Rigi Workshop 2024: Exploring Epigenetics

Epigenetics is a broadly used term for phenomena that alter gene expression without altering the DNA itself. It describes the regulation of our genes, how they can be influenced by our environment, and how this regulation can be inherited between cells and generations. This intersection between information coded in DNA sequence, transmitted by factors associated with DNA, and provided by the environment is fascinating from a mechanistic point of view. It also provides insights into how our genes interact with external influences, potentially offering new ways to prevent or treat diseases, improve crop yields, and understand complex behaviors and brain functions.

The Rigi workshop 2024 on epigenetics invited its participants to dive into the intricate mechanisms and implications of epigenetic phenomena. By fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue, the event aims to bridge gaps between different disciplines of epigenetic research. Participants will explore how epigenetics impacts plant breeding, behavioral traits, brain development, evolution, synaptic plasticity, cognition, and neurological disorders. The workshop offered interdisciplinary approaches to investigating and analyzing societal and technological impacts of epigenetics and featured lectures delivered by leading experts, group discussions, and sharing of group and individual work in the form of oral presentations.

Speakers:

• Dr. Etienne Bucher, Agroscope, leader at the Crop genome dynamics research group, Changins.
• Dr. Med Semira Gonseth Nusslé, Physician at Unisanté and President and Chief Medical Officer in Genknowme S.A. in Lausanne.
• Dr. Ivana Jaric, Animal Welfare Division, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern
• Prof. Dr. Luis Lopez-Molina, Department of plant sciences, University of Geneva
• Prof. Dr. Isabelle Mansuy, Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, University of Zürich and ETHZ
• Prof. Dr. Florian Steiner, Departement of molecular and Cell Biology, University of Geneva.
• Prof. Dr. Irene Adrian-Klachhauser, Insistute for fish and wildlife Health, University of Bern.

Contributions by the participants:

The participants were asked to present their research in the form of a graphical abstract to be used for support during a scientific speed-dating event on first evening. They also actively participated in the discussions during the workshop.

Organisers:

• Prof. Dr. Irene Adrian-Kalchhauser, SCNAT Platform Biology and University of Bern
• PD Dr. Paolo Cinelli, Swiss Laboratory Animal Science Association (SGV) and University of Zürich
• Prof. Dr. Florian Steiner, SCNAT Platform Biology and University of Geneva
• Caroline Reymond, SCNAT Platform Biology