Discoverer of RNAi to give keynote speech

RNAi Europe conference, said to be the largest conference of its kind in Europe this year, will hear an update of work on C elegans from Professor Craig Mello

Professor Craig Mello, along with Andrew Fire, was awarded the first approved patent for using double-stranded RNA for gene silencing in 2003 and subsequently introduced the world to one of the most widely discussed techniques in drug discovery research.

Using RNAi technology, scientists can turn genes 'off', enabling them to observe a cell's behavior in the absence of the targeted gene's protein product.

This may lead to better understanding of disease mechanisms and eventually, better therapies.

Prof Mello has been working in the University of Massachusetts Medical School since 1994.

At the RNAi Europe conference, to be held 18-19 October in London, Prof Mello will present an update on his work on C elegans.

Also presenting their latest research will be 19 other speakers and 11 exhibitors, making RNAi Europe the largest conference of its kind in Europe this year, according to Select Biosciences.

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