Neuronal Experience-Regulated Transcription

This conference is the first of its kind to convene researchers focused on experience-regulated transcription in the brain. The study of experience-regulated transcriptional plasticity is at the forefront of technological developments within the disciplines of molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics. This conference will be relevant to research into several human disorders and diseases associated with both inefficient gene transcription and mutations in genes. 

The inaugural program will present the latest findings from scientists with distinct approaches to experience-dependent transcriptional regulation. Sessions will discuss new methods for studying transcription, functions of activity-regulated transcription in development and disease, and mechanisms of activity-regulated gene transcription in neurons.

Attendees will learn about:

· Molecular genetics and genomics of activity-regulated gene transcription and translation.

· The role of transcription in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity

· Dysregulation of transcription in developmental disorders and aging

· Discoveries and technologies to study excitation-transcription coupling. 

Program Topics

· All IEGs are not created equal

· Activity-dependent genomic mechanisms

· Hot topics in neural epigenetics

· New methods for studying activity-regulated transcription

· Transcriptional regulation of synapses

· Transcriptional regulation of sensory processing and circuit plasticity

· Learning and memory

· Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of maladaptive plasticity 

Workshops

A Meet the Experts lunch session will feature a broad cross-section of senior scientists, including journal editors, NIH staff, industry representatives, and academic researchers, who will discuss their experiences with early-career researchers. 

A series of Career Development Workshop roundtables will feature conversations led by established investigators on career topics, including finding a postdoc, the paper writing process, mentoring, and career placement.