2nd Probing Human Disease using Single-Cell Technologies Conference

Memo

In recent years, significant advancements have revolutionized the ability to study distinct biological features at the level of individual cells, resulting in profound implications for biology and medicine. These breakthroughs encompass novel microfluidic techniques, molecular advancements in next-generation sequencing, spatial technologies, and the development of computational platforms capable of analyzing large-scale sequencing data. As a result, we can now profile the genome (through DNA sequencing), transcriptome (using RNA sequencing), and epigenome (via ATAC sequencing and DNA methylation sequencing) at the resolution of single cells. This wealth of information has provided unprecedented insights into the biological composition of various cell types, tissues, and even whole organisms. Within the realm of human health, these sequencing and analytic approaches have been employed to profile both normal and diseased states, leading to remarkable breakthroughs in our understanding of diseases at the single-cell level. Such tools have been applied to the fields of human genetics, immunity, infection, cancer, development, and neurosciences among others, generating tremendous interest and advancements. The primary focus of this conference is to explore the potential impact of these methodological advances in single-cell biology on our understanding of human diseases and their treatment. By bringing together experts in single-cell biology and leaders in human health, we aim to facilitate new interactions, foster collaborations, and generate innovative ideas that can pave the way for future clinical trials and the development of novel therapies. Additionally, we seek to showcase recent technical breakthroughs in sequencing and protocol development, sample preparation techniques, and data analysis methodologies. Given the rapid progress in this field, it is crucial to hear from leaders in single-cell technology development to gain insights into emerging trends and future applications. Ultimately, our objective is to investigate how these technical advancements can be effectively applied to the study of human diseases, providing a glimpse into the future of genomic medicine. Confirmed Invited Speakers Elham Azizi (Columbia University)Fernando Camargo (Harvard Stem Cell Institute)Michelle Chan (Princeton University)Fei Chen (Broad Institute)Lee Grimes (Cincinnati Childrens Hospital)Dan Landau (New York Genome Center)Caleb Lareau  (Stanford/ MSKCC)Ashley Laughney (Weill Cornell Medicine)Jose McFaline-Figueroa (Columbia University)Michael Meers (Washington University)Jose Ordovas-Montanes (Boston Childrens Hospital)Dana Pe'er (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)Sydney Shaffer (University of Pennsylvania)Efrat Shema (Weizmann Institute of Science)Mario Suva (Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School)Itay Tirosh (Weizmann Institute of Science)