The impact of small non-coding RNAs has profoundly touched the fields of development and cell biology, functional genomics, human disease and drug therapy. This mode of gene regulation is not restricted to eukaryotes; bacteria utilize small RNAs, notably those made from CRISPR loci that silence the expression of bacteriophages, transposons and plasmids. There are still many gaps in our knowledge of the mechanisms used by small RNAs, particularly newly discovered RNAs. It has become clear that this field of study needs an annual forum to enable rapid dissemination of new discoveries between researchers. Overall, the goals of this proposed meeting are: (1) to foster the scientific development of junior investigators by promoting their interaction with established investigators, and (2) to allow for mixing and sharing of ideas between biochemists, molecular biologists, geneticists and systems biologists working in the field. We hope this will synergize ideas and method breakthroughs in small RNA mechanisms.

Other deadlines: Abstract & scholarship - October 6, 2011 Late-breaking abstract - November 10, 2011