CRISPR-Cas: From Evolution to Revolution

CRISPRThursday March 8th

14:00 Registration
14:30 Speakers
17:45 Drinks
Aula
Wageningen University & Research
Generaal Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen

FREE
Online registration required here
Registration full. A livestream will be available on WURtv

Ten years ago major discoveries at the level of comparative genomics and molecular microbiology have demonstrated that CRISPR-Cas is a heritable adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea. Initial biochemical analysis revealed that the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas systems is generally based on RNA-guided DNA interference. Moreover, CRISPR guides have successfully been designed to alter their specificity, meaning that any DNA sequence can be targeted by CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases. These key findings have initiated a revolution in both fundamental and applied research. Basic discoveries include the exploration of the natural diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems and the characterization of structure-function relations of CRISPR-associated proteins and RNA guides. Repurposing of the Cas proteins has led to the spectacular development of a range of applications in biotechnology and medicine. In this Symposium, four speakers will address different aspects of the CRISPR-Cas research: evolution, mechanism, genome editing, and ethics.

Keynote speaker, Eugene Koonin, Professor of Evolutionary and Computational Biology, National Center for Biotechnology Information and National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States – On the origin of CRISPR‐Cas

John van der Oost, Professor of Microbiology & Biochemistry, Wageningen University & Research – CRISPR‐Cas – from RNA to R&D

Niels Geijsen, Professor of Regenerative Medicine, Hubrecht Institute KNAW, Utrecht – Gene editing with a pinch of salt

Annelien Bredenoord, Professor of Ethics of Biomedical Innovation, University Medical Center Utrecht – Why we should (not) modify the human germline…

Moderated by prof. John van der Oost and prof. Willem M. de Vos from the Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research.

This symposium is organized in collaboration with the KNAW and the Laboratory of Microbiology.

More information here.

Exploring and discussing science with professionals, funky music and a drink.