SEP 27 - 28 2017

Cell Biology Virtual Event Series 2017

145

Our 1st Annual Event in the Cell Biology Virtual Event Series is now On-Demand!

Join us in advancing basic biology and recent tools and techniques in cell research by coming together with like-minded colleagues.

Cell Biology 2017 creates a valuable platform for inspiring global and interdisciplinary collaboration in a virtual environment. The Conference will bring together professors, post-docs, biologists and biomedical professionals from all over the world. Attend interactive sessions, first-class exhibitions and virtual poster presentations.

A cell is the smallest individual unit of any living organism. Cell biology studies cells – their physiological properties, structure, the organelles they contain, environmental interactions, life cycle, division and death, on a microscopic and molecular level. This field spans through most scientific disciplines, studying cell imaging, stem cells, cell physiology and structure, cell signaling, cell culture, and translational biology, and encompassing other scientific fields such as cancer biology, neuroscience, genetics, bioengineering and so much more.

Our virtual conference allows you to participate in a global setting with no travel or cost to you. You can participate in exactly those parts which you are interested in and be back at your desk or bench in an instant. Virtual events remove time and place restrictions and ensure that everyone who wants to participate can do so.

Topics for this years virtual conference included:

Stem Cell Biology
Cytoskeletal Dynamics, Mechanics, and Cell Motility
Cell Biology of Neurons
Data Analysis and Informatics
Cell Signaling and Cancer
Evolutionary Cell Biology
Multicellular Interactions, Tissues and Organs

Continuing Education
By participating in this virtual event and watching webcast presentations, you can earn Free Continuing Education (PACE) credits. To earn educational credits, you must view an entire presentation. Following the presentation you must click on the educational credit link provided for that particular speaker and follow the required process. Once you have completed the process, you will receive a certificate for the educational credit.

Use #LRcellbio to follow the conversation!

Speakers

Robert Singer, PhD

Professor & Co-Chair of Anatomy & Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
BIOGRAPHY
Gene Yeo, PhD

Principal Investigator, Professor, UCSD
BIOGRAPHY
Amr Abdeen, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate, University of Wisconsin-Madison
BIOGRAPHY
Anita Bandrowski, PhD

Scientific Lead, Neuroscience Information Framework, Center for Research in Biological Systems, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California, USA; Founder and CEO of SciCrunc
BIOGRAPHY
Joshua Brody, MD

Assistant Professor, Hematology and Medical Oncology Director, Lymphoma Immunotherapy Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
BIOGRAPHY
Ajit Divakaruni, PhD

Assistant Professor, Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
BIOGRAPHY
Johanna Farkas, PhD

Post Doc: Biologist, Northeastern University
BIOGRAPHY
Danielle Folkard

Product Manager, Horizon Discovery
BIOGRAPHY
Idan Frumkin, PhD

Graduate Student, Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science
BIOGRAPHY
Anna Kashina, PhD

Professor of Biochemistry, University of Pennsylvania
Laura Lowery, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology, Boston College
BIOGRAPHY
Abhishek Sharma

Senior Global Market Manager, Sample Technologies, QIAGEN
BIOGRAPHY
Alison Wirshing, PhD

Graduate Student, Northeastern University
BIOGRAPHY

Agenda Share

Download Agenda

SEP 28, 2017 1:30 PM PDT

The RRID Initiative, what is needed for scholarship in the 21st century

Anita Bandrowski, PhD

Scientific Lead, Neuroscience Information Framework, Center for Research in Biological Systems, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California, USA; Founder and CEO of SciCrunc
BIOGRAPHY

The Resource Identification Initiative supports NIH's new guidelines for Rigor and Transparency as these apply in biomedical publications. Authors are instructed to authenticate key biological resources: Antibodies, Model Organisms, and Tools (software, databases, services), by finding or generating stable unique identifiers. Like a library catalog, these identifiers stick around no matter if the company continues to sell the product or not. This persistence is required for good scholarship and forms a bridge between the static world of the scientific paper and the dynamic world of products and tools.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 28, 2017 12:00 PM PDT

Back to basics: Fundamental concepts and special considerations in RNA isolation

Abhishek Sharma

Senior Global Market Manager, Sample Technologies, QIAGEN
BIOGRAPHY

How are your RNA yields? Some sample types present special challenges in RNA purification and analysis. In this webinar, we will discuss and provide tips for the following topics:

• The basic methods and challenges of RNA purification
• Special considerations for challenging sample types

Join us to learn how you can apply these practical tips to high quality and quantity of RNA.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 28, 2017 10:30 AM PDT

