FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The dark genome (AKA regulatory genome, genomic dark matter, and unknown DNA sequences), previously disregarded as ‘junk DNA’ is the non-coding DNA that makes up 98% of our genome. The coding exome only makes up 2%! Comprising of repeat sequences, endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), and regulatory elements, it does not encode like another traditional proteins.
However, huge advances in proteomics and genomic research, genome mapping, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and -omics platforms, have shed light on the mysteries of dark DNA sequences on the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels.
We now see that the dark genome plays a key role across a range of diseases, from oncology to autoimmune to aging, through epigenetic dysregulation which can mediate the expression of tumor neoantigens, transposons, protein aggregation, and altered gene regulation.
With a critical unmet patient need for effective targets, alongside numerous upcoming patent cliffs, the urgent demand for novel targets is fuelling drug discovery efforts.
Whereas the majority of targets within coding DNA have already been exploited, the dark genome is an unexplored area that could be the next pot of gold to supply breakthrough disease-specific targets for a range of modalities.
Don’t believe us – see the recent investment! The space has seen huge deals and partnerships worth over $1.5 billion for Boehringer Ingelheim and Enara Bio, Merck and Epitopea, Eli Lilly and Company and HAYA Therapeutics, along with Bayer and NextRNA.
The Inaugural Dark Genome Target Discovery & Development Summit is the first industry-focused event to provide a one-stop shop for both established industry leaders targeting non-coding DNA, RNA, and proteins, as well as newcomers, to delve into the dark genome and harness this untapped territory as the next paradigm in drug discovery.
Join peers across discovery, computational biology, AI, bioinformatics, biology, and omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, immunopeptidomics, multiomics) from all seniorities, across pharma, biotech, and academia.
This is the perfect opportunity to gain a competitive overview of this emerging area, whether you are new to the space, interested in exploring joining in the future, or ready to build partnerships.
The summit features expert speakers from leading organizations, including:
- Dan Tardiff, Vice President, Head of Discovery, CAMP4 Therapeutics
- Generoso Ianniciello, CBO, Anima Biotech
- Jonathan Kwok, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Infinitopes Precision Immunomics & Oxford University
- Matthew Maurano, Assistant Professor, Institute for Systems Genetics & Department of Pathology, NYU Medical Lab
- Samir Ounzain, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, HAYA Therapeutics
- Sudhakaran Prabakaran, Chief Executive Officer, NonExomics
