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the fourth most common cause of cancer death, the
overall 5-year survival for PDA is less than 5%, a median survival of 4–6 months. Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a high incidence of clotting complications. We tested the cytotoxic activity of UBS109, EF31, EF24, HSP90 inhibitor, gemcitabine (current treatment), Akt inhibitor and p38 MAPK inhibitor against four diff erent PC cells.UBS109 and EF24 inhibited 100% at less than 1.25 μM, but others did not inhibit 100% at concentrations up to 20 μM. UBS109 and EF31(25 mg/kg, I.V.)/week for 3 weeks signifi cantly inhibited MiaPaCa-2 xenograft s in mice.UBS109 (25 mg/kg, I.V.)/week inhibited colon cancer (HT-29 and HCT- 116) xenograft s better than a combination of oxaliplatin (5 mg/kg) and 5FU (30 mg/kg) I.V.
Biography:
Marta Koblowska is currently the Director of the Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw. Since 2008, she is the Head of the Laboratory of Microarray Analysis, in the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences. Her main research interests focus around chromatin function in regulating gene expression changes in plant adaptation to stress conditions. Her group recently showed that plant specifi c histone deacetylase HD2C interacts with BRM-containing SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and both are involved in mediating the heat stress response in Arabidopsis.
Abstract:
One of the major abiotic constrains aff ecting plant growth is soil salinity. Despite many years of studying the molecular basis of plant response to high salinity, we still have gaps in our understanding of complex mechanisms underlying plant tolerance to salinity. To advance our knowledge about the early stages of plant cell response to salinity, we carried out a timeseries experiment during the fi rst 100 minutes of high-salt stress. As the most suitable model for performed studies, we chose Arabidopsis T87 cell line, off ering a relative cellular homogeneity comparing to a mixture of cells building the whole seedling or their organs. Our previous results describing nucleosomal response to high salinity, cold and abscisic acid (ABA) showed that Arabidopsis T87 cell line is a very convenient model to analyze stress response at the cellular level. To establish if frequent passages had an impact on T87 cells genome, we characterized a genetic variation in T87 cells. Apart from our previous data demonstrating that phosphorylation of histone H3 (H3S10ph) is a nucleosomal marker of cells standard behavior under stress, we also showed a novel histone modifi cation, H4K16ac to be a valid epigenetic signature of plant stress response. Transcription profi ling of T87 cells led to identifi cation of previously unrecognized genes, strongly activated during fi rst few minutes of salinity stress. Time-series transcriptome analysis during salinity stress followed by Bayesian network modelling recognized a set of hub genes directing the early response of plant cells to salinity stress.
Biography:
Marta Koblowska is currently the Director of the Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw. Since 2008, she is the Head of the Laboratory of Microarray Analysis, in the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences. Her main research interests focus around chromatin function in regulating gene expression changes in plant adaptation to stress conditions. Her group recently showed that plant specifi c histone deacetylase HD2C interacts with BRM-containing SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and both are involved in mediating the heat stress response in Arabidopsis.
Abstract:
One of the major abiotic constrains aff ecting plant growth is soil salinity. Despite many years of studying the molecular basis of plant response to high salinity, we still have gaps in our understanding of complex mechanisms underlying plant tolerance to salinity. To advance our knowledge about the early stages of plant cell response to salinity, we carried out a timeseries experiment during the fi rst 100 minutes of high-salt stress. As the most suitable model for performed studies, we chose Arabidopsis T87 cell line, off ering a relative cellular homogeneity comparing to a mixture of cells building the whole seedling or their organs. Our previous results describing nucleosomal response to high salinity, cold and abscisic acid (ABA) showed that Arabidopsis T87 cell line is a very convenient model to analyze stress response at the cellular level. To establish if frequent passages had an impact on T87 cells genome, we characterized a genetic variation in T87 cells. Apart from our previous data demonstrating that phosphorylation of histone H3 (H3S10ph) is a nucleosomal marker of cells standard behavior under stress, we also showed a novel histone modifi cation, H4K16ac to be a valid epigenetic signature of plant stress response. Transcription profi ling of T87 cells led to identifi cation of previously unrecognized genes, strongly activated during fi rst few minutes of salinity stress. Time-series transcriptome analysis during salinity stress followed by Bayesian network modelling recognized a set of hub genes directing the early response of plant cells to salinity stress.
