Kathleen H. Burns, MD, PhD of Harvard
Ting Wang, PhD of Washington University
01/12/2022 - Travel Form Due
02/12/2022 - Abstracts Due
Meeting #: Refer to your packet.
Hours: 8:00am – 8:00 pm EST M-F
Domestic: 669-210-8002
International : 623-516-6140
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
831.372.8016
Forbeck Forum Information
Travel Information
General Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How to donate to WGFRF
Transposable elements (TEs) make up 50% of the human genome but are referred to as "genomic dark matter" or "junk DNA" and often ignored in genomic medicine - both because they have been presumed to be unimportant and because their high copy number and variability pose unique technical challenges. Neither impediment now seems steadfast. Interest in the human transposable elements and their role in cancer has never been greater, and methods enabling its study are maturing at a fast pace.
Transposable elements directly contribute to cancer through both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. De novo transposon insertions are known to disrupt important genes and gene regulatory elements and result in tumorigenesis. Epigenetically reactivated transposable elements can become cryptic promoters and enhancers and lead to abnormal gene activities including up-regulating oncogenes. These recent mounting evidences request a full understanding of the contribution of transposable elements to cancer.
On the other hand, transposable elements are a double-edged sword. Recent discoveries reveal that epigenetically reactivated transposable elements can produce cancer specific products including immunogenic antigens and double stranded RNAs, which result in an innate immune response. These findings together with rapid development of immunotherapies open new avenues for cancer treatment.
| Participant | Institution |
|---|
| Scholar | Institution |
|---|---|
| Carlos Mendez-Dorantes, PhD | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute |
The Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the preferred airport as it is only 20 minutes from the meeting location.
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) is 1 1/2 hours from the meeting location without traffic. The Foundation can only accommodate 1 pick up per day at San Jose. If you absolutely must fly into San Jose (ie: International Flights) the Foundation will have the following pick up times:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 2 hours from the meeting location without traffic. The Foundation can only accommodate 1 pick up per day at San Francisco. If you absolutely must fly into San Francisco (ie: International Flights) the Foundation will have the following pick up times:
The abstracts should be only one or two paragraphs outlining the theme of your presentation and should reflect the objective and spirit of the meeting (see above). Abstracts will be circulated about one week before the meeting. The meeting organizer will start requesting them a month before the meeting.
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