RNA Processing in Cancer Conference: From Bench to Bedside - SUMMARY Alterations in RNA processing have recently emerged as a new cancer hallmark and a promising target for cancer therapies. The fields of cancer and RNA biology have traditionally been studied in isolation; however, an integrated approach between these fields is needed to prepare the next generation of scientists and physicians to uncover the mechanisms of their relationship. Currently, no conference in the cancer field incorporates RNA biology. To fill this gap, we propose the unique and timely interdisciplinary conference “FASEB RNA processing in cancer: from bench to bedside” to foster future collaborations and research advances. The main objectives of this meeting are to define the role of RNA processing in cancer initiation, progression, and drug responses, and to identify novel therapeutic strategies to target RNA processing defects in cancer. This 5-day long conference to be held in Houston, TX in November 2023 will bring together scientists, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior and senior investigators, as well as clinicians and physicians, and scientists from industry and pharmaceutical companies, from the fields of RNA biology and cancer. While putting together the speakers list, the organizing committee made a commitment to increased diversity. The conference program will include invited lectures, short talks from trainees, and educational/professional sessions, featuring leading scientists with distinct expertise yet shared interest in understanding the role of RNA processing in cancer pathogenesis and developing novel cancer therapeutics. Our specific aims are to (1) Organize an interdisciplinary conference on RNA processing and cancer; (2) Promote interactions to foster collaborative research and career advancement; (3) Foster the recruitment and development of diverse junior investigators in RNA biology and cancer research fields; (4) Accelerate translation of fundamental advances into novel clinical cancer therapeutics. The proposed conference will cross-pollinate the fields of RNA biology and cancer biology, seed new collaborations across disciplines, and facilitate the next generation of scientists to implement novel strategies towards targeting RNA processing in oncology.
