Transcription, Chromatin, and Epigenetics in Aging - SUMMARY
The goal of this FASEB meeting “Transcription, Chromatin and Epigenetics in Aging” is to cover innovative topics
in the roles epigenetic mechanisms play in the regulation of aging and how this is linked to disease states. In
this meeting we will cover both fundamental mechanisms as well as novel therapeutic strategies for age-related
diseases, introducing for the first time a metabolism session as well as three interdisciplinary and therapeutic-
related sessions. Epigenetic mechanisms encompass post-translational modifications of chromatin and RNA as
well as transcriptional regulation, which together define the transcriptional program of the cell. This FASEB
meeting will be unique in integrating the latest discoveries in epigenetics and their importance in aging as well
as ‘novel therapeutic strategies for age-related diseases. There is a vital need for such a meeting, particularly in
bringing in together scientists at the forefront of both fields, to discuss interdisciplinary approaches to address
key questions in both fields. Exciting recent studies have revealed how organismal and cellular aging can be
regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, and how this is link to the metabolic state of the cell and its
microenvironment. The field of epigenetic is rapidly expanding, and the aging field can benefit from the latest
discoveries and advances in technologies in this area. Conversely, challenges and questions about the role of
epigenetics in aging and age-related diseases abound, and it is critical for researchers in the chromatin and
transcription fields to better grasp the implications of their work for health and disease.
This FASEB meeting will discuss cutting-edge questions in field focusing on the key topic of the underlying
molecular mechanisms that govern epigenetic regulation in aging. The meeting will cover new frontiers, including
the exciting emerging field of RNA epigenomics and new interdisciplinary chemical-biology approaches to study
these. The meeting will particularly focus on transformative epigenomic technologies including the development
and utility of new chemical modalities to manipulate and eventually target these for therapeutics.
This meeting will foster exciting interactions between scientists addressing fundamental questions, developing
new methodologies and therapeutic modalities. The meeting will also provide a uniquely interactive, diverse, and
inclusive forum throughout the meeting through short talks, poster teasers and sessions and promoting several
networking and meet-the-expert events. To further enhance our support of the next generation of scientist, we
established for the first time a full day of FASEB-Junior section that is dedicated to career-development and
networking for trainees and new investigators. Bringing these young investigators at early stages of their career
will not only encourage them to work in this field but also foster long-term interdisciplinary collaborations in very
different areas that will be highly beneficial for both fields.
