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Endogenous Retrotransposable Elements & Human Diseases Conference
Transforming ERE-driven mechanisms from bench to bedside #EREHD25
Prices from:
$1,059.0003 Nov - 06 Nov 2025
Riviera Maya, Mexico
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Katherine Chiappinelli
George Washington University School of Medicine
-
Hui Shen
Van Andel Institute
-
Ting Wang
Washington University School of Medicine
-
Tao Wu
Baylor College of Medicine
Early Bird - 05 May 2025 • Talk Submission - 05 May 2025 • Poster Submission - 04 Aug 2025 • Registration & Payment Deadline - 04 Aug 2025
Synopsis
Transposable elements (TEs), which constitute nearly half of the human genome, were once deemed ‘junk DNA’. However, recent technological advancements have led to a resurgence of research interest into their functional impact and molecular mechanism, particularly focusing on the major Type I TEs (also known as Endogenous Retrotransposable Elements or EREs). These elements, integrated into the human genome over millions of years, have undergone evolutionary changes that now make them influential factors in human biology. EREs represent a rich yet understudied source of regulatory sequences that drive the evolution of human genomes and epigenomic landscape. ERE dysregulation has been widely reported in human diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging.
The primary goal of this meeting will be to facilitate the exchange of ideas among academic scientists and clinical researchers from diverse backgrounds. This Fusion meeting will boost unconventional interactions and foster innovative, cross-disciplinary ideas and collaborations that could transform existing paradigms.
To accelerate progress in both basic and translational research in this cutting-edge field, this meeting will not only review previous discoveries but also communicate ongoing and unpublished work, and hopefully inspire new modes to translate basic discoveries from bench to the bedside.
Confirmed Invited Speakers
Laura Banaszynski (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center)
Matthew Bendall (Weill Cornell Medicine)
Daniel de Carvalho (University of Toronto)
Jun Ding (McGill University)
Yejing Ge (MD Anderson Cancer Center)
Nancy Huang (Texas A&M University)
AGING-ASSOCIATED HETEROCHROMATIN DYSREGULATION AND ERV UPREGULATION IN HEMATOPOIETIC STEM AND PROGENITOR CELLS.
Josh Jang (Van Andel Institute)
Alice Lee (Harvard Medical School, Boston Childrens Hospital)
Jing Li (Shanghai Changhai Hospital)
Wanlu Liu (Zhejiang University)
THE ENHANCER FUNCTION OF HOMINIDAE SPECIFIC TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS IN EARLY EMBRYOGENESIS
Mathieu Lupien (University of Toronto)
THE CONVERGENCE OF GENETIC AND EPIGENETIC VARIANTS ON TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS IN CANCER
Ivan Marazzi (University of California, Irvine)
Parinaz Mehdipour (University of Oxford)
Andrew Modzelewski (University of Pennsylvania)
RETROTRANSPOSONS REWIRE REGULATORY PATHWAYS TO SECURE TRANSLATIONAL HOMEOSTASIS IN DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
Zuzana Tothova (Harvard Medical School / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
Alexandra Whiteley (University of Colorado Boulder)
Andrew Xiao (Yale University)
Yang Yu (Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center)
EUKARYOTIC CRISPR: A piRNA-GUIDED “INNATE IMMUNE" SYSTEM IN TRANSPOSON DEFENSE
Bo Zhang (Washington University in St. Louis)
Zhao Zhang (Duke University)
Key Sessions
The session themes will cover ERE in various contexts:
- Evolution
- Development
- Pathology
- Epigenetic Regulation
- Immunology
- Gene Regulatory Network
- New Therapeutic Strategies
We will also organize discussion panels for novel technologies of ERE research and targeting EREs for therapy, such as AI-based approaches and RNA therapy.
Target Audience
This conference is targeted to basic research scientists and translational researchers who is active in ERE related field and who wants to find collaborative opportunities. We hope to welcome scientists from all stages including early-career trainees.
Educational Need
This conference will open the new horizon of ERE research and spark novel ideas for how to translate basic discoveries from bench to the bedside. The audience will learn the forefront of ERE’s latest discoveries and new technological progress.
