短期课程

(SC1) Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry Instructor: Frederick Klink, Owner, Scientific Training & Marketing In this helpful and informative course, Fred Klink will reveal the range of mass spectrometry use from the basics to providing specific examples for biological analytes. This is a great overview course from an exceptional instructor for those who want to learn more about how mass spec can be implemented in their work. What is Mass Spectrometry? How does it work? What can you do using mass spec? What are the choices available? What are the key questions to ask vendors? *Separate registration required.

(SC2) RNAi for Beginners  Presenters: Queta K.F. Smith, Ph.D., Associate Director, Technical Communications, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Christophe J. Echeverri, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer & Chief Scientific Officer, Cenix BioScience GmbH Ian MacLachlan, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Protiva Biotherapeutics Inc. Kevin V. Morris, Ph.D., Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute Overview: Overall Introduction to RNAi Technology From HT-RNAi Screens to in Vivo RNAi in Vivo Delivery Using Small RNAs to Direct Long-Term Stable Gene Silencing Why Attend: Anyone who has started to use RNAi technology or has begun using the technology and wants to discuss issues and brainstorm with industry and academic leaders should attend this course for beginners.  *Separate registration required.

(SC3) Integrated Genetic Association Analyses Using Best-of-Breed Tools and Data Resources: A Handson Workshop Introducing the Genetics Toolkit for the Galaxy Genomic Workbench Presenters: Ross Lazarus, Ph.D., Anton Nekrutenko, Ph.D., and James Taylor, Ph.D., Channing Laboratory, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School Overview: Translational genomic research road-blocks and solutions Introduction to the Galaxy framework Genotype data quality assessment and data fi ltering tools Statistical genetics analysis tools Genomic tools for prioritizing candidate markers At the completion of the 3-hour workshop, participants will be familiar with the main features of the Galaxy genomic workbench. Participants will have performed a genotype quality control analysis and data cleaning, a genetic association case-control analysis, a genetic association continuous trait analysis, and a genetic association sample ancestry analysis. Participants will have used Galaxy tools for integrating data from the UCSC and other public data repositories with the results of statistical genetic analyses. Who Should Attend: Genetic disease association and pharmacogenetics researchers, including clinicians, graduate students, bioinformaticians, software developers and statisticians.  *Separate registration required.

(SC4) Epigenetics—Unraveling the Secrets Beyond Genes Epigenetics offers the possibility to alter our genetic destiny by controlling our essential molecules without changing the DNA sequence. Through Epigenetics’ control of genes, chromatic structure can be modified and genes can be silenced (turned off). The epigenome can be ‘unlocked’ to reveal the causes of disease and the complexity of humans’ development. This workshop will address how this new-found control can be used to detect disease, predict drug response, and create epigenetic therapies. DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Cancer Detection and Drug Response Prediction Christina Dahlstroem, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Biomarker Solutions, Epigenomics, Inc. The presentation will cover results from Epigenomics’ programs in early cancer detection in remote body fluids for colon, prostate and lung cancers. In addition, I will address Epigenomics’ differential methylation hybridization (DMH) microarray for discovery of predictive response and prognostic biomarkers in tissues. I will also discuss the use of DMH with cell lines that are sensitive and resistant to various drugs. *Separate registration required.

(SC5) Basics of RNAi Delivery Instructors: Mark A. Kay M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University John Rossi, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Molecular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope Muthiah Manoharan Ph.D., Vice President, Drug Discovery, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Roger Adami, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Molecular Pharmaceutics, Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. The course is designed to provide both the beginner and the expert, an overview of the molecular mechanisms and recent technical advances for facilitating RNAi delivery. The instructors will discuss the challenges associated with the delivery of a wide array of RNA molecules such as siRNAs, shRNAs, aptamers and miRNAs and offer practical advice gained from their experience and expertise in the field. The course is offered in an informal and interactive setting to enable free exchange of ideas and information.  Topics to be covered: Overview of viral and non-viral vector systems Testing and validating methods for delivery  The biochemistry of siRNA selection into RISC Design parameters for Dicer substrate siRNAs Aptamer siRNA conjugates for siRNA delivery Expression strategies for shRNAs/miRNAs Chemical methods of improving delivery Chemical conjugates and complexes Formulation approaches to deliver siRNAs Improving efficiency and reproducibility while minimizing cytotoxicity and off-target effects  *Separate registration required.

(SC6) Tools to Therapies Forum Join key thought leaders to exchange ideas and address the unique opportunities that arise from the convergence of genomic sciences, healthcare, and consumers in a unique interactive forum addressing: What does it take to transform the promise of an exciting tool into the reality of a therapy? How to fi nance genetic medicine? What are the new opportunities and strategies for direct consumer health? Who should attend?: Decision makers and experts in licensing, alliance management, business development, strategic planning, technology evaluation, technology transfer, and portfolio management; capital funding firms including venture capitalists, public & private investors, angel investors, government funding agencies, corporate governance, incubators, and technology transfer centers; entrepreneurs and executives from start-up, early stage, established small to large biotechs, pharmaceutical companies and related companies; and organizations interested in potential partners or to expand their technology portfolio. *Separate registration required.