Genetic Basis of Blood Cancers and Bone Marrow Failure

This inaugural conference will focus on scientific advances in understanding the pathophysiology of inherited risk to hematopoietic malignancies and bone marrow failure conditions. Particular attention will be given to newly identified germline conditions, such as DDX41, SAMD9, and SAMD9L, as well as other more well-studied disorders and new syndrome discoveries.

The conference will also foster collaboration and networking among experienced scientists and early career researchers to enhance understanding within this emerging field of study. 

Attendees will learn about:

· The numerous cellular pathways that drive malignancy development.

· How inflammation contributes to malignant progression.

· How to use population-based databases to estimate disease prevalence and penetrance as well as gene discovery.

Program Topics

· Platelet disorders associated with cancer risk

· Disorders of the ribosome and DNA damage pathways

· SAMD9/SAMD9L

· Clinical assessment in hereditary hematopoietic malignancies

· DDX41

· Syndrome discovery

· Disorders of telomere length

· Transcription factor biology

· Developing therapeutic strategies

Workshops

A Meet the Experts session will focus on emerging topics with speakers and experienced scientists providing early career investigators the opportunity to enhance their scientific and career goals.

A Career Development Workshop will connect one or two senior scientists with a group of early career researchers and faculty, matching experts with participants’ interests. Discussion topics will include interviewing for a faculty position, grant applications, postdoctoral projects, career options, and work/life balance issues.