Conference Scene: Epigenetics Eh! The first formal meeting of the Canadian epigenetics community

Abstract

In recognition of Canada‘s longstanding interest in epigenetics – and a particular linguistic interjection – the inaugural ‘Epigenetics, Eh!‘ conference was held between 4–7 May 2011 in London, Ontario. The meeting struck an excellent balance between Canadian and international leaders in epigenetic research while also providing a venue to showcase up-and-coming talent. Almost without exception, presentations touched on the wide-ranging and severe consequences of epigenetic dysfunction, as well as current and emerging therapeutic opportunities. While gaining a deeper understanding of how DNA and histone modifications, together with multiple classes of ncRNAs, act to functionalize our genome, participants were also provided with a glimpse of the astounding complexity of chromatin structure, challenging existing dogma.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all of the speakers for their contribution to an excellent first Canadian Epigenetics meeting and look forward to future meetings based on the success of the first one.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Michael J Hendzel is the senior scholar of Alberta Innovates Health Solutions and has received the Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Alberta Cancer grant. Alan Underhill is chair of the Mary Johnston Melanoma Research and has also received grants from the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

Michael J Hendzel is the senior scholar of Alberta Innovates Health Solutions and has received the Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Alberta Cancer grant. Alan Underhill is chair of the Mary Johnston Melanoma Research and has also received grants from the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.