Engineering stem cell biology for disease modelling and therapeutics

Amr Abdeen, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate, University of Wisconsin-Madison
BIOGRAPHY

Stem cells can self-renew and differentiate into multiple different cell types. Engineering of stem cells has enabled new methods to study development and organogenesis in humans as well as develop new disease models and therapies. Stem cells can be obtained from multiple sources in vivo or generated in the lab. Engineering of pluripotent stem cells, for example, can potentially generate any tissue in the body and can be used for tissue repair or organoid formation. Furthermore, advances in gene editing technologies have enabled precise editing of stem cell genomes, creating possibilities for establishment of models for diseases and personalized therapies. In this lecture I will discuss the sources and properties of various stem cells as well as their utilization in modelling, therapy and tissue engineering.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 28, 2017 9:00 AM PDT

Fine tuning of myosin activity shapes actomyosin network organization and tissue contractility of the C. elegans spermatheca

Alison Wirshing, PhD

Graduate Student, Northeastern University
BIOGRAPHY

Contractile non-muscle cells, including smooth muscle and myoepithelial cells, provide the mechanical forces required for tissue homeostasis in numerous organ systems. For example, smooth muscle cells surrounding the vasculature contract in response to increased intraluminal pressure to maintain lumen diameter and blood pressure and myoepithelial cells in the mammary gland provide the contractile force required for milk ejection and to shape the mammary gland mechanical microenvironment. Dysregulation of mechano-perception and force production in these contractile cells contributes to the pathophysiology of numerous diseases ranging from hypertension to breast cancer progression. This highlights the importance of understanding how contractility is regulated and maintained in these mechanically stressed cells throughout animal lifetime. To study this question, we use a component of the C. elegans reproductive system, the spermatheca, as a novel model contractile tube. The spermatheca is composed of 24 myoepithelial cells that encompass the sperm. During ovulation, spermathecal cells are dramatically stretched by the incoming oocyte. The oocyte is immediately fertilized and resides in the spermatheca for a regulated period until coordinated spermathecal cell contractions push the embryo into the uterus. This process occurs 150 times throughout the lifetime of the animal requiring robust regulation of tissue contraction to expel the embryo at the correct time and in the correct direction. In this work, we use live animal imaging to monitor Ca2+ signaling and actomyosin dynamics in spermathecal cells during ovulation. We show that Ca2+ transients are produced only after cell stretch and that Ca2+ signaling is required to initiate actomyosin contraction. We further characterize the role of myosin activity in actomyosin network organization and show that both increased and decreased myosin activity alter network properties including connectivity, orientation, and anisotropy. We conclude that tight spatiotemporal regulation of myosin activity throughout successive rounds of ovulation shapes actomyosin network development and maintenance required for tissue function and animal fertility.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 28, 2017 7:30 AM PDT

Keynote Presentation: RNA-targeting CRISPR and application to diseases

Gene Yeo, PhD

Principal Investigator, Professor, UCSD
BIOGRAPHY

I will present my lab’s effort on studying and manipulating RNA processing, with particular emphasis on using CRISPR/Cas systems for targeting RNA in living cells in diseases such as myotonic dystrophy.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 28, 2017 6:00 AM PDT

The axolotl salamander as a model for nerve-dependent regeneration

Johanna Farkas, PhD

Post Doc: Biologist, Northeastern University
BIOGRAPHY

The Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an aquatic salamander that possesses some of the most astonishing regenerative abilities found in nature. Able to fully regenerate amputated limbs, the axolotl may hold the key to unlocking similar abilities in others animals. Salamander limb regeneration has been a source of scientific study and fascination for centuries, but only recently have the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind this process begun to come to light. Our lab focuses on elucidating the molecular relationship between peripheral nerves, which are essential for regeneration, and the proliferative regenerating limb. Nerve dependent wound healing and regeneration have been observed across a vast array of animals, and we have found that a certain nerve-derived protein, Neuregulin-1, is essential to this process in axololts and is capable of rescuing limb regeneration even in the absence of nerves. The goal of this talk is thus to introduce the axolotl as a model for the study of cell and regenerative biology while providing an overview of our recent findings on the molecular basis of nerve dependent tissue growth.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 1:30 PM PDT

Evolutionary Cell Biology is a powerful paradigm to study complex biological systems

Idan Frumkin, PhD

Graduate Student, Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science
BIOGRAPHY

Although the cell is commonly referred to as “the most basic unit of life”, it is actually so complex that despite over 350 years of research we are still far from fully understanding its structural, functional and evolutionary workings. Even the simplest unicellular organisms routinely carry out complicated tasks such as processing and responding to signals from the environment, maintaining an efficient metabolic network, communicating with other cells, and adapting to new evolutionary challenges.

