DATE: September 19, 2017
TIME: 10:30am PDT/ 1:30pm EDT/ 7:30pm CEST

Part 1 – Cigall Kadoch, Ph.D. (30 min.)

Exome- and genome-wide sequencing studies in human cancer have revealed a striking frequency of mutations in the genes encoding subunits of the mammalian SWI/SNF (BAF) family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes. We recently determined these mutations to be broadly recurrent in over 20% of all cancers. I will present studies focused on the assembly and topological architecture of mammalian SWI/SNF complexes, cancer-specific complex subunit and associated protein factor composition, and novel approaches toward the identification of small molecule therapeutics for this class of human tumors.

Part 2 – Chris Fry, Ph.D. (30 min.)

The robustness and reliability of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP-seq data is highly dependent on the quality of the antibodies and chromatin preparation used in the immunoprecipitation. I will provide an overview of the development and validation of new high quality recombinant rabbit monoclonal antibodies that show improved specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility in ChIP and ChIP-seq assays. In addition, I will discuss important factors to consider for optimizing different types of target proteins, including histones, transcription factors, and transcription cofactors.

Learning Objectives:

• The assembly and biological architecture of mammalian SWI/SNF complexes..
• The role of cancer-specific SWI/SNF complex mutations (present in 20% of cancers) in driving oncogenicity.
• Novel approaches toward the identification of small molecule therapeutics for this class of human tumors.
• Development and validation of new high quality recombinant monoclonal antibodies for ChIP and ChIP-seq.
• Important factors to consider for optimizing different types of proteins – including histones, transcription factors, and cofactors – for ChIP.