4th Annual Symposium on RNA Science

March 17, 2017

Symposium Topics, Keynote Speakers and Session Chairs:  DRAFT Schedule

Session 1: mRNA Therapeutics: Processing and Targeting

Chair:  Eric Sontheimer, RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Keynote:  Melissa J. Moore, PhD – Eleanor Eustis Farrington Chair of Cancer Research, Co-Director RNA and Neuro
Therapeutics Institutes (RTI, NTI), Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical
School

Session 2:  RNA Trafficking, Signaling, and Imaging

Chair:  Tom Gingeras, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Keynote:  Maria Barna, PhD
Assistant Professor, Departments of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford School of
Medicine

Session 3:  lncRNAs and Therapeutic Applications

Chair: TBN
Keynote:  Jeanne B. Lawrence, PhD – Professor & Interim Chair, Dept. of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of
Massachusetts Medical School

Session 4:  RNA Structure Informs Function

Chair:  Marlene Belfort, University at Albany
Keynote:  Tom Steitz, PhD – Nobel Laureate, Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Professor of
Chemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Yale University

Registration Rates (early/ late beginning February 20, 2017)

• Student $35/$55
• Postdoc $70/$90
• All others $100/$120

Oral and Poster Presentations:  application deadline, January 19, 2017

• Abstract Template and guidelines for oral and poster presentations
• Abstract Submission
• Notification of oral and poster presentations by February 1, 2017
• Poster awards presented at cocktail reception immediately following symposium

Concurrent Workshops
March 16, 2017, 9am-5pm (NOTE:  Epitranscriptome analysis workshop begins at 4pm on March 15, 2017)
$50/attendee

• Epitranscriptome analysis of RNA modifications at attomole level: Dr. Maria Basanta-Sanchez DRAFT Schedule

This workshop instructs participants how to prepare RNA samples for identifying RNA modifications using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LCMS). In addition participants will learn how to operate LCMS instrumentation for RNA modification quantification and how to process the data for analysis.  You are welcome to bring your own sample for analysis.  Contact Dr. Basanta-Sanchez for sample requirements.

• microRNA detection using nanoswitch technology: Dr. Kenneth Halvorsen
  DRAFT Schedule

This workshop instructs participants how to detect microRNA using DNA nanoswitches and standard gel electrophoresis. Participants will learn how to prepare, purify, and use the nanoswitches, and how to analyze the data. Please contact Dr. Halvorsen directly if you are interested in using your own microRNA sample in the workshop.

• RNA Dynamics: Structural Modeling Through Simulation Workshop:  Drs. Paul Whitford and Alan Chen

Accommodations:  Room block available at the Hilton Garden Inn for $115/night
                               Hotel is within walking distance of the university and shuttle bus service will be available

Organizing Committee:  Alan Chen, Joan Curcio, Bijan Dey, Melinda Larsen, Prash Rangan

(find out more…)