16TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INVERTEBRATE AND FISH CELL CULTURE*

Conveners: Vivian R. Dayeh, University of Waterloo, Cynthia L. Goodman, CryoCrate, LLC, and Shirley A. Pomponi, Florida Atlantic University

This 1-day conference, held on the first day of the World Congress on In Vitro Biology, will focus on current advances in cell/tissue culture technologies and their applications in fish and invertebrate cell culture systems. Technologies presented will include single cell sequencing, RNAi, other genomic/proteomic-based techniques, physiology/toxicology-related approaches, novel imaging methods and medium optimization tools. One area we will highlight is the development of in vitro models that mimic in vivo systems and how these models can be implemented in use-inspired research areas. Key elements of these research areas are the generation of tissue- and species-specific cell culture media and scaffolding systems that mimic the in vivo environment. We will have two sessions, one entitled “Foundational Concepts Underlying Successful Cell/Tissue Culture Strategies” and the other entitled “Current and Future Applications of Invertebrate and Fish Cell Culture Systems.”  After these symposia, we will hold a joint panel discussion with speakers and participants from the concurrent Plant Tissue Culture Medium Practices workshop and upcoming mammalian cell culture focused sessions to discuss the major topics from these sessions, including comparing strategies used for cell/tissue culture development and medium optimization.

In the evolving field of plant bioengineering, the ability to design and construct transformation vectors for precise genetic engineering is key for achieving desired outcomes in crop improvement, functional genomics, and bioengineering applications. Successful outcomes largely depend on the careful design and optimization of transformation vectors. We will focus on the best practices in vector design through discussion of the principles of construction, the selection of promoters and regulatory elements, reporter genes, selectable marker genes, and optimization for specific plant species. The workshop will feature experts in vector design who will share their insights and expertise. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops to follow the online vector design resources that will be shared by the workshop speakers. The format will be interactive giving participants the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences in designing vectors, thus providing a unique opportunity to network and share experiences. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or new to the field, this event will offer valuable knowledge and resources to enhance your vector design skills. By the end of the workshop, attendees will be better equipped with the knowledge to design vectors that can significantly advance their research.

The goals of the workshop are to:

1. Explore the fundamental principles of vector design for plant transformation.
2. Discuss the latest advancements in vector technologies and tools.
3. Share insights into selecting suitable promoters, regulatory elements, and marker genes.
4. Recommend techniques for assessing vector integrity, stability, and gene expression to ensure robust and reliable transformation results.
5. Foster networking to provide a resource for consultation on vector design.

Lunch on your own

BACK TO BASICS: MEDIA FORMULATIONS & PREPARATIONS*
Conveners: Piero Barone, Corteva Agriscience, and Kenneth Torres, Retired, former CEO of PhytoTech Labs

In this comprehensive two-part workshop, scheduled for 2024 and 2025, we plan to revisit the fundamental principles of selecting appropriate media components, along with the media preparation and quality control processes pertinent to media formulation. The widespread availability of ready-made powdered and liquid media has inadvertently led to a decline in our collective understanding of the essential elements of culture media and the optimal experimental frameworks for optimization and testing. The 2024 workshop is designed to refamiliarize participants with the foundational aspects of media formulations. This includes a critical examination of the role and function of macro and micro-nutrients, organic components (such as vitamins, amino acids, carbon sources), plant growth regulators (like auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins), gelling agents, complex organic additives (for example, coconut water, yeast extract), other additional supplements (like antioxidants, ethylene inhibitors, activated charcoal), and the effects of osmotic pressure and pH.

Speakers:

Charles L. Armstrong, Plastomics
Kenneth Torres, Retired, former CEO of PhytoTech Labs
Max P. Jones, University of Guelph

2024 Program Planning Committee Meeting

THE CULTURE CLUB: UNRAVELING THE COMPLEXITIES OF MEDIA FORMULATION*
Conveners: Piero Barone, Corteva Agriscience
Join us for a joint panel discussion that brings together SIVB subject matter experts from both the Plant Biotechnology and In Vitro Animal Cell Sciences Sections. The primary focus of this roundtable is to explore the complexity of media formulation in the context of both plant and animal/invertebrate tissue culture applications. The discussion will cover similarities and differences in media development and optimization strategies and by fostering an environment of open dialogue and knowledge exchange, the panel seeks to facilitate a deeper understanding of unique challenges and best practices. Through this panel discussion, the SIVB continues its commitment to advancing scientific understanding by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among its diverse membership. The insights gained from this discussion are anticipated to contribute significantly to the ongoing evolution of in vitro tissue culture methodologies.

