Page 5 - IBRO_RNA School_Abstract Book

WELCOME NOTE

Arpita Konar and Beena Pillai

CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura

Road, Delhi, India

The mammalian brain is a complex interconnected network of specialized
cells that display an unparalleled level of functional specialization. Each cell

expresses a set of genes that collectively confer its function. Rapid
developments in genomics and transcriptomics have revealed that the mammalian
genome is pervasively transcribed but only a small fraction of the transcripts are
translated into protein. Therefore, the non-coding transcriptome, is a major
component of the transcriptome of the cell. The non-coding transcripts are diverse
in size, abundance, conservation and function. Tools for studying RNA biology
are being developed and adopted rapidly. Studying these non-coding RNAs in the
brain presents some unique challenges. This workshop was conceived through
interactions between the co-organizers, coming from their respective background
in neurobiology and molecular biology, through a shared conviction that we need to
interact and learn from each other about the latest developments, tools and discoveries.

Following the process established by International Brain Research Organization, we
selected participants from the applicants based on their interest in pursuing further
research in this area, while already pursuing their own research problems pertaining
to development of the brain or the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative or
neuropsychiatric diseases. We have consciouly tried to include participants from diverse
backgrounds and hope that this platform will nurture collaborations and friendships.

The resource personnel are Ph.D scholars who have standardized the

techniques they will be demonstrating in our laboratory at the Institute of
Genomics and Integrative Biology. They will briefly touch upon their own research
projects and how these tools are relevant to their investigations. Many thanks are
due to the speakers who have patiently put up with a year of uncertainty and yet
kindly agreed at short notice to give research talks. Some critical topics like the
latest developments in RNA based vaccines and the dynamic visualization of RNA
folding could not be included. The technical support from Premas Lifesciences
and 10X Genomics in introducing the participants to the exciting, emerging world
of single cell and spatial transcriptomics added a new dimension to the meeting.