Biological Methylation: Fundamental Mechanisms

For over 30 years, this FASEB Science Research Conference (SRC) has covered broad topics relating to DNA, RNA, protein methylation, and the role these epigenetic and post-translational modifications have in development, disease, and cancer. The conference brings together scientists who are studying diverse aspects of the biochemistry, function, and disease relevance of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)-dependent methylation to discuss recent research developments and to initiate collaborations. This year’s program will provide ample opportunities for students, fellows, and early-career investigators to interact with leaders in the fields of protein, RNA, and DNA methylation.

The main themes of this FASEB conference are: 1) Protein, DNA, and RNA methylation: 2) Methylation and chromatin regulation in the context of development and disease; 3) Small molecule inhibitors of methyltransferases and demethylases and their therapeutic applications.

Goals and Takeaways

· Acquire deeper knowledge of molecular mechanisms regulating DNA methylation, RNA methylation, protein lysine, and arginine methylation.

· Understand the comprehensive role of biological methylation in development, disease, and cancer

· Be able to facilitate scientific interactions and career development networking between early-career scientists and experienced investigators.

· Help promote opportunities for early-career investigators and trainees from historically excluded groups to present their work and interact with leaders in the field.

Program Topics

· Lysine Methylation: Writer, Reader, Eraser

· Arginine Methylation: Players and Mechanism

· DNA and RNA Methylation

· Methylation in Development and Disease

· Methylation and Chromatin Regulation

· Methylation and Therapeutics

· Methylation in Gene Regulation and Cancer

Additionally, there will be two poster sessions with two flash talk sessions for presentations, and a mini-symposium on “Small Molecule Inhibitors of Methyltransferases and Demethylases.”

Workshops

Meet the Expert sessions on “Women in Science and work-life balance” and “Mentorship and Transition to Independence” aimed at early-career faculty to meet experts in the field and to receive career advice.

Career Development Workshop for early-career researchers to address professional pathways in a panel discussion format.

Keynote Speakers

Adrian Bird, PhD, Buchanan Professor of Genetics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Mark Dawson, PhD, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia