Epigenetics, Eh! First Canadian Conference on Epigenetics. May 4-7, 2011, London, Canada
Mission Statement
Introduction
Epigenetics is one of the most rapidly growing areas in biomedical research. The term ‘epigenetics’ refers to heritable changes to DNA that occur without changes in the nucleotide sequence (e.g. through DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and non-coding RNAs). These essential modifications are biologically important because they affect how, when, and where genes are expressed.
In simple terms, if genetic information is encoded in the letters of the DNA code, then the epigenetic information dictates how, when, and where those DNA letters are organized into the sentences and paragraphs of instructions that can be read by cells. As a result, epigenetics is involved in virtually all aspects of health and disease, and at every stage of the life cycle from gametogenesis, to the embryo and fetus, and through child and adulthood. Importantly, epigenetic genes and pathways have emerged as promising drug targets for numerous diseases, including cancer, genetic, neurological and metabolic disorders and inflammatory diseases.
Our Mission
This Canadian Conference on Epigenetics to be held in London, Ontario (May 4-7, 2011), will showcase the breadth of epigenetic research on environment and health across Canada. The objective of this conference is to provide the catalyst to build a collaborative Canadian Epigenetics Research Network (EPIGENETICS CANADA) from coast to coast, similar to existing international epigenetics initiatives in the US and Europe. With ten platform sessions, this Conference will feature cutting-edge epigenetic research related to environment and health, presented by Canadian and International leaders in the field of epigenetics, as well as providing poster sessions and informal networking opportunities for scientists and their trainees. This Scientific Conference will bring together a significant cross-section of Canadian epigenetic researchers from diverse disciplines and provide them with the opportunity to meet, interact, collaborate and strategize at the national level.
