It is clear that epigenetic and chromatin states impact DNA replication and DNA repair, two key processes critical for maintaining genome integrity. However, most meetings on epigenetics and chromatin focus on transcription, while most meetings on genome integrity include little attention to epigenetics and chromatin. The goal of this conference is to bring together scientists who are interested in epigenetic regulation and genome integrity for discussion and interactions. This conference will bridge this gap to link researchers who are interested in epigenetic regulations and chromatin with those who are interested in genome integrity.

In addition to the scientific focus, we will promote interactions between two societies, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Biophysical Society of China. The first joint conference of the two societies was held in China in 2019 and was very successful, and we look forward to holding the conference in the U.S. in 2022.

The major focus of this meeting will be the dynamic interplay among chromatin, including histone modifications and high-order chromatin structure, and processes related to genome integrity, including DNA replication, repair and damage response. Moreover, we will determine how the interplay goes awry in cancer and aging cells.