Michael Bergel
Texas Woman’s University, USA
Title: Regulation of mitotic spindle polymerization by a novel histone deacetylase 3-linker histone H1.3 protein complex
Biography:
Michael Bergel is currently an Associate Professor at Texas Woman’s University (TWU), the largest university primarily for women in the United States. His lab has recently submitted a provisional patent application: U S Provisional Patent Application No. 62/567,089 entitled “Use of histone acetyltransferase inhibitor amidoximes as anti-proliferative agents”, fi led October 2, 2017. During his Postdoctoral training at the NIH, NCI with Dr. M Bustin, he specialized in the fi eld of chromatin. Specifi cally, he studied the HMGN1/2 proteins and their acetylation by the histone acetyltransferases p300 and PCAF. He also demonstrated that HMGNs are involved in regulation of core histone posttranslational modifi cations. He obtained his Master’s and PhD from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in the fi eld of Cancer Biology, mentored by Dr. Jacob Hochman. His research interest includes chromatin, cancer biology, DNA repair and cellular UV response.
Abstract:
Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) and linker histone H1 are involved in both chromatin compaction and the regulation of mitotic progression. However, the mechanisms by which HDAC3 and H1 regulate mitosis as well as the factors controlling HDAC3 and H1 activity during mitosis are unclear. Furthermore, as of now, no other association between class I, II or IV HDACs and linker histones has been reported. Here, we describe a novel HDAC3-H1.3 complex containing SMRT and N-CoR and at least four other proteins which accumulated in synchronized HeLa cells in late G2 and mitosis. Nonetheless, the deacetylation activity by the HDAC3 in the complex was evident only in mitotic complexes. HDAC3 associated to H1.3 was highly phosphorylated on S424 only during mitosis. Isolation of inactive HDAC3-H1.3 complexes from late-G2 cells and phosphorylation of HDAC3 in the complexes at serine 424 by protein kinase CK2 (also known as casein kinase 2), activated the HDAC3 in vitro. In vivo, CK2a and CK2a’ double knockdown cells demonstrated a signifi cant decrease in HDAC3 S424 phosphorylation during mitosis. HDAC3 and H1.3 co-localized in between the chromosomes with polar microtubules and spindle poles during metaphase through telophase and partially co-localized with chromatin during prophase and interphase. H1 was previously reported to associate with microtubules; thus, it could potentially function in targeting HDAC3 to the microtubules. We recently demonstrated that HDAC3, H1.3 or double knockdown cells have a lower microtubule polymerization rate in mitotic cells, thus supporting the role of the activated HDAC3-H1.3 complex in regulating mitotic microtubule growth.
Witold Chmielewski
Dentistry of Laval University, Canada
Title: Engineering human oral mucosa for clinical application
Biography:
Witold Chmielewski is a Professor at the Faculty of Dentistry of Laval University. He is a Clinician and Researcher in the fi eld of Dentistry, Buccal Physiology and
Biomaterials. He got his MSc from Montreal and Doctorate in Dentistry from University of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland. He has more than 20 peer reviewed scientifi c publications and has authored numerous communications at scientifi c conferences and congresses.
Abstract:
Soft tissues such as skin and oral mucosa defi cits are usually corrected with autologous tissue collected from diff erent donor sites. Considered as the gold standard in damaged tissue reconstruction, this procedure is hampered by signifi cant limitations that include the limited amount of tissue to be collected, the creation of new fragile sites and the possible inappropriate healing of those donor sites. To overcome these limitations, some clinical initiatives have shown the possible use of engineered soft tissues such as oral mucosa for tissue reconstruction. Th us, our primary goal was to optimize the needed conditions for engineering clinically useful gingival human tissue. To reach our goal, we used primary human epithelial cells and fi broblasts that have been isolated from small gingival biopsies. Cells were propagated and then used to engineer human oral mucosa using a collagen scaff old. Before graft ing, tissue structure and protein production were investigated using histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Th e in vivo studies were performed by graft ing the engineered tissue onto the dorsa of immunodefi cient mice. Aft er 15 and 60 days post graft ing, biopsies were collected and used to evaluate the structure of the newly generated mucosa. Interestingly, our data demonstrated that isolated gingival cells were able to adhere and proliferate when seeded into collagen scaff old. Epithelial cells gave a well-structured and stratifi ed epithelium, basically being cultured into a connective tissue (collagen matrix populated with gingival fi broblasts). Following graft ing, the engineered human oral mucosa was able to generate mucosa that covers all available graft ing surfaces. Th e tissue contained a well-vascularised lamina propria and well-structured epithelium. Both structures communicate through a basement membrane containing lamini-5 and type IV collagen. All together, the results demonstrate the usefulness of engineered oral mucosa tissue as an alternative to replace damaged gingiva.