Confirmed Speakers
Chairs
Katherine Chiappinelli
George Washington University School of Medicine
Hui Shen
Van Andel Institute
Ting Wang
Washington University School of Medicine
Tao Wu
Baylor College of Medicine
Invited Speakers
Laura Banaszynski
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Matthew Bendall
Weill Cornell Medicine
Daniel de Carvalho
University of Toronto
Jun Ding
McGill University
Yejing Ge
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Nancy Huang
Texas A&M University
Josh Jang
Van Andel Institute
Alice Lee
Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital
Jing Li
Shanghai Changhai Hospital
Wanlu Liu
Zhejiang University
Mathieu Lupien
University of Toronto
Ivan Marazzi
University of California, Irvine
Parinaz Mehdipour
University of Oxford
Andrew Modzelewski
University of Pennsylvania
Zuzana Tothova
Harvard Medical School / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Alexandra Whiteley
University of Colorado Boulder
Andrew Xiao
Yale University
Yang Yu
Guangzhou Medical University
Bo Zhang
Washington University in St. Louis
Zhao Zhang
Duke University
Programme
Although the programme has not yet been released, we are able to confirm that the main conference programme should begin no earlier than 16:00 with opening comments on Monday 03 November 2025. The conference will conclude with our Gala Dinner on the penultimate evening, with Thursday 06 November 2025 reserved for depatures.
Registration Prices
| Ticket Type | Early Bird | Full Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Single Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone and wish to have your own private room. |
$2341 | $2442 |
|
Shared Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee of the same sex, or if you have an accompanying adult. |
$1979 | $2080 |
|
Student Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee of the same sex if a room sharer is not specified. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the 'Single' ticket option. |
$1059 | $1059 |
Additional Prices
| Addition Type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
|
Additional Person This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the conference period. Additional guests are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra Night' prices. |
$816 | $266 |
|
Extra Night Prices for extra nights apply per person, per night. |
$342 | $80 |
All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.
What's Included in our Registration Fees?
Our registration fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya hotel during the conference period only:
- Conference registration.
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (03, 04, 05 Nov 2025) on a single or shared basis in a run of house room*.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Daily coffee breaks.
- Gala buffet dinner with an open bar.
- Room service.
- In-room minibar replenished daily with drinks and snacks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
What's Included in our Accompanying Adult Fees?
Our accompanying adult fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya hotel during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (03, 04, 05 Nov 2025) on a shared basis with a conference participant in a run of house room*.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Gala buffet dinner with an open bar.
- Room service.
- In-room minibar replenished daily with drinks and snacks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Accompanying guests are not permitted access to the conference.
What's Included in our Accompanying Child Fees?
Our accompanying child fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya hotel during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (03, 04, 05 Nov 2025) on a shared basis with the parent/s in a run of house room*.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours.
- Gala buffet dinner with soft drinks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: Accompanying child fees are applicable for children aged 5-12 years. Children younger than 5 years stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue. Please kindly ensure your child / children are supervised at all times during conference and related events. Childcare services are available at the hotel, please contact Rosie for further information
What's Included in our Extra Night Fees?
Our extra night fees are inclusive of the following at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya hotel:
- 1 night’s accommodation for 1 person in a run of house room*.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at restaurants according to their operational hours.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available at restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Room service.
- In-room minibar replenished daily with drinks and snacks.
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Important Note: If you wish to extend your stay more than 1 night pre/post conference, this is possible to book via Fusion, but please contact Rosie for assistance and prices. Extra night child fees are applicable for children aged 5-12 years. Children younger than 5 years stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue.
*Run of house means you could be allocated any of the following room types; nature view, partial ocean view or ocean view room with either king or double beds. Room types cannot be guaranteed. The only way to guarantee a room type is to upgrade. Please contact Fusion for upgrade options and pricing.
Prices and hotel availability are subject to change without notice.
Venue & Location
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya
The Rivera Maya is a beautiful area of Mexico and has a very different feel to the busier, downtown energy of Cancun. Nestled just 8 miles from Tulum, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya offers a serene and inspiring environment, ideal for fostering meaningful connections. This location is set back from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing for a more peaceful and focused atmosphere where informal discussions and creative collaboration can thrive. With breathtaking views and refreshing ocean breezes providing a beautiful backdrop for open dialogue and fresh perspectives, it’s no wonder this destination is a favorite among our delegates!
