Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder at Stemina Biomarker Discovery to Present at GTCbio's 2nd Rediscovering Biomarkers Conference on July 10-11, 2008 in Boston, MA
Gabriela Cesar, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder at Stemina Biomarker Discovery to Present at GTCbio's 2nd Rediscovering Biomarkers Conference on July 10-11, 2008 in Boston, MA

/Biotechnology News Articles/ - MONROVIA, CA, April 20, 2008 - Dr. Gabriela Cesar, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder at Stemina Biomarker Discovery will be speaking at GTCbio's 2nd Annual Rediscovering Biomarkers conference on July 10-11, 2008 in Boston, MA. Dr. Cesar will present on the identification of candidate biomarkers of toxicity using human embryonic stem cells.

Animal models have a limited ability to elucidate biochemical pathways associated with developmental toxicity in humans. Human embryonic stem (hES) cells recapitulate the formation of brain cells, producing functional neurons that behave in the same manner as in vivo neurons. Valproate is a known disruptor of human development; its prenatal exposure is associated with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Cesar and her group is currently examining biochemical or metabolic changes associated with the injury of valproate and other teratogens to hES-cell derived tissue precursors by metabolomics. Metabolomics detects thousands of small molecule metabolites that are indicators of disease and toxic response and are thus candidate biomarkers. Metabolomics of human embryonic stem cells is an innovative approach to discover candidate human biomarkers for preclinical safety screening of pharmaceuticals and development of diagnostics.

The presentation will provide an overview of opportunities and applications of embryonic stem cell technology in drug discovery and toxicity, discuss metabolomics and its role on identification of biomarkers, propose the strategic convergence of metabolomics with human embryonic stem cell technology as a means for fast and cost-effective identification of candidate human biomarkers, and finally discuss the development of novel in vitro screening assays for biomarker discovery.

The 2nd Annual Rediscovering Biomarkers Conference will expose attendees to the latest advancements and developments in biomarkers and predictive medicine. Attendees will gain insight into discovery and development processes, hear about new biomarkers and upcoming trends in the industry, as well as the status of those in clinical trials. Delegates will also receive highly valuable information on tools for improving reimbursement strategies and the efficacy and validation of biomarkers.

For more information including a detailed agenda, exhibitor opportunities and registration information visit http://gtcbio.com/conferenceDetails.aspx?id=124

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