Alexander Archakov
Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Russia
Title: Molar concentration welcomes avogadro in postgenomic analysys
Biography:
A I Archakov is a Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Professor & Scientifi c Advisor at Institute of Biomedical Chemistry. He has organized scientifi c school to study molecular organization and functioning of oxygenase cytochrome P450-containing systems, molecular mechanisms of the structure and function of membranes and biological oxidation. He has guided the institute’s members in developing a fundamentally new pharmaceutical composition “Phosphogliv” with antiviral activity for the treatment of liver diseases of various etiology. He is the pioneer in the development of proteomics in Russia. Currently, he is the International “Human Proteome” Project Coordinator in Russia. He is one of the Russia’s top 100 scientists with Hirsch number 27. He is the author of more than 700 scientifi c works including about 482 scientifi c articles, 6 monographs, 30 patents and author’s certifi cates. He was Scientifi c Advisor for 15 Doctors’ and more than 60 PhD theses. He is the winner of three state prizes of the USSR, the RSFSR and of the Russian Federation.
Abstract:
The researchers working with high-throughput methods of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics reconsider the concept of concentration and evaluate the data obtained in the number of copies of biomacromolecules. Measurement of copy number refl ects a steady trend in increasing the sensitivity of postgenomic analytical methods, up to the level of a single molecule. In this paper we review the physical meaning of the terms molar concentration and Avogadro’s number to establish a relationship between them. Th e relationship between the molar concentration and the number of copies of
that same macromolecule in a certain volume is set through the reverse Avogadro’s number, the value of which (≈10-24 Ðœ) characterizes the molar concentration of a single molecule in 1 liter. Using the reverse Avogadro’s number, we deal with situations in analyzing homogeneous biological solutions and heterogeneous cellular material.
Alex Chenchik
Cellecta, Inc., USA
Title: Targeted single-cell RNA expression profi ling for biomarker discovery
Biography:
Alex Chenchik is the President and Scientifi c Director of Cellecta Inc., Mountain View, California, USA. His work focuses on “Development and application of next generation functional genomic technologies for discovery biomarkers, drug targets and development novel drugs”. He worked for Systems Biosciences, LLC as Vice- President of R/D and developed genetic screen technology with pooled lentiviral shRNA libraries in combination with a wide range of reporter cell lines. He also worked for BDB Clontech as Director of GCA Department and participated in the development of microarrays and disease-profi ling arrays for expression profi ling, PCR-based technologies for gene cloning, and subtraction-based approach for discovery of differentially expressed genes. He has done PhD in Molecular Biology (1982) from Institute of Molecular Biology, Moscow, Russia. He did MS in Chemistry (1978) at Institute of Fine Chemical Technology, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
New rapid and robust transcriptome-based methods for cellular characterization of the tumor microenvironment and biomarker discovery are required to improve prognosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases. However, challenges with current approaches for the above applications include high sample requirements, poor sensitivity, low dynamic range, and limited throughput. To address these limitations, we have developed the DriverMap™ targeted RNA expression profi ling assay using a genome-wide set of 19,000 validated primer pairs that leverages the sensitivity of multiplex RT-PCR with the throughput and digital readout depth of next-generation sequencing (NGS). Starting from just 10pg (single-cell) to 100ng (10,000 cells)
of total RNA is suffi cient to quantify over 5 orders of magnitude variation in gene expression levels with performance similar to conventional qRT-PCR. Further, the use of gene-specifi c primers enables direct analysis of total RNA isolate and obviates the need for globin and rRNA depletion from whole blood samples. And, using a subset of primers empirically selected from the DriverMap™ assay, we have developed a novel single-cell targeted RNA expression (scTRex) profi ling assay compatible with conventional oligo dT-molecular indexing, single- cell barcoding strategies. In this study, we present the performance of the assay to analyze the level of immune cell infi ltration in tumor samples, and identify active pathways in tumor, xenograft samples and cell lines treated with small molecules. Preliminary studies demonstrate the assay’s unparalleled specifi city and sensitivity resulting in better detection of low abundance mRNA transcripts as well as an improved cost-eff ectiveness for highthroughput clinical applications.
