International RNA Therapeutics Symposium

Symposium: Regulators of gene expression as new therapeutic targets

Organisers: Prof. Donald Singer (Warwick, UK) & Dr Junlong Zhang (Warwick, UK)

Venue: Brighton Hilton-Metropole

Tuesday 16th December, 2008

Held as part of the Annual BPS Winter Conference

See Programme below

Synopsis

Regulatory oligonucleotides are rapidly emerging both as important tools for validating therapeutic targets and as new therapeutic approaches. The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) has offered great potential for therapeutic application (RNAi therapy), and deeper understanding of regulation of gene function through knocking down expression of specific genes by specific RNA interference. RNAi therapy offers a powerful option to treat diseases otherwise untreatable with existing drugs. Phase I studies have been completed to investigate RNAi-based drugs for age-related macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness) and respiratory syncytical virus, (the leading cause of paediatric hospitalisations). RNAi therapy for the treatment of HIV has recently entered clinical trials. Other early disorders for which this new approach is of great interest include cancer, inflammation and metabolic diseases. This symposium will consider the role of aptamers in target validation, the therapeutic potential of small interfering RNAs and microRNAs [miRNAs] and challenges to their effective delivery and safety.

Work on siRNA by the meeting organisers was supported in part by the Cardiovascular Research Trust [Registered Charity No. 1053551].

Programme

9.00 – 9.40
Non-viral delivery of therapeutic RNAi
Ming Wang, Genetics Therapies Centre, Imperial College London

9.40-10.20
Riboswitches and use of aptamers to improve cell targeting
Günter Mayer, University of Bonn, Germany

10.20-10.40 Coffee & Posters

10.40-11.20
microRNA antagonism
Dr Jens Bo Hansen, Santaris Pharma, Copenhagen, Denmark

11.20-11.40 Discussion
Potential and challenges for RNAi as a focus for treatment
Speaker Panel