Studies in cell biology have illuminated many molecular pathways and protein functions that govern cells, but we still do not fully understand how these complex systems are established and function. I, and others, argue that a better dissection of the evolutionary mechanisms that produce cellular functions will significantly advance our understanding of the fundamental principles governing the complexities of cell biological systems by providing the rationale behind variations in cellular functions and networks. Bringing the fields of cell biology and evolution together into an integrated field of “evolutionary cell biology” has historically produced major advances in our understanding of cells. For example, the development of the “endosymbiotic theory” of how mitochondria arose revolutionized our understanding of the origins and structure of eukaryotic cells. Hence, further development of this interdisciplinary field will ultimately allow us to better address diverse areas of cell biology.

Throughout my PhD, I found that combining evolutionary and cell-biological studies brings unique insights on cellular innovation, complexity, limitation, and adaptation. To this end, in my research, I combined molecular genetics methods and large-scale synthetic libraries with long-term lab-evolution protocols. With this approach, I manipulated the translation and splicing machineries, separately, to present them with molecular challenges. I then followed and deciphered the adaptation mechanisms used by these complex systems to restore their proper function. My work demonstrates how an evolutionary perspective on cell biological questions can teach us about the workings of living cells.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 12:00 PM PDT

CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering: Experimental Design and Applications

Danielle Folkard

Product Manager, Horizon Discovery
BIOGRAPHY
Sponsored By: Horizon Discovery

The manipulation of the genome to study disease, evaluate drug targets and to stratify patient populations is now a widely accepted concept in the field. At Horizon Discovery, genome engineering is the core of everything we do and following the breakthrough in 2013, with numerous publications into the capabilities of CRISPR-Cas9 engineering, the use and applications of this technology have grown exponentially. Our selection of cell lines and engineering capabilities allows you to bring definition to your research with genotype specific cell line models.
In order to be successful with CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering, there are key considerations that need to be addressed, from the cell line you want to use, to guide design and screening for the mutations of interest. In this presentation, we will discuss each stage of the experimental design and will introduce you to several cutting-edge applications of CRISPR-Cas9 including generation of reporter cell lines and the development of new variations on this technology, CRISPRa and CRISPRi.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 12:00 PM PDT

Enhancing Checkpoint Blockade in Lymphoma with In Situ Vaccination

Joshua Brody, MD

Assistant Professor, Hematology and Medical Oncology Director, Lymphoma Immunotherapy Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
BIOGRAPHY

Checkpoint blockade therapy for cancer has had tremendous impact on clinical outcomes, yet only a subset of patients respond. Recent studies show that response to checkpoint blockade does not always correlate with tumor-associated antigen (TAA) load and so must be determined by factors beyond mutational burden. This suggests that checkpoint blockade is limited by suboptimal cross-presentation of TAA by activated dendritic cells (DC) and will be potentiated by recruitment, loading and activation of cross-presenting DC at the tumor site.

To test this hypothesis, an early-phase trial (NCT01976585) in low-grade lymphoma was carried out testing a unique in situ vaccine (ISV) combining: 1) fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L) to recruit DC, 2) radiotherapy to load FLT3L-mobilized DC with TAA, and 3) toll-like receptor agonist (TLRa) to activate TAA-loaded DC for cross-presentation. Strikingly, Brody and colleagues found partial and complete systemic tumor regressions at distant, untreated tumors. They also found specific elimination of malignant B cells with sparing of healthy B cells, suggesting a systemic anti-tumor immune response.

This data prompted a new trial in which anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and ISV (used to increase efficacy) are combined with a novel immune-monitoring approach involving co-administration of "surrogate antigens (Ag)" at the ISV site. The approach is being applied to multiple cancer types, including breast, head and neck, melanoma and sarcoma.

