RNA/DNA Editing and Epitranscriptomics Across Biological Systems

The GRC on RNA editing is the premier international meeting dedicated to nucleic acid modifications. Modifications to the common nucleosides found in DNA and RNA have been known for many years. However, recent advances in analytical techniques for their detection, along with a deeper understanding of the broad impact these modifications have on fundamental biological processes, including human disease, have caused a renaissance in their study. Indeed, we now know that nucleic acid modifications are common in various naturally occurring nucleic acids and influence gene expression, protein synthesis, cognition, innate and adaptive immunity, autoimmune disease and cancer. Furthermore, several research labs have repurposed enzymes that naturally edit RNA or modify DNA bases for targeted genome and transcriptome editing. This meeting will bring together a diverse group of scientists with varying expertise with the common goal of sharing ideas and approaches that can advance our understanding of the many facets of nucleic acid modifications. These include their physiological functions in viruses, bacteria, yeast, and multicellular organisms (i.e. humans, worms, insects and plants), roles in disease, molecular mechanisms for incorporation and recognition, regulation of modification pathways, detection techniques and biotechnology applications. Presentations will be from scientists at all stages of their careers, including a number selected from the submitted abstracts. In addition, the program will include four poster sessions where all participants are encouraged to present and discuss results. As is the tradition for this conference, we will strive to provide a gender balanced and an ethnically and geographically diverse meeting that allows investigators to present novel findings and new approaches while also providing a collegial opportunity for all participants to interact.