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Andy Dillin, (The Salk Institute for Biological Studies) is chairing Abcam's upcoming Therapeutic Approaches to Neurodegeneration-Age Modifiers, Proteostasis, and Stem Cells conference in Nassau, Bahamas this coming February. We interviewed Andy regarding his recent research, and excitement over this upcoming meeting, a spin off from 2008's Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age Related Diseases. Here is what Andy had to say:

1. We have a great line up of speakers for this conference, is there any one particular topic you are most excited about?

The mixture of topics we have are probably the most unique when considering neurodegeneration. I am particularly excited to see how advances in stem cells can interface with proteostasis. I think there is much to be learnt by the combined efforts of both groups.

2. What are the differences between the Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age Related Disease meeting and this conference?

The Aging meeting in Puerta Vallarta was absolutely amazing and the field is still buzzing about the great science presented there. In Mexico we focused on genome and proteome integrity as a driving force for aging. This meeting has a very different angle and almost no overlap with the speakers with the previous meeting. Here we will focus on stem cells, protein homeostasis and how aging interacts with these two biological paradigms....all with a focus on neurobiology.

3. What exciting research projects have been occurring in your lab?

We hope to present a new set of data that asks a very basic question, "How is the proteome of a stem cell maintained compared to its differentiated neuronal counterparts?". We have found some profound differences among protein homeostasis of stem cells and how maintaining a pristine proteome is central to "stem-ness".

4. What makes this meeting stand apart from other Neuroscience meetings?

The collection of speakers and topics. We have leaders in the aging field, finding key genetic requirements for successful aging. Which are interacting with top notch stem cell biologist, overlapping with true leaders in the neurodegeneration field. It was amazing to have Dave Holtzman and Sean Morrison co-organize this meeting and really provide the depth needed for the neurodegeneration and stem cell aspects, respectively.

6. What sparked your passion for science?

I like puzzles and I like to be surprised.

7. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Organize meetings for ABCAM!

Thanks Andy for taking the time and sharing in the excitement of this meeting with others. It looks like a fantastic meeting with a phenomenal line up of speakers! We look forward to hearing more about it when it has finished.