In this webinar, Brody will discuss these studies, including the key role mass cytometry played in defining the effects of treatment on the intratumoral and systemic immune repertoire with high resolution and in profiling the distinct checkpoint/co-activator molecules on TAA-specific, surrogate-Ag-specific and bulk CD8 T cells.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 10:30 AM PDT

Ants, wasps and bees: The cell biology of virgin birth

William Sullivan, PhD

Professor of MCD Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz

While sexual reproduction in animals is the norm, many species are capable of parthenogenesis: that is normal development in the absence of fertilization. For example in vast insect order Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps), unfertilized eggs develop into males and fertilized eggs develop into females. Parthenogenetic reproducing animal species have independently evolved many times from obligate sexual species. This is surprising because dramatic cellular adaptations are required for successful development without a sperm-derived centrosome and chromosome complement. Here I describe the extraordinary cellular structures and processes that have facilitated the evolution of virgin birth.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Read More
SEP 27, 2017 10:30 AM PDT

Combining Seahorse XF analysis with stable isotope tracing to reveal novel drug targets for metabolic and neurodegenerative disease

Ajit Divakaruni, PhD

Assistant Professor, Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
BIOGRAPHY
Sponsored By: Agilent

To study cell metabolism, our laboratory has found it exceedingly informative to integrate Agilent Seahorse XF Analyzers with mass spectrometry-based measurements of metabolomics and stable isotope tracing to fully reveal metabolic changes in response to drug candidates. This seminar will discuss how merging quantitative, rate-based measurements of oxygen consumption with detailed pathway analysis using mass spectrometry have revealed the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) as a central regulator of metabolic flexibility. Metabolic flexibility is the ability of cells to fuel energy metabolism and biosynthesis with multiple nutrients, and its loss is associated with disease pathogenesis in contexts as varied as type 2 diabetes, cardiac dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and certain cancers.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Read More
SEP 27, 2017 9:00 AM PDT

Regulation of actin during cell migration by nucleotide coding sequence and arginylation

Anna Kashina, PhD

Professor of Biochemistry, University of Pennsylvania

Actin cytoskeleton drives cell migration in muscle and non-muscle cells and plays a major role in such diverse processes as tissue morphogenesis, muscle contraction, and cancer metastases. In non-muscle cells, two major actin isoforms, beta and gamma actin, incorporate into different cytoskeletal structures and mediate cell migration and contractility. In our work we identified that beta, but not gamma actin, is possttranslationally arginylated, and that this arginylation is essential for normal cell migration. Differential arginylation of actin isoforms is regulated at the level of their nucleotide coding sequence. This regulation is a dynamic event that dynamically responds to cellular stimuli and is universal to multiple cell types. Thus, actin arginylation at the cell leading edge is a new regulatory process that acts at post-transcriptional and post-translational levels and is highly selective in targeting actin during cell migration.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 7:30 AM PDT

Keynote Presentation: What Microscopy Can Tell Us About the Life of an mRNA in Living Cells

Robert Singer, PhD

Professor & Co-Chair of Anatomy & Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
BIOGRAPHY

Einstein researcher Robert Singer, Ph.D., discusses a breakthrough in microscopy that is allowing scientists to track messenger RNA in living cells in real time. The study, published in the September 15 online edition of Nature, marks a major advance in the use of microscopes for scientific investigation and the findings could lead to treatments for a variety of disorders, such as myotonic dystrophy, in which mRNA gets stuck inside the nucleus of cells.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 6:00 AM PDT

Regulation of microtubule plus-end dynamics during axon guidance and cell migration

Laura Lowery, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology, Boston College
BIOGRAPHY

A fundamental question in neuronal development is how growth cone cytoskeletal dynamics are coordinated to promote accurate axonal navigation. To address this question, we focus on microtubule plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs), which may play a key role in axon guidance. We determined that TACC3 is a +TIP that promotes microtubule polymerization and axon outgrowth. We have begun to test the hypothesis that TACC3 spatially restricts microtubule polymerization in response to guidance signals in Xenopus laevis axons in vivo and ex vivo. We demonstrate that TACC3 is required to promote axon outgrowth and prevent spontaneous retractions. Additionally, we find that manipulation of TACC3 levels interferes with the growth cone response to axon guidance cues. Finally, we observe that ablation of TACC3 causes pathfinding defects in Xenopus laevis embryos. Together, our findings suggest that TACC3 functions as an axon guidance-regulating factor in embryonic neurons by spatially promoting microtubule polymerization dynamics.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar

Cytoskeletal Dynamics, Mechanics, and Cell Motility
SEP 27, 2017 6:00 AM PDT

Regulation of microtubule plus-end dynamics during axon guidance and cell migration

Laura Lowery, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology, Boston College
BIOGRAPHY

