Kevin Morris, from the City of Hope, to Present at 7th Non-Coding RNA & RNAi Therapeutics

Boston, MA, July 27, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Kevin Morris, Professor & Associate Director of the Center for Gene Therapy at the City of Hope, to discuss “Genomic Dark Matter; The Complexities of Non-Coding RNA from Mechanism to Therapeutics” at GTCbio’s 7th Non-Coding RNA & RNAi Therapeutics Conference to be held on September 14-15, 2016 in Boston, MA.

Observations over the past decade have demonstrated that exogenously introduced non-coding RNAs can transcriptionally modulate gene expression in human cells by recruiting silent state epigenetic marks to target loci. Dr. Kevin Morris will present evidence here suggesting that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are antisense to particular protein-coding genes, function in human cells as effector molecules driving endogenous TGS. These lncRNAs, can emanate in trans from pseudogenes or cis, and antisense to their protein-coding counterparts, and guide epigenetic remodeling complexes consisting of Enhancer of Zeste (Ezh2) and DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) to target loci. Notably, when these regulatory lncRNAs are repressed the result can be a concomitant activation of their protein-coding counter parts expression as a result of derepression of the lncRNA-targeted locus. Dr. Kevin Morris will discuss several examples of antisense lncRNA directed regulation of gene expression from various diseases model systems ranging from Cancer to HIV to Cystic Fibrosis. Collectively, the data presented here offers a distinctly different picture for gene regulation than has previously been appreciated. Notably, Dr. Morris’ group find that an underappreciated RNA directed mechanism of action is operative in human cells that can be taken advantage of to either transcriptionally silence a genes expression in a long-term manner or activate a genes transcription by the targeted degradation of regulatory antisense lncRNAs.

The conference will bring together an exciting balance of industry and academia, so that delegates have the unique opportunity to network with colleagues in the RNA research field. Emerging areas in RNA research provide great insight into promising therapeutic tools. Delivery has remained a solid focus for understanding how RNA has proven to play a vital and central role in all cellular function. Advances in cell selective delivery and the target abilities of RNAi demonstrate growth and maturity in the field. The excitement and interest that CRISPR brings continues to progress the evolution of genome editing tools. This meeting will also dive into application of aptamers in diagnostic and therapeutic settings. This will include stability, affinity and specificity of oligonucleotide aptamer ligands and other delivery approaches as well.

Session topics include:

I. CRISPR Mediated Genome Editing and Functional Screening
II. Emerging Applications for Non-Coding RNAs in Basic and Clinical Research
III. Therapeutic Delivery of Nucleic Acid-Based Drugs
IV. Advances in RNAi, Antisense, and Non-Coding RNA-Based Drugs in Clinical Development

For more information, please visit website:
https://www.gtcbio.com/conferences/non-coding-rna-rnai-therapeutics-overview

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