Trip to the IV Congress of the Society of Biochemists and Molecular Biologists
The IV Congress of the Society of Biochemists and Molecular Biologists in Novosibirsk was held from May 10 to May 16, 2008 in Akademgorodok. The Eternal Youth Foundation was represented at the congress by the head of the scientific and expert department and his deputy.
The collection of conference materials can be seen here (pdf, 12.8 Mb). I would like to note the significant scope of the event: the number of registered participants was more than 900 people from Moscow, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, Tomsk, Kazan and other cities of Russia. The plenary lectures were given by prominent scientists from Russia and abroad. I was also struck by the scope of Akademgorodok – more than 30 institutes from various branches of knowledge, concentrated on a limited territory – the city of science and knowledge.
A pleasant feature of Novosibirsk colleagues for us was their extreme openness and cordiality, which allowed us to establish informal and friendly communication. I would like to thank the organizing committee of the conference and the direct performers for the brilliant organization of the event. I was also pleased with the weather: during the conference in Akademgorodok and the city of Berdsk, where we lived, it was clear and warm (about 24 degrees).
The following sections were presented at the conference:
• Biocatalysis
• Enzymes of nucleic acid metabolism
• DNA/RNA-protein interactions
• Structure and function of the genome
• Cell biochemistry and signaling cascades
• Extracellular nucleic acids and nucleic acid transport
• Molecular biomedicine
• Genomics, proteomics, peptidomics, bioinformatics
• Nanobiotechnology
• Bioenergy
• Medical biotechnology
• Engineering Enzymology and technical Biochemistry
• Low molecular weight physiologically active compounds
• Medical Biochemistry
• Biochemistry of inorganic cell walls and protective structures
• Glycology
Details of the program can be found on the conference website.
During the conference, we attended the following plenary reports:
Vladimir P. Skulachev, A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow, Russia
Aging as a program. Is there a chance to stop it?
(The aging program. Is there a chance to stop her?)The report outlines the main achievements of a number of research teams from Russia in recent years.
For the first time, the formula of a "medicine" that allows to prolong the period of active longevity in laboratory rats of the OXYS line is presented. The main idea of V.P. Skulachev: it is not yet possible to stop death, but it is possible to significantly extend the period of youth and active longevity by reducing the period of extinction (aging) of the organism leading to death.
Jacques-Henry Weil (Institut de Botanique, Strasbourg, France)
Applications of genetic engineering to agronomy: what are the advantages of genetically modified plants, and are they safe?
(Application of genetic engineering in agriculture: what are the advantages of genetically modified plants and are they safe?)
The report discusses the main types of genetic modifications in the creation of transgenic plants. The advantages and disadvantages of cultivating such plants, possible genetic and social effects are touched upon. The report stated that there is currently no clear health risk shown.
Sergey A. Nedospasov, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology RAS, Moscow, Russia
Innate immunity and tumor necrosis factor
(Innate immunity and tumor necrosis factor)The functions of tumor necrosis factor, one of the central mediators of innate immunity, are considered.
Evgeny V. Grishin (Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia)
Arahnida toxins
(Arachnid toxins)The varieties of arachnid poisons and the mechanisms of their action are considered.
Currently, there are 2 main types of toxins: polypeptides with intramolecular disulfide bonds and linear polypeptides with cytolytic properties.
Peter M. Chumakov (Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russia)
Antioxidant mechanisms controlling genome stability
(Antioxidant mechanisms of genome stability control)
The report deals with the discovery of a new mechanism for maintaining the stability of the genome associated with the p53 protein.
Reports in the section "Molecular biomedicine":
Favorova Olga Olegovna (GOU VPO RSMU, Moscow)
Gene ensembles as factors of predisposition to polygenic diseasesGenetic factors of predisposition to stroke, arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction and multiple sclerosis were investigated in the work.
Nosikov Valery Vyacheslavovich (SSC "GosNII Genetics", Moscow)
Molecular genetics of type 1 diabetes mellitus
A number of predisposition genes for type 1 diabetes mellitus have been isolated.
Peter Andreevich Slominsky (IMG RAS, Moscow)
Molecular pathology of Parkinson's diseaseA number of significant genetic associations with Parkinson's disease are shown.
Our main tasks at the conference were the presentation of the Eternal Youth Foundation at the conference, acquaintance with participants in an informal setting, inspection of laboratories, institutes, an offer to participate in a competition to support innovative projects conducted by our foundation. Unfortunately, we were not able to get to know all the participants, but we are always open to cooperation and will gladly accept your applications for consideration and, if necessary, answer any questions.
Deputy Head of the Scientific and Expert Department of the Foundation
Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru29.05.2008