Epigenetics is the study of inherited traits that are not encoded in the genome of cells or organisms. Such inheritance could be through the germline or from a mother cell to a daughter cell. As such, epigenetic principles underlie many fundamental processes in biology, such as maintaining a differentiated state, stem cell pluripotency, and regulation of the genome. Over the past ten years, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the biochemical basis of epigenetic inheritance. The modification of certain histone residues is now known to correlate with the structure and expression of chromatin domains. Indeed, the genome can be compartmentalized into active and repressed regions based upon an """"""""epigenetic code"""""""" imprinted onto nuclesomes and DNA. Genetic studies in model organisms converged with basic biochemistry to reveal a direct role for Polycomb and Trithorax mediated epigenetic regulation on the status of histone modification. These rapidly emerging discoveries impact all aspects of human development, aging, and disease. The ASN conference on """"""""Epigenetics: regulating the genome in development and disease"""""""" will provide a forum for our members and other interested parties to learn about emerging concepts and technologies from world leaders engaged in epigenetic research. As such, we expect to promote significant interest and potential integration of epigenetic research into areas of clinical relevance to the renal field, such as aging, diabetes, regeneration, and stem cell biology. New faculty and trainees are particularly encouraged to attend and will benefit greatly from the travel awards supported by this application.
The annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is the largest gathering in the world of clinical and basic scientist working in the renal field. Prior to the annual meeting, the ASN sponsors a basic science symposium whose topic is selected by the ASN Basic Science Committee and reflects an area of investigation in which major advances can impact the renal field. For 2009, the advances in basic science symposium ARE entitled Epigenetics: regulating the genome in development and disease. The symposium features 20 established investigators within the general area of epigenetics, chromatin biochemistry, stem cells, development, non-coding RNAs, and human disease. ASN members and other interested participants will have the chance to interact with world leaders in epigenetic studies and will be exposed state-of-the-art reseArch in this rapidly moving field. The conference is intended to foster new research collaborations and applications relevant to renal biology. The purpose of this R13 application is to request funds for junior faculty, post-doctoral fellows and graduate student travel awards such that members can attend this meeting prior to the ASN annual meeting in San Diego. Our goal is to broaden the perspectives of our members engaged in renal research such that they can integrate new discoveries and technologies into their current and future research plans.
