Long Non-Coding RNAs: From Molecular Mechanism to Functional Genetics - ABSTRACT
Support is requested for a Keystone Symposia conference entitled Long Non-Coding RNAs: From Molecular
Mechanism to Functional Genetics, organized by Drs. Saba Valadkhan and Piero Carninci. The conference
will be held in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada from February 24-28, 2019.
Although emerging evidence points to the critical importance of the long non-coding transcriptome in human
physiology and pathology, the clinical potential of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as therapeutic and
prognostic targets remain largely unexplored. The increasing availability of high throughput technologies and
newly developed computational methodologies are rapidly making it possible to address this gap in our
knowledge. However, optimal use of these new capabilities and recognition of their power in transforming the
field of lncRNA research require the formation of new collaborative and training efforts. In proposing this
meeting, which is one of the few meetings dedicated to dissemination of novel findings in the lncRNA field, we
specifically aim to: 1) Communicate the latest available technologies and developing methodologies for
lncRNA functional genetics to the lncRNA community. We anticipate that by raising awareness of the ready
feasibility of human functional genetic studies, this meeting will promote collaborations and new research
directions that will bridge the already thriving lncRNA mechanistic and basic research to the clinical need for
novel, effective diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets; 2) By highlighting and promoting the emerging
feasibility of performing lncRNA functional genetics, we hope that the meeting can contribute to attracting the
attention of biotech and pharmaceutical industry and clinically-oriented funding agencies to the lncRNA field;
and 3) Through holding a joint meeting with the RNA-protein interaction field, we anticipate the formation of
new collaborative efforts that will accelerate the integration of the lncRNA research into the existing body of
biological knowledge.