Arieh Zaritsky
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
Title: Multiplication of virulent bacteriophage: Interactions with the host
Biography:
Arieh Zaritsky obtained a distinguished MSc in Genetics at the Hebrew University, Israel in 1967. He completed his PhD from Leicester University, UK in 1971 and Post-doctorate at University Institute of Microbiology, Copenhagen, Denmark in 1972. During his career, he has instructed over 50 graduate students/scientists and was awarded numerous research grants. He visited higher education institutions around the world and delivered invited lectures at international meetings. He is a recognized expert in Bacterial and Bacteriophage Physiology, on which he has published about half of his 130 peer-reviewed articles, and was awarded (1994) Burroughs-Wellcome/ ASM Visiting Professorship.
Abstract:
Dependence of virulent (bacterio) phage multiplication on the physiological state of its host, conceived in the 1940’s,was refi nedfor the T4/Escherichia coli model system.Th e knownkinetic parameters (adsorption rate, eclipse and latent periods, ripening-rate, and consequent burst size) are relatedsolely to the host’s physiological state expressed by the bacterial growth rate before infection.Numerical models were advanced to explain (a)dependence of phage multiplication dynamics on host’s physiology, (b) co-existence of phage and its susceptible bacteria based on phage suicideand (c) kinetics of cell lysis based on materials corrosion, statistics of extremes and updated knowledge on bacterial physiology and phage biology. A mathematical model (d) was devisedto maximize phage titers by adjusting values of bacterial doubling time and initial multiplicity of infection (MOI). Results display a range of possible values along a golden strip in the relevant plane, and times to achieve these maxima and gains were evaluated.Resolution of the adsorption kinetics was refi ned (e) by frequent (~5 min-1) sampling at MOI=1 during the fi rst 6 min. Th e observed fast drop in free phage and bacteria is consistent with a relatively simple model. Th e sharper reduction in viable cells indicates that adsorption is more complex than thought to be.Th e consistencies of the various models with existing experimental resultssupport predictability and potential use to improve phage therapy.
JoonChing Juana
University of Malaya, Malaysia
Title: Biological and chemical fi xation of carbon dioxide
Biography:
Joon Ching Juan received his BSc in 2003 and PhD in 2007 from National University of Malaysia, Malaysia. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Catalysis at Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre, University of Malaya, Malaysia and also Senior Research Fellow (Adjunct) position at Monash University, Sunway Campus. Until now, he has managed to publish more than 100 publications, co-author four book chapters and his H-index is 20 (2017). He is the recipient of several awards including, Malaysia’s Research Star Award (2017) and National Young Scientist Award (2016).
Abstract:
There are still on-going debates on the role of carbon dioxide fi xation technologies on climate change. Nevertheless, we could not disregard the strong correlation between carbon dioxide concentration and global warming. Th is scenario has induced many researchers not only to reduce the carbon dioxide emission but also utilize or fi x carbon dioxide. Mainly two approaches
which are biological and chemical have been aggressively developed for carbon dioxide fi xation. Th e photoautotrophic cultivation of microalgae is the most promising biological method for carbon dioxide fi xation and utilization. Th is is because the microalgal biomass can be further processed as feedstock for biofuel and bio-based chemicals production. We have made used of microalgal technologies to be integrated into wastewater treatment such as in the palm oil mill effl uents. Meanwhile, the chemical pathways are: (i) utilization of carbon dioxide via catalytic conversion into fuel or chemical e.g., methanol and methane and (ii) fi xation of carbon dioxide into certain matrix such as cement. Recently, photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into methanol has gained much interested because the process is less energy intensive. Defi nitely there are many new technologies being developed, but the feasibility of this technology on a large scale should be carefully evaluated. Th e biological and chemical perspectives on future of carbon dioxide fi xation and utilization are outlined.
- Human Genomics | Bioinformatics in Genomics | Micro RNA | | Biophysics | Cell biology
Location: Orly
Chair
Michael Bergel
Texas Woman’s University, USA
Co-Chair
Marta Koblowska
University of Warsaw, Poland
Session Introduction
Manjit Kaur
National Human Genome Research Institute - NIH, USA
Title: International Summit in Human Genetics and Genomics (ISHGG): Training the next generation of scientists and clinicians in human genetics and genomics in developing or genetics resource poor countries
Biography:
Manjit Kaur completed her MS (Microbiology) from University of Maryland, USA; an MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. She is an Interdisciplinary Scientist trained in microbiology, clinical pathology, infectious diseases, recombinant vaccines (cholera and malaria), biotechnology and human genetics and genomics. She previously worked for Academia, the Department of Defense and the private sector, before arriving at National Institute of Health, USA (2001), to work on neural tube defects. She now manages International Program at NHGRI that helps fi ll the knowledge gap in genetics and genomics in developing/genetics resource poor countries.
