Recipient Organization
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
408 Old Main
UNIVERSITY PARK,PA 16802-1505
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Most people are familiar with the idea that genes, consisting of the nucleic acid DNA, encode genetic information that is passed on from parent to offspring. Information contained in genes is used by living cells to make proteins, and the intermediary conveyor of information from DNA to protein is RNA, another type of nucleic acid. However, the past decade has seen a revolution in our understanding of the roles of RNA. We now know that RNA is not simply an information conduit between DNA and protein, but also plays vital roles in the control of gene expression in each cell, and even in the regulation of the DNA-based information that is passed on from parent to offspring. RNA molecules also act as enzymes (a function previously thought to be ascribable only to proteins) and as sensors of small molecule metabolites. The purpose of the present award is to support a symposium that will bring together new and emerging leaders in the field of RNA biology, with an emphasis
on plant RNA biology, to share the latest information and ideas in this exciting field. The intimate size of the symposium will promote discussion and a ready exchange of information among all participants, ranging from established investigators to undergraduate students. The symposium will provide an excellent overview of the diverse and remarkable roles that RNA molecules play in the story of life on Earth.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
100%
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
In 1986, the Pennsylvania State University Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Plant Physiology inaugurated the Penn State Symposium in Plant Physiology as a two and one-half day symposium devoted to fast moving focus areas in plant biology. The present grant will support the 16th Symposium in this series, to be held May 18th 20th, 2006 at Penn State University, University Park, PA. The topic of this Symposium is RNA Biology: Novel Insights from Plant Systems. The symposium is being organized by Drs. Sarah Assmann and Hong Ma in the Biology Dept., Dr. Philip Bevilacqua in the Chemistry Dept., and Dr. Teh-hui Kao in the Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The field of RNA biology has experienced enormous growth in recent years, and plant biologists have been at the forefront of many of the important discoveries. A major meeting objective is to highlight and synthesize such discoveries and their agronomic relevance. We have designed a Symposium program that
also has the novel aspect of bringing together plant biologists in the RNA field with key scientists who study RNA chemistry and RNA function in non-plant systems. This innovative programming will allow cross-fertilization among these disciplines and such exchange is a second, and unique objective of our Symposium. This symposium will present a broad range of topics relevant to present and future innovations in U.S. and world agriculture. Many of the speakers study RNA biology in the context of plant responses to biotic (e.g. pathogens) and abiotic stresses (drought, cold), and/or have developed RNA silencing tools that are widely used in crop species. Among the plant species studied by the invited speakers are rice, maize, tobacco, and potato. The speakers are world leaders in their respective fields and should provide an informative and stimulating environment for generating new ideas and new interactions between participants.
Project Methods
To highlight and synthesize discoveries in plant RNA biology and related fields, the approach taken will be a two and one-half day symposium entitled RNA Biology: Novel Insights from Plant Systems to be held at Penn State University in May of 2006. The program will contain a mix of established investigators and rising new investigators, post-doctorates, and graduate students. Funds from this award will be used to provide travel awards to selected undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctorates who will present posters. Awards will be made based on submitted abstracts and letters of recommendation from mentors. Partial reimbursement of travel expenses is also requested for graduate students, post-doctorates, and new PIs who will be chosen on the basis of their abstracts to give short talks. Such support will broaden the participation of these young scientists in our Symposium and will provide them with financial support and intellectual recognition at an early
stage in their careers. Several small awards will also be given to undergraduate attendees who are not presenting, to provide encouragement to these future scientists. Funds will also be used for partial support of the travel costs and for lodging costs of 15 domestic invited speakers, whose participation will provide an outstanding scientific program.