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News from NCRR
2007 Conferences Lineup
NCRR is sponsoring several conferences this year covering a broad range of topics, from the implementation of translational research in underserved communities, to the analysis of genes in the rhesus macaque, to the use of nonhuman primate models for developing AIDS treatments and embryonic stem cell lines. These conferences not only inform scientists of key developments in different areas of research, but they also serve to ensure that members of the NCRR community are aware of long-term goals and progress on different initiatives.
Fostering Collaborative Community-Based Clinical and Translational
Research
May 15 and September 21, 2007
The May 15 workshop will identify key factors that prevent and enable effective academic-community research partnerships. Participants will develop and disseminate guidelines and best practices for conducting community-based clinical and translational research in minority and other medically underserved groups. Key areas of focus will include the development and maintenance of core research infrastructure to enable and encourage community participation, the development of research protocols that work effectively in community settings, and the establishment of community buy-in and trust to enhance recruitment and retention of research participants.
This one-day workshop will be held in the DoubleTree Hotel, Bethesda, Md., in conjunction with the 2007 National Research Conference (May 16–18) of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Practice-Based Research Networks. A second regional workshop will be held in Los Angeles, Calif., on September 21. The two events are intended to develop specific recommendations to support the implementation of planned NCRR initiatives to enhance clinical and translational research in underserved communities. They will also help leverage related efforts of sister agencies, including AHRQ, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Indian Health Service.
Individuals interested in attending either workshop may contact Michael Sayre at sayrem@mail.nih.gov, Shelia McClure at mcclursh@mail.nih.gov, or Fred Taylor at taylorwf@mail.nih.gov.
Improving Genetic Resources for the Rhesus Macaque
May 23, 2007
Natcher Conference Center, Building 45
NIH Campus, Bethesda, Md.
This workshop will identify enhanced genetic resources for optimizing the use of the rhesus macaque as a model animal in biomedical and translational research. In particular, participants will define the resolution, approach, and resources needed to generate a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) map of the rhesus macaque genome.
The workshop was conceived, in part, during the 2006 NCRR-sponsored “Genetic Tools for Optimizing the Use of Rhesus Macaques for Translational Research” workshop in which participants identified the development of an SNP map for the rhesus as a major goal. Grantees funded by NCRR have so far identified SNPs that distinguish between macaques of Chinese and Indian origin. In addition, as part of the project to sequence the rhesus genome, scientists at the Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, have identified several thousand SNPs from a subset of the rhesus genomic sequence.
Individuals interested in attending the workshop may contact Jack Harding at hardingj@mail.nih.gov.
The 25th Annual Symposium for Nonhuman Primate Models for AIDS
September 10–13, 2007
Monterey Conference Center
Monterey, Calif.
This symposium will serve as a scientific forum for disseminating and exchanging the new research findings, ideas, and directions of an international group of scientists whose research focuses on the study of experimental immunodeficiency virus infections. These include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and recombinant SIV/HIV in nonhuman primate models. The knowledge gained from nonhuman primate studies will help scientists better understand how HIV and SIV cause disease and will facilitate the development of new methods for the treatment, control, and prevention of AIDS in human populations.
Previous meetings of the Annual Symposium have had a significant impact on understanding viral pathogenesis in primate models and the development of AIDS drugs and potential vaccines. This year’s meeting will focus on the biology of primate lentivirus infection and the use of nonhuman primate models for the study of viral pathogenesis, vaccines, and therapeutic approaches against primate lentivirus infection and disease; primate genomics; viral agents associated with simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; and the mechanisms of natural resistance to endemic primate lentiviral infection in several primate species.
Scientists interested in attending the meeting should visit the Symposium Web site.
Development and Use of Nonhuman Primate Embryonic Stem Cell Lines
Fall/Spring 2007
The workshop will review the status of derivation, availability, and characterization of nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells (NHP ESCs) and define their potential uses, specifically in regard to translational research. Another goal will be to provide advice to NIH administrators on new initiatives needed to fully realize the potential of NHP ESCs to help advance the goals of regenerative medicine. Participants will include researchers with experience in NHP ESC derivation and experts in the areas of human ESC research and regenerative medicine.
Individuals interested in attending the workshop may contact Jack Harding at hardingj@mail.nih.gov.
