Conference Videos
We have captured Sam's Genetic Update Conference "live" on video and it is available to you. It is captured with a split screen so you will see a direct feed of Sam's PowerPoint slides and also a direct feed of Sam as he teaches.
Program Description
The program begins with focus on RNA as the 'New' Central Molecule of Molecular Biology. RNA controls the DNA and therefore controls Protein production.
Sam follows with a review of Coding DNA or protein producing genes. He discusses not only transcription and translation - but also Exons & Introns, RNA Processing and Alternative Splicing - plus Transcription Factors in gene control.
This leads to a discussion of the 'New' Non-Coding DNA genes that do not produce proteins but, instead, produce gene-controlling microRNA molecules. About 400 of these genes have been identified and they are the main control molecules of the Coding DNA Genes. Sam looks at miRNA and siRNA and how each turns off the coding genes. With that understanding we can now manipulate these in vitro to turn off many 'Bad' genes that cause genetic diseases and cancer.
Next comes Comparative Genomics, comparing the human genome to birds, rodents, chimps and Neanderthals. He also takes a look at the genomes of HIV and H1N1, describes the DNA identification of the Romanov skeletons and looks at new gene therapy procedures for cancer, Huntington's, Alzheimers, prostate cancer, mitochondrial diseases and blindness.
He reviews the basic science of both Reproductive and Therapeutic Cloning and gives an update on Stem Cells: Embryonic, Adult, CSCs (Cancer Stem Cells) and iPS. He emphasizes how they might be used for cell replacement therapy, human disease modeling and screening for molecules that might help in disease therapy.
Sam finishes with an update on cancer research. He emphasizes the ultimate goal - elimination of the Cancer Stem Cells - and looks at new approaches like CD47 antibodies for AML and salinomycin for breast cancer.
