Symposium on genomics on March 20, 2018 at MedGenome Foster City

Dr. Kasthuri Kannan, Assistant Professor of Pathology, Investigator, Genome Technology Center (GTC) Core Labs, NYU Langone Health

Topic: Genomics of Pineoblastoma

Dr. Kannan’s research interests are in genomics and computational biology. Rapid advancement of genomics technologies has enabled unbiased data-driven molecular approaches in medicine (as opposed to hypothesis based studies). Accordingly, he is interested in data-driven genomic analysis that leads to verifiable and useful hypotheses. His contributions to genomics include a comprehensive report of molecular alterations in adenoid cystic carcinoma and high-frequency ATRX mutations in astrocytoma.

Dr. Rama Natarajan, National Business Products Industry Professor in Diabetes Research, Professor and Chair, Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, City of Hope Hospital

Topic: Epigenetic mechanisms underlying Diabetic complications and Metabolic Memory

Dr. Rama’s major focus of our research is to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the accelerated development of inflammation, vascular and renal complications observed under diabetic conditions. Her research group is examining the role of epigenetics and non-coding RNAs in the pathology of diabetic complications, and also how persistence of epigenetic changes can create a “metabolic memory” that results in long term malfunction of genes and sustained complications even after subject with diabetes bring their blood sugar under control.