Abstract:
Genomics is increasingly becoming the backbone of all biomedical research and clinical application. Inherited and de novo disorders are adding to the burden of disease and disability in developing countries and straining their resources. Advances in human genetics and genomic research now make it possible to prevent, diagnose and treat many genetic and congenital birth defects; and proven strategies help manage unanticipated conditions. Unfortunately, many countries lack trained geneticists and the subject is not included in their curriculum, thus making it diffi cult to address these issues. To help fi ll the knowledge gap, National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) developed ISHGG, a 5-year initiative (2016-2020), to assist developing countries build capacity in genetics and genomics. In 2016 and 2017, NHGRI sponsored professionals (n=19, n=26), from multiple health-allied disciplines, from several countries (n=13, n=24). Th e summit included didactics, clinics, fi eld trips, workshops and a patient-panel. Pre- and post-surveys conducted helped gauge knowledge about the subject, interest and learning among people. Th e results indicated that the summit was a unique learning opportunity for participants and speakers, and its continuance was encouraged. One-year outcomes from the 2016 summit included collaborations (27), publications (54) and grants (24). Annual feedback from participants on their eff orts in genetics/genomics, indicates that the summit is making good progress in achieving its goals of promoting genetic and genomic research and medicine through international cooperation and collaboration; identifying and fi lling the knowledge gap in genetics and its related technologies in developing countries and help reduce the burden of disease and disability in these countries.
Biography:
Abstract:
As scientifi c technology continues to improve, so does the ability of shared resource labs to eff ectively serve their scientifi c partners. However, an increase in laboratory customers presents a unique set of issues, which can hinder a lab’s operational effi ciency and impact overall results. In this workshop we will identify opportunities for optimized lab operations effi ciency, discuss details of an eff ective laboratory operations strategy, and provide insights on best practices and current tools in the industry. Investing time and thought into refi ning your laboratory operations will pave the way for satisfi ed partners and improved innovation.
Ana Fernández Marmiesse
University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Title: Neuromegen: Achieving rapid diagnosis for neurodevelopmental disorders
Biography:
Abstract:
Diagnosis of neurodevelopmental diseases is signifi cantly complicated by their variability of presentation. Th ese disorders may present symptoms that could be erroneously attributed to a common disease, delaying diagnosis and ultimately contributing to reduced awareness. Technological advances in next generation sequencing (NGS) and target enrichment approaches have led to major changes in diagnostic workfl ows in this fi eld. We discuss the milestones achieved with these developments, focusing on the results achieved for epileptic disorders. In a 4-year cohort study, a customized NGS-based panel (EPI-panel) was applied to the diagnostic workfl ow of over 215 infantile-onset epilepsy patients from Spain and Portugal. Simultaneous sequencing of 226 genes was performed using solution hybridization technology (Sure Select XT, Agilent) and subsequent sequencing using the MiSeq platform (Illumina). EPI-panel consists of (i) a custom panel design that
is periodically updated with new disease-associated genes proposed in the literature; (ii) a variant-prioritization algorithm that takes into account specifi c population frequencies and mutation-susceptibility profi les for genes. We detected 98 variants in 50 diff erent genes involved in neuronal excitability, neurodevelopment, synaptic transmission, metabolic pathways, and brain morphogenesis. An overall diagnostic yield of 40–50% was achieved. De novo mutations and CNVs constituted an important percentage of the genetic burden in the cases analyzed. Th e incorporation of the Neuromegen tools into the diagnostic protocol for these disorders shortens the time to diagnosis to 1–2 weeks, reduces the number of tests and treatments required, and can be used to orient genetic counseling.
Sarah S. Knox
West Virginia University School of Public Health, USA
Title: Wave/particle duality in biomedical research
Biography:
Sarah S Knox completed her PhD at Stockholm University in Sweden and began her career at the Karolinska Institute. After returning to the US, she worked at the National Institutes of Health for 17 years. She is currently a full Professor at West Virginia University. Her publications, honors and awards can be found on
Research Gate.