A fundamental question in neuronal development is how growth cone cytoskeletal dynamics are coordinated to promote accurate axonal navigation. To address this question, we focus on microtubule plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs), which may play a key role in axon guidance. We determined that TACC3 is a +TIP that promotes microtubule polymerization and axon outgrowth. We have begun to test the hypothesis that TACC3 spatially restricts microtubule polymerization in response to guidance signals in Xenopus laevis axons in vivo and ex vivo. We demonstrate that TACC3 is required to promote axon outgrowth and prevent spontaneous retractions. Additionally, we find that manipulation of TACC3 levels interferes with the growth cone response to axon guidance cues. Finally, we observe that ablation of TACC3 causes pathfinding defects in Xenopus laevis embryos. Together, our findings suggest that TACC3 functions as an axon guidance-regulating factor in embryonic neurons by spatially promoting microtubule polymerization dynamics.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 9:00 AM PDT

Regulation of actin during cell migration by nucleotide coding sequence and arginylation

Anna Kashina, PhD

Professor of Biochemistry, University of Pennsylvania

Actin cytoskeleton drives cell migration in muscle and non-muscle cells and plays a major role in such diverse processes as tissue morphogenesis, muscle contraction, and cancer metastases. In non-muscle cells, two major actin isoforms, beta and gamma actin, incorporate into different cytoskeletal structures and mediate cell migration and contractility. In our work we identified that beta, but not gamma actin, is possttranslationally arginylated, and that this arginylation is essential for normal cell migration. Differential arginylation of actin isoforms is regulated at the level of their nucleotide coding sequence. This regulation is a dynamic event that dynamically responds to cellular stimuli and is universal to multiple cell types. Thus, actin arginylation at the cell leading edge is a new regulatory process that acts at post-transcriptional and post-translational levels and is highly selective in targeting actin during cell migration.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 10:30 AM PDT

Ants, wasps and bees: The cell biology of virgin birth

William Sullivan, PhD

Professor of MCD Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz

While sexual reproduction in animals is the norm, many species are capable of parthenogenesis: that is normal development in the absence of fertilization. For example in vast insect order Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps), unfertilized eggs develop into males and fertilized eggs develop into females. Parthenogenetic reproducing animal species have independently evolved many times from obligate sexual species. This is surprising because dramatic cellular adaptations are required for successful development without a sperm-derived centrosome and chromosome complement. Here I describe the extraordinary cellular structures and processes that have facilitated the evolution of virgin birth.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Read More
SEP 28, 2017 6:00 AM PDT

The axolotl salamander as a model for nerve-dependent regeneration

Johanna Farkas, PhD

Post Doc: Biologist, Northeastern University
BIOGRAPHY

The Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an aquatic salamander that possesses some of the most astonishing regenerative abilities found in nature. Able to fully regenerate amputated limbs, the axolotl may hold the key to unlocking similar abilities in others animals. Salamander limb regeneration has been a source of scientific study and fascination for centuries, but only recently have the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind this process begun to come to light. Our lab focuses on elucidating the molecular relationship between peripheral nerves, which are essential for regeneration, and the proliferative regenerating limb. Nerve dependent wound healing and regeneration have been observed across a vast array of animals, and we have found that a certain nerve-derived protein, Neuregulin-1, is essential to this process in axololts and is capable of rescuing limb regeneration even in the absence of nerves. The goal of this talk is thus to introduce the axolotl as a model for the study of cell and regenerative biology while providing an overview of our recent findings on the molecular basis of nerve dependent tissue growth.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
Evolutionary Cell Biology
SEP 27, 2017 7:30 AM PDT

Keynote Presentation: What Microscopy Can Tell Us About the Life of an mRNA in Living Cells

Robert Singer, PhD

Professor & Co-Chair of Anatomy & Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
BIOGRAPHY

Einstein researcher Robert Singer, Ph.D., discusses a breakthrough in microscopy that is allowing scientists to track messenger RNA in living cells in real time. The study, published in the September 15 online edition of Nature, marks a major advance in the use of microscopes for scientific investigation and the findings could lead to treatments for a variety of disorders, such as myotonic dystrophy, in which mRNA gets stuck inside the nucleus of cells.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 12:00 PM PDT

CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering: Experimental Design and Applications

Danielle Folkard

Product Manager, Horizon Discovery
BIOGRAPHY
Sponsored By: Horizon Discovery

The manipulation of the genome to study disease, evaluate drug targets and to stratify patient populations is now a widely accepted concept in the field. At Horizon Discovery, genome engineering is the core of everything we do and following the breakthrough in 2013, with numerous publications into the capabilities of CRISPR-Cas9 engineering, the use and applications of this technology have grown exponentially. Our selection of cell lines and engineering capabilities allows you to bring definition to your research with genotype specific cell line models.
In order to be successful with CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering, there are key considerations that need to be addressed, from the cell line you want to use, to guide design and screening for the mutations of interest. In this presentation, we will discuss each stage of the experimental design and will introduce you to several cutting-edge applications of CRISPR-Cas9 including generation of reporter cell lines and the development of new variations on this technology, CRISPRa and CRISPRi.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 27, 2017 1:30 PM PDT

