Beyond your genes: Epigenetics, and how early experiences may affect your health later in life

McCord Museum, Café Bistro

690 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal

RSVP: cafescientifique@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

When researchers finished sequencing the human genome in 2003, it seemed as though many of the mysteries of human health were about to be solved. But as we took a closer look at the genetic code, it became clear that what’s written in our DNA is only part of the story.

Now a new area of research, known as epigenetics, is building upon our knowledge of the human genome. Epigeneticists study the ways that our environment can have a long-term impact on the activity of our genes. Chemicals we’re exposed to in the womb or traumatic childhood experiences may actually imprint themselves on our genetic material, wiring us for sickness or health later in life.

Want to learn more? Join us for a discussion with some of the leading Canadian epigenetic researchers.

This free event is hosted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and its Institute of Genetics, in collaboration with the Canadian Epigenetics, Environment and Health Research Consortium. Free admission to the McCord museum. Space is limited.

Experts:

Michael Meaney, PhD, CQ, FRSC

Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology

James McGill Professor

Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology & Neurosurgery

McGill University

Canada Research Chair in Human Genomics

Genome Quebec Innovation Centre

Department of Human Genetics

McGill University

Director, Réseau québecois de recherche sur le suicide

Professor, Departments of Psychiatry, Human Genetics, and Neurology & Neurosurgery

McGill University

Moderator:

Paul Lasko, PhD

Scientific Director, Institute of Genetics, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

James McGill Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University