Abstract:
Because medical conditions occur in the physical body, we automatically assume that their causality is some form of matter. Th e fact that at a subatomic level, no diff erence between matter and energy is distinguishable has not changed our focus on matter as sole causality. Th us, we design our experiments to see particles. To understand DNA we separate the double helix and sequence the individual base pairs. Th is methodology has been highly successful in helping us to genotype diseases characterized by Mendelian inheritance. A couple of years ago, scientists succeeded in removing the DNA from a certain type of bacteria and inserting synthesized DNA to change the bacterial phenotype. However this experiment only works in a living cell. Th e cell, with the DNA removed was still living. Th is begs the question of how we defi ne life. When we set up the experiment to see particles, we do not see the waveform. In order to see the waveform, the DNA helix must be left intact,
because the entire strand is an electrical conductor. Wave functions extend perpendicular to the base planes forming what is known as a p orbital. Th e meaning and importance of DNA electrical conduction has not been investigated. As gene and molecular technology improve, the accuracy with which we can measure molecular events has increased exponentially. The thesis of this talk is that no matter how accurately we measure, if we are excluding relevant data points, our interpretations can end up being biased and misleading.
Igors Pupko
Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Clinic iVF Riga, Latvia
Title: Diffi culties of mosaicism interpretation in embryo aneuploidy screening in IVF setting
Biography:
Igors Pupko has received his B.Sc.in Genetics from University of Essex at 2017. Since graduation he is molecular geneticist in Reproductive Medicine and Genetic
Clinic iVF Riga.
Abstract:
Embryo aneuploidy screening (PGT-A) using diff erent approaches (FISH, arrayCGH, NGS) has been widely used in IVF setting worldwide. Chromosomal aberrations found in embryos could be as high as 50% from all embryos. Mosaic chromosomal aberrations oft en seen in embryos are well described. Diffi culties in interpreting results are challenging especially when there are no euploid embryos suitable for transfer. Several guidelines are available and they all state that euploid embryo should be preferred over aneuploid or mosaic aneuploid embryo. In case of mosaic embryos, chromosomal aberrations including chromosomes 13, 18, 21, as well as chromosomes which are linked with uniparental disomy, should be excluded. Embryo selfrescue is known mechanism, which in most cases manages to remove cells with aneuploidy and continue development from mosaic aneuploid embryo to child with normal karyotype in up to 80% pregnancies. Th e experience of our clinic has allowed to accumulate knowledge about the mosaic aneuploid embryo PGT-A data interpretation. Data interpretation should be done by specialists – geneticists and molecular geneticists to avoid misdiagnosis and carefully consider possible eff ects of mosaic aneuploidy, especially if there are no euploid embryos for transfer. In practice we have seen several possible outcomes aft er embryo self-rescue – normal and ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage and uniparental disomy..
Miriam Payá Milans
University of Tennessee, USA
Title: Exploring the design of RNA-Seq analysis pipeline
Biography:
Miriam Payá Milans is a Young Researcher with an international background. On her PhD studies, in Seville Spain, she worked on the molecular and biochemical analysis of genes in the lipid biosynthesis pathway. Part of that research was carried out in collaboration with laboratories at the Universities of Missouri and Guelph. After PhD, she decided to expand into the fi eld of bioinformatics, with her fi rst work done on SNP analysis in octoploid strawberry, in Barcelona. She is currently working as Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Tennessee, focusing on the analysis of RNA-Seq data in several plant species. There, she helps teaching at RNASeq analysis workshops and offers bioinformatics support to colleagues.
Abstract:
Transcriptome analysis through RNA-Seq data is well-established in model organisms, but the data analysis on other species can be less straightforward. Compared to other kingdoms, genome sequencing projects are far lower in plants, resulting in an increased challenge to the study of crop species. For example, in working with blueberries, we have more than one species of interest, fewer genomic resources than many model plant systems and various levels of polyploidy. When developing a workfl ow of soft ware tools to analyze this data, a researcher faces decisions among numerous algorithms at each step. We have explored some of the current options available to analyze RNA-Seq data in two situations: fi rst, when the closest reference genome is from a diff erent species and second, when a polyploid species is being sequenced but the closest reference genome is a diploid progenitor species. Results are compared between the usages of a related species reference genome against the utilization of de novo transcriptome assemblies. Further, comparisons are made amongst read correcting, quality trimming, and read mapping soft ware choices. We conclude that diff erent soft ware packages and approaches infl uence RNA-Seq analysis and recommend the election of parameters that maximize desired metrics when using polyploid species and/or a distant reference genome.