The SIG Beat

NEWS FROM AND ABOUT THE SCIENTIFIC INTEREST GROUPS

NEW SIG: DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY SCIENTIFIC INTEREST GROUP

Developmental biology is at the leading edge of modern biomedical research. The study of developmental mechanisms is inherently interdisciplinary and includes embryology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and genomics, and systems biology. The Developmental Biology SIG seeks to foster and coordinate interactions among all NIH developmental biologists who use diverse experimental approaches and distinct model organisms. The SIG provides a collegial forum for investigators interested in the underlying principles of development and how they relate to human development and disease. The group hosts developmental biology workshops throughout the year that feature keynote speakers and presentations by postdoctoral fellows. Workshop sessions are arranged to facilitate interactions among presenters and attendees to promote discussion of research and solicit feedback on experimental observations. In addition, the SIG provides mentoring to trainees. To join the LISTSERV (DEVELOPMENTAL-BIOLOGY@list.nih.gov), go to https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=DEVELOPMENTAL-BIOLOGY&A=1. The coordinator of the steering committee is Jurrien Dean (jurriend@helix.nih.gov).

NEW SIG: TRANS-NIH BIOMARKERS IN PEDIATRIC THERAPEUTICS

The mission of the group is to pursue opportunities for strengthening cross-disciplinary pediatric biomarker research at NIH while innovating beyond existing investments. Its goals are to provide leadership, vision, and support to promote a strong body of pediatric biomarker research funded by NIH; and to collect, evaluate, and disseminate scientific information and funding opportunities for biomarker research in pediatric therapeutics at NIH. Participants will include NIH program officials and intramural investigators, FDA regulators, investigators from NIH networks involved in studying diseases and drugs in pediatrics, and those studying related basic and translational research. Industry scientists working in similar or complementary areas will be invited to participate in seminars and workshops sponsored by the SIG. The group will promote trans-NIH funding announcements, host speakers, and support panels and minisymposia, national and international webinars, and group discussions. Activities will be coordinated by an interdisciplinary steering committee. The initial meeting of the steering committee will be in September 2015, and the first all-hands NIH campus presentation and webinar will be on January 12, 2016, at 12:00 noon in room 9100/9104 (Rockledge II). To join the group contact George Giacoia at giacoiag@exchange.nih.gov.

NEW SIG: PULMONARY VASCULAR DISEASES

The Pulmonary Vascular Diseases (PVD) SIG will foster cooperation among NIH intramural investigators and extramural communities who share an interest in basic and translational PVD research. The PVD SIG will facilitate inter-institute multidisciplinary synergistic collaborations and knowledge sharing. The group will provide a forum for developing PVD-related educational programs at NIH and regionally. The programs may include a combination of lectures, seminars, panel discussions, journal discussions, poster sessions, and additional opportunities to facilitate networking. The SIG also strives to provide peer-to-peer mentoring to trainees interested in PVD. The SIG will meet quarterly with the inaugural meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2015, 4:00–5:00 p.m. in Room 2C145 conference room (Building 10). Anyone interested may attend. For more information and notices of meetings and events, join the LISTSERV (https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A0=PULM_VASC_DIS-L) or contact Michael Solomon at Msolomon@CC.NIH.GOV.

NEW SIG: SINGLE-CELL GENOMICS

Many biomedical studies assume that cells within a particular cell type in vivo or in vitro are identical, even though accumulating evidence suggests that the cells are heterogeneous. The differences between individual cells in a population may be important for many biological and pathological processes such as cell fate, differentiation, response to external stimuli and drugs, and cancer pathogenesis. Many at NIH already have explored recent advances in nanotechnology and next-generation sequencing that make it feasible to sequence the genomes and transcriptomes of individual cells. The Single-Cell Genomics SIG will build upon this momentum by presenting a monthly seminar series with both internal and outside experts. The SIG also plans to run a monthly joint lab meeting to discuss technologically related issues. Potential future events include a scientific symposium and workshops. To join the LISTSERV (SINGLECELLGENOMICS-L), visit https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=SINGLECELLGENOMICS-L&A=1. Any questions should be directed to the co-chairs, Paul Liu of NHGRI (pliu@mail.nih.gov) and Mark Cookson of NIA (cookson@mail.nih.gov).