8:50 Statistical and Computational Pharmacogenetics: Detecting Genes for Drug Response
Ronging
Wu, Ph.D., Professor, University of Florida Research Foundation Professor, Statistics,
University of Florida
I will present a conceptual framework for computing genes and genome for drug response by integrating mathematical and chemical aspects of drug reactions in the body. With this frame-work, specific DNA sequence variants can be identified on the basis of the test of a few parameters that define the shape and pattern of drug responses, which thus enhances the precision of parameter estimation as well as biological and clinical relevance in pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic research.
9:20 Clotting, Cascades, and Computers - Systems Biology in Personalized Medicine
Michael Roehrl, M.D., Ph.D., Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital
The human blood clotting system is a complex and highly regulated network of biomolecular interactions. Data from careful biochemical measurements can be integrated into quantitative and predictive computational models of blood coagulation. Millions of patients receive the oral anticoagulant Coumadin to prevent fatal thromboembolic events. Personalized Coumadin dosing is both cumbersome and expensive and potentially dangerous. Coumadin is among the top 10 drugs with the largest number of serious adverse event reports submitted to the FDA. We show how a novel Systems Biological approach can be used in the clinical setting to personalize Coumadin dosing and to achieve safe therapeutic goals.
9:50 Networking Coffee Break, Poster and Exhibit Viewing
10:45 Identify Pathway Specific Gene Signatures for Cancer Prognosis using Gene Expression Profiling Data
Dan Li, Ph.D., Principle Research Scientist, Informatics, Integrative Biology, Eli Lilly and Company
Neoplastic transformation and progression is driven by deregulated cellular pathways that control cell fate, growth, differentiation and survival. Although significant progress has been made to identify and characterize oncogenes, tumor suppressors and the molecular pathways that they regulate, it remains largely unclear what pathways play a critical role in the development of different tumor types. Post-genomic era technology in gene expression profiling has provided a powerful tool to study gene regulations in cancers at the molecular level. In this study, we developed and applied a novel approach to derive gene signatures for cancer prognosis in the context of known biological pathways.
11:15 Genome-wide Transcriptional Fingerprinting of Hepatotoxicity Regulatory Networks Using Multiplex Parallel High Throughput ChIP-on-Chip Assays
Jeff Falk, Ph.D., Director, Technology Applications, Molecular Biology, Aviva Systems Biology
A genome-wide transcription factor mapping consortium is currently being assembled facilitate global identification of key toxicity and disease-related networks and biomarkers by providing reference fingerprints of transcription factor-mediated pathway modulations in key tissues that can then be compared with similar profiles derived from disease-related or therapeutic com-pound treated samples. We will describe the initial phase of experiments utilizing our next generation ChIP-on-chip technology for mapping of transcriptional networks that pinpoint critical pathways and biomarkers associated with hepatotoxicity.
11:45 Systems Biology of Melanoma
William Kaufmann, Ph.D., Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
I propose to describe a model of human carcinogenesis that is based upon the interaction of an external stress (sunlight) with mutations in the MAPK signaling pathway in melanocytes to cause deletions in the CDKN2A tumor suppressor locus that encodes p16INK4A and ARF. Systems biology approaches to the model include generation of genetic and physical interaction networks to model the DNA damage response, global analysis of gene expression to identify melanoma subtypes, and mathematical models of nucleotide excision repair and G2 DNA damage checkpoint responses.
12:15 pm Close of Morning Session
12:30 Luncheon Technology
Workshops (Sponsorships Available) or Lunch on Your Own
1:45 Chairperson’s Remarks
Geoff Symonds,
Ph.D., Senior Research Director, Global Product
Leader, HIV Gene Therapy, Johnson & Johnson
Research
1:50 A Synthetic Gene Delivery System for IL-12: From Bench to Clinic
Khursheed Anwer, Ph.D., Vice President, Research & Development, Expression Genetics, Inc.
This presentation describes the discovery and development of a synthetic lipopolymer for gene delivery of IL-12 for cancer. Synthesis, formulation, scale-up, stability, animal safety/toxicity, biodistribution and results from two clinical trials in ovarian cancer patients will be discussed. Application for additional cancer indications will also be described briefly.
2:20 Gene Therapy Development using HIV as a Specific Example
Geoff Symonds, Ph.D., Senior Research Director, Global Product Leader, HIV Gene Therapy, Johnson & Johnson Research
Gene Therapy represents a different treatment paradigm and the presentation will address the development process within the setting of big Pharma using the specific example of Gene Ther-apy for HIV. Similarities and differences to small molecule and biologics development will be discussed, as well as the means by which Gene Therapy can be ‘incubated’ to a point that it can stand alone.
2:50 Evidence of Neuroregeneration using Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Zinc Finger Protein Activator (SB-509) in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy: A Chronic Degenerative Polyneuropathy
Ely
Benaim, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Affairs,
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
Twenty four patients were treated with either VEGF Zinc finger protein plasmid DNA(SB-509 n=12) or placebo (n=12) at a single treatment and were followed for clinical neurologic im-provement for 6 months. There was a statistically significant 25% improvement in Quantitative Sensory Testing in the lower extremities. Motor and Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocities showed a trend for improvement in a clinically relevant magnitude. This study provided the basis for two Phase 2 trials in mild to moderated and moderate to severe Diabetic Neuropathy.
3:20 Networking Refreshment Break, Last Chance for Poster and Exhibit Viewing
4:00 Poster Awards in the Exhibit Hall
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PLENARY KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
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4:15 My Daughter’s
DNA: Networking the Dots for a Diagnosis
Hugh Young Rienhoff, Jr., M.D., Director,
MyDaughtersDNA.org |
Collaboration Across Areas of Expertise
Increasingly, advances in
the post-genomic era draw upon multiple areas of
expertise. Melting silos
of jargon, perspectives, and modus operandi is
essential in order to achieve
significant progress in the quest to conquer disease
and fully understand biological
forms. Melting egos may also play a part in working
together toward a common
goal. As collaboration grows ever more ubiquitous in
the life sciences, its
challenges are encountered more frequently. This panel
discussion will focus on
how to overcome some of the inherent problems that
arise in collaborations, including
academic/industry projects and international teams.
Basic logistical issues
will also be addressed.
-
How
to function across barriers of time, space, and
language
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How
to set up efficient teams – structure of
collaboration
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Advantages/disadvantages
of collaboration
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Differences
between academic and industry perspectives
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Building
respect into multi-cultural teams
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Communicating
in-between multiple areas of expertise
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Outlook
of collaboration in the life sciences
5:30 Close of Conference
