Abstracts for Seattle Genetic Instability and Cancer Symposium due Feb. 15

Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research associates working in genetic instability and cancer are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations for the first Seattle Genetic Instability and Cancer Symposium Monday, April 22, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. in Pelton Auditorium.

Dr. Junjie Chen of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will be the keynote speaker for the symposium, which will feature 10-minute talks and poster presentations selected from abstracts submitted in the following research areas:

• DNA repair
• Cancer genetics/genomics
• Genetic instability disorders
• Genome engineering
• Chromosome structure and dynamics

Scientists submitting abstracts must have conducted the majority of the research.

Background on keynote speaker

Chen is professor and chair of MD Anderson’s Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology. His lab works to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying genomic instability and tumorigenesis. His group has discovered and studied many new components involved in DNA damage pathways. Chen's group is also studying mitotic regulation, cellular senescence, and the protein deacetylase SIRT1 and its role in aging and tumorigenesis.

Seattle Genetic Instability and Cancer Symposium attendees will have opportunities to interact and exchange ideas during a catered lunch and an evening reception with a poster session.

Fred Hutch’s Human Biology Division and the Chromosome Metabolism and Cancer Training Grant are sponsors of the symposium with funding support from corporate supporters, including Qiagen and Sigma Life Science.

Look for information about conference registration in March. In the meantime, to learn more, visit the symposium website or email sgics@fhcrc.org.