Cellular functions depend on numerous protein-coding and noncoding RNAs and the RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) associated with them, which form ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). Mutations that disrupt either the RNA or protein components of RNPs or the factors required for their assembly can be deleterious. The discovery of disease-causing mutations in RNAs or their interacting RBPs not only adds to our growing understanding of RNA biology and chemistry, but also offers new therapeutic targets and contributes to ongoing efforts in developing mRNA-targeting antisense and RNAi therapeutics. This meeting focuses on a general understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation and how perturbation of complex networks of RNA-protein and RNA-RNP interactions triggers disease.

Other deadlines: Abstract & scholarship - November 2, 2011 Late-breaking abstract - December 8, 2011