Evolutionary Cell Biology is a powerful paradigm to study complex biological systems

Idan Frumkin, PhD

Graduate Student, Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science
BIOGRAPHY

Although the cell is commonly referred to as “the most basic unit of life”, it is actually so complex that despite over 350 years of research we are still far from fully understanding its structural, functional and evolutionary workings. Even the simplest unicellular organisms routinely carry out complicated tasks such as processing and responding to signals from the environment, maintaining an efficient metabolic network, communicating with other cells, and adapting to new evolutionary challenges.

Studies in cell biology have illuminated many molecular pathways and protein functions that govern cells, but we still do not fully understand how these complex systems are established and function. I, and others, argue that a better dissection of the evolutionary mechanisms that produce cellular functions will significantly advance our understanding of the fundamental principles governing the complexities of cell biological systems by providing the rationale behind variations in cellular functions and networks. Bringing the fields of cell biology and evolution together into an integrated field of “evolutionary cell biology” has historically produced major advances in our understanding of cells. For example, the development of the “endosymbiotic theory” of how mitochondria arose revolutionized our understanding of the origins and structure of eukaryotic cells. Hence, further development of this interdisciplinary field will ultimately allow us to better address diverse areas of cell biology.

Throughout my PhD, I found that combining evolutionary and cell-biological studies brings unique insights on cellular innovation, complexity, limitation, and adaptation. To this end, in my research, I combined molecular genetics methods and large-scale synthetic libraries with long-term lab-evolution protocols. With this approach, I manipulated the translation and splicing machineries, separately, to present them with molecular challenges. I then followed and deciphered the adaptation mechanisms used by these complex systems to restore their proper function. My work demonstrates how an evolutionary perspective on cell biological questions can teach us about the workings of living cells.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 28, 2017 12:00 PM PDT

Back to basics: Fundamental concepts and special considerations in RNA isolation

Abhishek Sharma

Senior Global Market Manager, Sample Technologies, QIAGEN
BIOGRAPHY

How are your RNA yields? Some sample types present special challenges in RNA purification and analysis. In this webinar, we will discuss and provide tips for the following topics:

• The basic methods and challenges of RNA purification
• Special considerations for challenging sample types

Join us to learn how you can apply these practical tips to high quality and quantity of RNA.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
Cell Biology of Neurons
SEP 27, 2017 10:30 AM PDT

Combining Seahorse XF analysis with stable isotope tracing to reveal novel drug targets for metabolic and neurodegenerative disease

Ajit Divakaruni, PhD

Assistant Professor, Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
BIOGRAPHY
Sponsored By: Agilent

To study cell metabolism, our laboratory has found it exceedingly informative to integrate Agilent Seahorse XF Analyzers with mass spectrometry-based measurements of metabolomics and stable isotope tracing to fully reveal metabolic changes in response to drug candidates. This seminar will discuss how merging quantitative, rate-based measurements of oxygen consumption with detailed pathway analysis using mass spectrometry have revealed the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) as a central regulator of metabolic flexibility. Metabolic flexibility is the ability of cells to fuel energy metabolism and biosynthesis with multiple nutrients, and its loss is associated with disease pathogenesis in contexts as varied as type 2 diabetes, cardiac dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and certain cancers.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Read More
Multicellular Interactions, Tissues and Organs
SEP 27, 2017 12:00 PM PDT

Enhancing Checkpoint Blockade in Lymphoma with In Situ Vaccination

Joshua Brody, MD

Assistant Professor, Hematology and Medical Oncology Director, Lymphoma Immunotherapy Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
BIOGRAPHY

Checkpoint blockade therapy for cancer has had tremendous impact on clinical outcomes, yet only a subset of patients respond. Recent studies show that response to checkpoint blockade does not always correlate with tumor-associated antigen (TAA) load and so must be determined by factors beyond mutational burden. This suggests that checkpoint blockade is limited by suboptimal cross-presentation of TAA by activated dendritic cells (DC) and will be potentiated by recruitment, loading and activation of cross-presenting DC at the tumor site.

