Epigenetics: Better Living Through (New Frontiers in Medicinal) Chemistry

While the iconic double helix structure of DNA encoding the blueprint of life is a familiar idea, and the genetic code well established, the epigenetic code is a much newer and more controversial concept. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes characteristics that can be influences by the environment, but which do not result from changes in the genetic code. Meaning literally “above genetics”, epigenetics is an area of intense interest in medicinal chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Professor Stuart Conway will introduce current understanding of the molecular basis of epigenetic processes, and explain how these findings are being exploited in medicinal chemistry to develop medicines with innovative new mechanisms of action.