Hotel facilities include;
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and throughout hotel and conference areas
- Pools
- Spa
- Fitness Center
- 6 Restaurants
- Kids Club
- Beach
General Information
Venue Rating
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Address
Carretera Cancun Tulum 307 Tulkal Chemuyil Tulum, 77774, Mexico
Nearest Airport
Cancun International Airport
Location
Stretching from the fishing village of Puerto Morelos to the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka'an, the Mayan Riviera offers an unforgettable Caribbean coastline experience with beautiful white-sand beaches and brilliant turquoise colored water. This world-renowned paradise is home to mangroves and lagoons, ancient Mayan cities, ecological reserves and adventure parks, and the world's second largest coral reef.
The hotel is located just a few miles from Tulum, a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It’s known for its spectacluar beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city. The area also offers incredible cavern diving opportunties and beautiful cenotes to explore. We would highly recommend joining one of the group activities to Tulum or the Gran Cenote - they will make for an unforgettable conference experience!
Transportation
Cancun International Airport is approximately 1hour 30minutes from the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya. Unlike other airports, Cancun airport transfer services must be pre-arranged. To obtain safe, licensed and bilingual transportation services please ensure you book your arrival and return transportation online with an authorised transportation company prior to your arrival to ensure a smooth journey without delays.
Tulum International Airport is a newly opened airport located about 1 hour from the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya. As the airport is still in its early stages, only a select number of airlines are currently operating, including major US carriers such as JetBlue, Air Canada, Delta, and United Airlines. For more details, please visit the airport's official website.
Cancun Airport Taxis
Approximately $100 USD each way*
*subject to change, please check Cancun International Airport website for a more accurate estimation for your trip
Further information on Taxi services can be found on the Cancun International Airport website (see below link) along with some top tips for travellers from local experts and official authorities.
https://www.cancunairport.com/taxi.html
Private Transportation Companies
There are many alternative transportation companies operating in the Cancun area who will be able to provide a quotation for your trip. The following companies are well reviewed on Trip Advisor and quotations can be obtained and bookings can be made directly via their websites.
Amstar
Transportation is the sole responsibility of the delegate. Please ensure you conduct your own research and double check your booking details ahead of your arrival. Fusion Conferences are unable to assist with or confirm transportation bookings due to insurance limitations. Thank you for your understanding.
Local Activities
Local activity details will be announced here soon.
Submitting an Abstract
There are several presentation opportunities available at this meeting, in both talk and poster form. To be considered for either option, please register for the conference, upload your abstract when prompted to do so, and select your preferred presentation method. Once submitted, you will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account. You will also receive an email to confirm the outcome of your abstract review.
If you are unable to register for the conference for any reason, but still wish to submit an abstract for consideration, please email the Conference Manager directly.
Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.
Note: talk slots are limited for each conference, and we often receive more submissions than spaces available. If your talk submission is unsuccessful on this occasion, your abstract will automatically be considered for a poster presentation as an alternative.
Accepted for a Short Talk
If you are accepted for a Short Talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches for programme updates, these will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab in the navigation panel to the left.
On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to our AV technician who will be present in the conference room. We advise running through your presentation at least 30 minutes prior to your session commencing to ensure your slides and any videos or animations appear as expected. We prefer our speakers to run their presentation from the master PC or Mac to ensure a smooth and timely transition between presenters, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop, please notify AV prior to the session. A HDMI cable is usually available on the podium to accommodate this.
Our AV technician will run through microphone options and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer ahead of your talk.
We ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time decreases, and our Session Chairs will assist with keeping everyone to time.
Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines:
Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.
Accepted for a Poster Presentation
We recommend bringing your poster along with you to the conference as our venues do not have onsite printing facilities. If you wish to independently source local printing, please feel free to do so – the hotel address can be found under the ‘Venue’ tab if needed.
Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.
Upon arrival to the conference, the Fusion team will give you instructions for displaying your poster. Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the dedicated poster session.
Please check the programme and note the date and time of the poster session(s). Your poster will be judged during the poster session(s) and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.
Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and can be collected on the final day of the conference.
LinkedIn forum
The Endogenous Retrotransposable Elements and Human Diseases Research Network LinkedIn group is an excellent platform to connect with fellow attendees and likeminded researchers prior to the conference. The group is open to all and is intended as a networking forum for past, present and future participants of Fusion Conferences as well as those interested in the related topics. To join, please follow the link below.
If you are interested in this meeting but not yet ready to register, you can sign up for updates here and our team will keep you updated regarding deadline reminders and grant opportunities relating to this meeting only.
Conference Manager
Rosie Johnson
Need some help? Chat to the Fusion team today
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