Annual Meeting of the AGD 2014

in Potsdam, October 10-11

Topic: Beyond exome sequencing — causal diversity of genetic diseases

Dear Members and Friends of the AGD,

Whole exome sequencing has become very popular for the identification of pathogenic variants in Mendelian and complex diseases. However, this hype somewhat obscures the enormous pathogenetic diversity of genetic diseases. There are many more interesting elements and features to be found in the human genome beyond the protein coding sequences that anyway only make up about one percent of our genome. New genomic technologies are enabling a plethora of useful methods to investigate the function and pathology of the non-coding genome. Novel, comprehensive analytic approaches are needed to fully understand the complex etiology of genetic diseases. Whole genome sequencing is only one of many methods that are being used to address current limitations.

You are cordially invited to participate in the 2014 AGD meeting, held in Potsdam on October 10 and 11, 2014. The meeting will address the above issues in four sessions:

Session 1 — Mutations in regulatory elements
Session 2 — Structural variation and disease
Session 3 — Understanding the role of non-coding RNAs for disease
Session 4 — Epigenetic disease etiologies

The complete scientific program can be downloaded here.

From the presentations given at the meeting and from the discussions, we expect fruitful impulses for future developments, not only in research but also in our health care systems.

We are convinced that the meeting program is very attractive, and that the excellent speakers will manage to inspire you and your future work. The pleasant atmosphere of the “Seminaris SeeHotel Potsdam” and of its surroundings at the Templiner See is ideally suited for this high-profile scientific meeting.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Potsdam.

Sincerely yours,