To test this hypothesis, an early-phase trial (NCT01976585) in low-grade lymphoma was carried out testing a unique in situ vaccine (ISV) combining: 1) fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L) to recruit DC, 2) radiotherapy to load FLT3L-mobilized DC with TAA, and 3) toll-like receptor agonist (TLRa) to activate TAA-loaded DC for cross-presentation. Strikingly, Brody and colleagues found partial and complete systemic tumor regressions at distant, untreated tumors. They also found specific elimination of malignant B cells with sparing of healthy B cells, suggesting a systemic anti-tumor immune response.

This data prompted a new trial in which anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and ISV (used to increase efficacy) are combined with a novel immune-monitoring approach involving co-administration of "surrogate antigens (Ag)" at the ISV site. The approach is being applied to multiple cancer types, including breast, head and neck, melanoma and sarcoma.

In this webinar, Brody will discuss these studies, including the key role mass cytometry played in defining the effects of treatment on the intratumoral and systemic immune repertoire with high resolution and in profiling the distinct checkpoint/co-activator molecules on TAA-specific, surrogate-Ag-specific and bulk CD8 T cells.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 28, 2017 9:00 AM PDT

Fine tuning of myosin activity shapes actomyosin network organization and tissue contractility of the C. elegans spermatheca

Alison Wirshing, PhD

Graduate Student, Northeastern University
BIOGRAPHY

Contractile non-muscle cells, including smooth muscle and myoepithelial cells, provide the mechanical forces required for tissue homeostasis in numerous organ systems. For example, smooth muscle cells surrounding the vasculature contract in response to increased intraluminal pressure to maintain lumen diameter and blood pressure and myoepithelial cells in the mammary gland provide the contractile force required for milk ejection and to shape the mammary gland mechanical microenvironment. Dysregulation of mechano-perception and force production in these contractile cells contributes to the pathophysiology of numerous diseases ranging from hypertension to breast cancer progression. This highlights the importance of understanding how contractility is regulated and maintained in these mechanically stressed cells throughout animal lifetime. To study this question, we use a component of the C. elegans reproductive system, the spermatheca, as a novel model contractile tube. The spermatheca is composed of 24 myoepithelial cells that encompass the sperm. During ovulation, spermathecal cells are dramatically stretched by the incoming oocyte. The oocyte is immediately fertilized and resides in the spermatheca for a regulated period until coordinated spermathecal cell contractions push the embryo into the uterus. This process occurs 150 times throughout the lifetime of the animal requiring robust regulation of tissue contraction to expel the embryo at the correct time and in the correct direction. In this work, we use live animal imaging to monitor Ca2+ signaling and actomyosin dynamics in spermathecal cells during ovulation. We show that Ca2+ transients are produced only after cell stretch and that Ca2+ signaling is required to initiate actomyosin contraction. We further characterize the role of myosin activity in actomyosin network organization and show that both increased and decreased myosin activity alter network properties including connectivity, orientation, and anisotropy. We conclude that tight spatiotemporal regulation of myosin activity throughout successive rounds of ovulation shapes actomyosin network development and maintenance required for tissue function and animal fertility.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
Data Analysis and Informatics
SEP 28, 2017 7:30 AM PDT

Keynote Presentation: RNA-targeting CRISPR and application to diseases

Gene Yeo, PhD

Principal Investigator, Professor, UCSD
BIOGRAPHY

I will present my lab’s effort on studying and manipulating RNA processing, with particular emphasis on using CRISPR/Cas systems for targeting RNA in living cells in diseases such as myotonic dystrophy.

SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Watch Webinar
SEP 28, 2017 1:30 PM PDT

The RRID Initiative, what is needed for scholarship in the 21st century

Anita Bandrowski, PhD

Scientific Lead, Neuroscience Information Framework, Center for Research in Biological Systems, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California, USA; Founder and CEO of SciCrunc
BIOGRAPHY

The Resource Identification Initiative supports NIH's new guidelines for Rigor and Transparency as these apply in biomedical publications. Authors are instructed to authenticate key biological resources: Antibodies, Model Organisms, and Tools (software, databases, services), by finding or generating stable unique identifiers. Like a library catalog, these identifiers stick around no matter if the company continues to sell the product or not. This persistence is required for good scholarship and forms a bridge between the static world of the scientific paper and the dynamic world of products and tools.

