Benzon Symposium No. 55

Transcription, Chromatin and Disease

 

Copenhagen, August 18-21, 2008

 

Organizing committee:

Kristian Helin (Copenhagen), Jesper Q. Svejstrup (London) and Arne Svejgaard (Copenhagen)

For download of Final Programme (PDF) click here

The Benzon Symposia are international conferences on front line research in medical, pharmaceutical, and related sciences funded by the Alfred Benzon Foundation. Symposium No. 55 will feature lectures by 24 invited scientists as well as posters and oral poster-presentations selected from submitted abstracts.

The symposium will bring together some of the leading scientists interested in basic transcription mechanisms, chromatin and disease. The symposium will shed light on different aspects of transcription, using different organisms as models (from yeast, through Drosophila to mice and humans), and diverse approaches (biochemistry, genetics, and animal models). It will focus on the basic aspects of normal transcription mechanisms, as well as on pathological features and links to various diseases. Attendance will be limited to 150 participants.

The symposium will take place at Hotel Skt. Petri, a modern designer hotel located in the heart of Copenhagen. All participants will stay at the Hotel Skt. Petri.

We look forward to seeing you in Copenhagen

The organizing committee

DEADLINES

We regret that the meeting is oversubscribed, thus registration has been closed.

SYNOPSIS  

Transcription is the endpoint for all cell regulatory pathways, and the correct regulation of gene transcription therefore ensures accurate differentiation and development of cells and tissues, and is crucial for the maintenance of health.

Our understanding of the biochemistry and genetics of eukaryotic transcription has increased tremendously over the last decade, with new levels of complexity and sophistication being added every year.  This has been accentuated further with the recent wealth of information regarding the role of chromatin and post-translational modifications of the histones in regulating gene expression.

Moreover, a striking number of direct connections between key regulators of transcription and human disease have become apparent. For instance, several proteins involved in chromatin modifications have been classified as oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes. In addition, other forms of human disease, including several neuropathies, can also be classified as ’transcription diseases’.

The 55th Benzon Symposium will bring together some of the leading scientists interested in basic transcription mechanisms, chromatin and disease. The symposium will shed light on different aspects of transcription, using different organisms as models (from yeast, through Drosophila to mice and humans), and diverse approaches (biochemistry, genetics, and animal models). It will focus on the basic aspects of normal transcription mechanisms, as well as on pathological features and links to various diseases.

 

VENUE

Accommodation and Scientific meeting:

Hotel Skt. Petri, Krystalgade 22 · 1172 Copenhagen · Denmark

Tel. +45 3345 9100 · Fax +45 3345 9110, http://www.hotelsktpetri.com

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Copenhagen (Denmark’s capital) was founded by Bishop Absalon in the 12th century. Its beautiful centre is rich in 17th and 18th century architecture, museums, and lively squares and pedestrian streets with plenty of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shopping opportunities. The numerous recreational areas include the waterfront and the remains of the fortification surrounding the old city with a ring of lakes and parks including the Tivoli Gardens.

You may arrive at the very heart of Copenhagen by ferry or train or fly in to Copenhagen Airport at Kastrup, 12 km from the centre. From the airport there is a convenient direct train to the centre (Nørreport), only 7 minutes walk from the hotel.

In August, the average daily temperature is just around 20 degrees centigrade. The weather is often sunny with occasional showers.

Further information:

For further information, please contact Dr. Jette Buur, The Alfred Benzon Foundation, Dantes Plads 3, II.t.v., DK-1556 Copenhagen V, Denmark, Phone: +45 3962 0937; Fax: +45 3962 0933; E-mail: benzon@post1.tele.dk