Скачать или смотреть “Sequencing infrastructure and genomics projects in Armenia”

Panelists: Arsen Arakelyan, Levon Yepiskoposyan. Moderator: Vahan Martirosian

Held on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM PDT

Abstract: The panel discussion will delve into pivotal topics at the intersection of genomics, history, agriculture, and public health activities in the Molecular Biology Institute in Armenia. The session will highlight the advancements in sequencing infrastructure and genomics projects, including the establishment of the Armenian National Grapevine Collection, which conserves indigenous grape varieties through DNA-based characterization and bio-conservation efforts. A significant focus was placed on debunking the long-held "Balkan migration theory" of Armenian origins, with recent whole-genome studies revealing no substantial genetic link between Armenians and Balkan populations, challenging historical narratives. The conversation will also touch upon the "Grapes of Armenia" book, emphasizing the rich viticultural heritage in Armenia and the importance of preserving grape genetic resources. Additionally, microbial bioinformatics emerged as a critical tool in understanding antibiotic resistance in Armenia, with studies indicating a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens and highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and stewardship programs. Collectively, these discussions underscore Armenia's commitment to integrating scientific research into cultural preservation and public health strategies.

Dr. Arsen Arakelyan, PhD, DSc is the Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA (IMB), Head of the Bioinformatics Group, and Co-manager of the Sequencing Core Facility at IMB. With over 23 years of experience in both wet-lab molecular biology/genetics and dry-lab bioinformatics, his current research is focused on high-throughput data analysis, systems biology, and telomere bioinformatics. He coordinates several large-scale genomics projects in Armenia, including the Armenian Genome Project and Armenian Cancer Genome Atlas initiatives.
Levon Yepiskoposyan is a senior researcher at IMB and the head of the Institute of Man. He received his Doctor of Science from the Institute of Common Genetics, Russian Academy of Science. He has served as professor at Yerevan State University and IMB. Dr. Yepiskoposyan is also the President of Armenian Anthropological Society and is the head of the Laboratory of Evolutionary Genomics at IMB. He is the author of books and numerous articles. Hiis main research is in the comprehensive analysis of whole-genome data from Armenians, focusing on their genetic history and variation. The main results are that Armenians share significant genetic similarities, and that there was genetic input from a Levantine source in the region following the Early Bronze Age.
Vahan Martirosian is a CIRM-BSCRC post-doctoral fellow at UCLA. He received his B.S. in Biology from the UC Irvine, with the Excellence in Research distinction for studying the therapeutic benefits of stem cell transplantation in the brain, M.S. in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Ph.D. in Medical Biology from the University of Southern California. His current interest includes development of high-throughput screens for personalized medicine and the contribution of metabolism to pluripotent stem cell differentiation and glioblastoma recurrence.