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Stem Cell Biology
SEP 28, 2017 10:30 AM PDT

Engineering stem cell biology for disease modelling and therapeutics

Amr Abdeen, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate, University of Wisconsin-Madison
BIOGRAPHY

Stem cells can self-renew and differentiate into multiple different cell types. Engineering of stem cells has enabled new methods to study development and organogenesis in humans as well as develop new disease models and therapies. Stem cells can be obtained from multiple sources in vivo or generated in the lab. Engineering of pluripotent stem cells, for example, can potentially generate any tissue in the body and can be used for tissue repair or organoid formation. Furthermore, advances in gene editing technologies have enabled precise editing of stem cell genomes, creating possibilities for establishment of models for diseases and personalized therapies. In this lecture I will discuss the sources and properties of various stem cells as well as their utilization in modelling, therapy and tissue engineering.

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Posters

Speakers Share

Robert Singer, PhD

Professor & Co-Chair of Anatomy & Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

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Gene Yeo, PhD

Principal Investigator, Professor, UCSD

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Amr Abdeen, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate, University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Anita Bandrowski, PhD

Scientific Lead, Neuroscience Information Framework, Center for Research in Biological Systems, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California, USA; Founder and CEO of SciCrunc

BIOGRAPHY
Joshua Brody, MD

Assistant Professor, Hematology and Medical Oncology Director, Lymphoma Immunotherapy Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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Ajit Divakaruni, PhD

Assistant Professor, Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

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Johanna Farkas, PhD

Post Doc: Biologist, Northeastern University

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Danielle Folkard

Product Manager, Horizon Discovery

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Idan Frumkin, PhD

Graduate Student, Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science

BIOGRAPHY
Anna Kashina, PhD

Professor of Biochemistry, University of Pennsylvania
Laura Lowery, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology, Boston College

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Abhishek Sharma

Senior Global Market Manager, Sample Technologies, QIAGEN

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Alison Wirshing, PhD

Graduate Student, Northeastern University

BIOGRAPHY

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Agilent

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Bio-Rad Laboratories

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Proteos, Inc.

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Advanced Cell Diagnostics

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Horizon Discovery

Horizon Discovery Group PLC is a world leader in the utilization of gene editing and gene modulation technologies to support the greater understanding of gene function, the genetic drivers behind human disease and the development of molecular, cell and gene therapies to enable ...
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BioLegend

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Tecan

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Illumina

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Bosterbio

Boster is an antibody manufacturer founded in 1993 by famed histologist, Steven Xia. Over the past two decades, Boster's products have been cited in over 12,000 publications. We specialize in developing ELISA kits and antibodies with high affinity and at affordable prices. One ...
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Getson & Schartz, P.C.

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The IncuCyte® Real-Time Quantitative Live-Cell Analysis System, designed by Essen BioScience, Inc. is the first system to enable quantification of cell behavior over time (from hours to weeks) by automatically gathering and analyzing images around the clock. The IncuCyte® ...
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American Biological Safety Association

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NanoTemper Technologies, Inc.

NanoTemper Technologies is deeply committed to the best customer experience. Central to this is a strong focus on enabling researchers to easily, efficiently, and accurately perform protein characterization. With a broad offering of systems, software and consumables for ...
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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

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Labroots is the leading scientific social networking website and producer of educational virtual events and webinars. Contributing to the advancement of science through content sharing capabilities, Labroots is a powerful advocate in amplifying global networks and communities.
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Pittcon is the worlds largest annual premier conference and exposition on laboratory science. It is organized by The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, a Pennsylvania not-for-profit educational corporation which is comprised of the ...
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September 18, 2024 6:00 am Pacific Time

Program Committee Share

To download the Program Committee brochure here.

R. Claudio Aguilar, Ph.D.

Dr. Aguilar obtained his PhD degree in Immunochemistry from the School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Dr. Aguilar pursued his post-doctoral training at the National institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD in the lab of the well-known cell ...
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Antonio Baines

Dr. Antonio T. Baines is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and an adjunct professor in the Department of Pharmacology in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill. He earned a ...
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Anthony Grace

Dr. Anthony A. Grace is a Distinguished Professor of Neuroscience and a Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA. He received his Ph.D. from Yale University School of Medicine with Dr. Benjamin S. Bunney and had postdoctoral ...
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Andreas Jeromin

Andreas Jeromin, PhD, has more than 25 years of experience in CNS clinical diagnostics and companion diagnostics and co-authors more than 150 publications. He is the founder of Atlantic Biomarkers, Inc., and currently the consulting Chief Medical Officer to Quanterix Corp and ...
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Brian McNally

Brian McNally, PhD is a Vice President at Kx Advisors and is based in Washington, DC. Brian brings his deep expertise in diagnostics and life sciences to create tailored growth strategies for his clients. He specializes in corporate strategy, product development, market sizing ...
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