Heritable information, separate from the DNA code, was first reported 25 years ago.
Subsequent research is having a profound influence on the understanding of how cells work and how diseases can be treated.
CAMBRIDGE, UK, 2nd June 2009
CellCentric, the biotechnology company unlocking epigenetic control mechanisms, is hosting a conference and celebration of Imprinting and Epigenetics, at the University of Cambridge on September 4-6th 2009. Over 40 of the global academic pioneers of the field will be speaking at the event (see www.cellcentric.com/speakers.php).
25 years ago, work from the laboratories of Azim Surani and Davor Solter reported on a new phenomenon. They demonstrated that specific regions of a cell’s genome were being marked with instructions beyond the DNA code itself. This imprint imparts information on differential gene expression, and thus helps govern what cells do. These findings were pivotal to the foundation of the whole emerging area of epigenetics.
In most cases, the epigenetic information is faithfully passed on from cell to progenitor cell; the imprint is heritable from one generation to another. When these processes go awry, disease can result. It has now been shown that mis-regulation of the epigenetic imprint plays a key role in cancer as well as other conditions including inflammatory disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. This is becoming a key area for commercial research into novel therapeutics.
Prof Wolf Reik, Associate Director at the Babraham Institute and Professor of Epigenetics at the University of Cambridge, one of the academic conference organisers, commented:
“We are delighted that so many world leading researchers in epigenetics are gathering to celebrate the foundation of the field 25 years ago. There is an explosion of interest in the field – a recognition that epigenetics is fundamental to our understanding of how cells work.”
Dr Tim Fell, Chief Operating Officer of CellCentric added:
“We are very proud to organise this conference to honour the pioneers and explore the future of imprinting and epigenetics. The rapid growth of interest in the field in recent times reflects its growing relevance to the discovery of novel therapeutics.”
For registration see: www.cellcentric.com
Academic conference organisers:
Prof Wolf Reik, Babraham Institute wolf.reik@babraham.ac.uk
Prof Anne Ferguson-Smith, University of Cambridge afsmith@mole.bio.cam.ac.uk
Prof Hiro Sasaki, NIGR, Mishima, Japan hisasaki@lab.nig.ac.jp
Prof Barry Keverne, University of Cambridge ebk10@cam.ac.uk
For further press release information contact:
CellCentric
Tim Fell Tel: + 44 (0)1799 531 173
Financial Dynamics
Juliet Clarke / Erwan Gouraud Tel: + 44 (0)20 7831 3113
CellCentric’s approach to epigenetic drug discovery:
There are many modifications that constitute epigenetic information and drive differential gene expression, both directly to the DNA itself and to proteins associated with chromatin, including histones. Working out which mechanisms are key in disease development, and the potential targets for combating intractable conditions, is an emerging area of commercial research interest. As epigenetics covers many research areas, including stem cell and developmental biology, molecular biology and cell-based disease models, an holistic approach is required for epigenetic-related therapy discovery and development.
CellCentric’s approach to therapeutic discovery is through the utilisation of an extensive network of relationships with pioneering laboratories (currently 28) and researchers in the field. Multiple proprietary insights and ongoing input from leading Principal Investigators has instigated and continues to support, multiple discovery programmes across different enzymes classes.
The company was founded in 2004. CellCentric has research collaborations with Takeda and Pfizer. |
