Michael Naso, Janssen, to Present at Antibody & Protein Therapeutics Mtg., Oct. 24-25, San Diego

San Diego, CA, October 01, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Michael Naso, Associate Director at Janssen R&D, will give a presentation titled “The Amazing Biology of the Cell: New Biological Concepts Leading to Novel Therapeutic Opportunities” at GTC’s Antibody & Protein Therapeutics Conference on October 24–25, 2013 in San Diego, CA

In his presentation, Dr. Naso will explain how cells are extremely dynamic entities, with many activities on-going at the same time that define the homeostatic cellular state. If perturbed, there can be rapid alterations to these activities with changes in gene expression that accompany fluctuations in chromatin structure in a dynamic nucleus. As a result of this dynamic complexity, there is a poor understanding of what drives cellular biology. The plasma cell membrane represents the main communication point between the cell and the external environment, possessing a diverse array of different protein receptors and accessory proteins that allow the cell to adjust to any changes presented to it externally. However, it just is being learned that there are many different ways these receptors transmit their signals inside the cell and how the cell integrates these signals to generate the cellular response. This response can be beneficial to the organism, or, detrimental, and result in disease. Recent advances in antibody generation technologies, along with high content screening are allowing us to generate unique antibody biological modulators that can be used to interrogate this complex cellular biology. This will allow for the identification of highly specific molecules that can alter cell biology in very precise ways, leading to new classes of therapeutics.

Michael Naso, Ph.D. is an Associate Director at Janssen Research and Development of Johnson and Johnson. He leads the Target Biology group within the Biologics Research department in the Biotechnology Center of Excellence. The focus of his group is to identify and validate novel targets, pathways and mechanisms for therapeutic intervention, and the discovery of antibody modulators for lead identification. Michael’s team supports all therapeutic areas within Janssen R&D, and has helped bring numerous lead candidates forward for early development. Michael received his Ph.D. from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA, in the department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and has been with Johnson and Johnson for over 12 years.

The Antibody & Protein Therapeutics Conference strives to connect representatives from big pharma, academic institutions and government research labs to present data and case studies on key topics such as antibody drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies and overcoming the blood-brain barrier. Attend to learn and network with key opinion leaders in a highly interactive and intimate environment.

For more information, please visit www.gtcbio.com/antibodyprotein