Panelists:
Cynthia L. Goodman, CryoCrate, LLC
Bill Gordon-Kamm, Corteva Agriscience
John W. Harbell, JHarbell Consulting
Todd J. Jones, Corteva Agriscience
Gregory C. Phillips
Shirley A. Pomponi, Florida Atlantic University
Naomi Sonnek, Washington University
Nguyen T. K. Vo, Wilfrid Laurier University

Finance Committee Meeting

Student Reception/Pizza Party

2024 World Congress on In Vitro Biology Welcome Reception

River City Silent Auction Kickoff

Poster Session

Even Poster Authors will present

Student and Post Doc Private Networking Opportunity

SIVB/IAPB/Springer Business Meeting

MICHAEL E. HORN EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES SYMPOSIUM: FROM CELLS TO SOLUTIONS: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS FOR 21ST-CENTURY BIOPROCESSES*

Conveners: Pon Samuel, Corteva Agriscience, Mayandi Sivaguru, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Zoe Zhu, Tufts University

Imagine a world where living cells become miniature factories, crafting solutions for some of humanity’s greatest challenges. In this plenary session, we embark on a captivating journey From Cells to Solutions, unlocking the secrets within and charting the course for groundbreaking 21st-century bioprocesses. We’ll delve into the fascinating world of biomanufacturing, where cells become efficient protein production powerhouses, fueling the future of sustainable materials and innovative medicines. Next, we’ll explore the captivating realm of biomineralization, a process where living cells orchestrate the creation of intricate mineral structures, from seashells to kidneys. This dance between biology and chemistry holds groundbreaking potential, impacting everything from basic understanding to producing large scale protein production and curing diseases. And at the heart of it all lie the revolutionary tools of cell technologies, allowing us to decipher the unique whispers of individual cells for applications. Throughout this session, you’ll be enthralled by world-renowned experts who are shaping the future of in vitro biology. They’ll unveil groundbreaking discoveries, illuminate unexplored pathways, and inspire you with a vision of how these innovative technologies can tackle the ever-increasing complexities of our world.

Public Policy Committee Meeting

APPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES OF GENE EDITING IN DIFFICULT AND NON-MODEL CROPS AND PROSPECTS IN FOOD SECURITY

Conveners: Raj Deepika Chauhan, Pairwise, and Marceline Egnin, Tuskegee University

The world’s population is growing at a very fast pace and is expected to reach 9.7 billion in 2025 with approximately 2 billion in the next 30 years. This increase poses enormous challenges to our present agricultural systems that are currently challenged by the eroding biodiversity and climatic changes. Traditional plant breeding is widely used for crop improvement and development of new varieties, but the process is time consuming and labor intensive, especially for polyploid, root/tuber, and vegetatively propagated species. Genetic modification techniques have offered an expedite alternative for crop improvement; however, the adoption of these improved varieties is restricted to few crops due to cost and time required to meet the regulatory requirements. Genome-editing techniques, that enable precise and targeted change in the organism’s genome, provide an attractive alternative to overcome these challenges. Therefore, recent advances in genome editing of crops for improved yield, pest and pathogen resistance, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, and to overcome the ploidy breeding impediments will be discussed in this session. An update on challenges and prospects in gene editing of difficult/recalcitrant, non-model and polyploid plant species will also be presented.

CRYOPRESERVATION AND BIOBANKING: A BRIDGE BETWEEN IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

Conveners: Xu Han, Wake Forest University, and Cynthia L. Goodman, CryoCrate, LLC
We are at the dawn of a new medical era, characterized by the widespread use of cell-based therapeutic materials for cutting-edge applications. These applications span from adaptive immunotherapies and regenerative medicine to in vitro drug discovery and screening. Cryopreservation and biobanking are integral to the supply chain management and distribution of these so-called ‘living’ drugs and tools, including but not limited to, genetically engineered cells, transplantable bioartificial tissues, and patient-derived organoids. However, conventional cryopreservation methods not only rely on high concentrations of cell-permeating and biologically reactive agents but also require the use of cryogenic liquid nitrogen facilities, which pose significant technological and operational challenges, especially in affecting quality control in functionality and impacting safety and efficacy in storage and transportation. Our session will spotlight recent breakthroughs in the development of safe and biocompatible cryopreservation technologies. Certain cells, tissues, and organoids can now be efficiently and safely stored in regular -80°C deep freezers without the use of permeating cryoprotectants. Additionally, we’ll introduce novel tissue engineering methods that reduce cryodamage and enhance cell functionality by post-thaw cell culturing. And excitingly, we’ll reveal new discoveries that enable the extended storage of cells in regular mechanical freezers at -20°C and hence offer considerable advantages for field studies and certain industrial operations. These presentations will unveil an evolutionary cryopreservation technology platform that bridges the gap between in vitro production and in vivo transplantation, while holding the potential to promote the operational efficiency of the emerging ‘living drug’ industries.

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF SYNTHETIC APOMIXIS: A PARADIGM SHIFT IN PLANT BREEDING *

Conveners: Todd J. Jones, Corteva Agriscience, and Heqiang ‘Alfred’ Huo, University of Florida

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction that bypasses meiosis and fertilization and generates clonal seeds, genetically identical to the maternal genotype. Apomixis has evolved independently in more than 40 different plant families, but it is still rare in major crop species. Given that apomixis can fix and propagate any genotype, including F1 hybrids, the applications for plant breeding are potentially revolutionary. Harnessing apomixis would enable the efficient creation of self-reproducing hybrids capable of maintaining heterosis, generation after generation, even in crops that are not typically cultivated as hybrids. For crop species where no natural apomicts exist, synthetic apomixis has been demonstrated to be a promising approach. Synthetic apomixis requires engineering a plant to bypass meiosis and repress recombination while simultaneously inducing parthenogenesis. This workshop will focus on recent strides in developing efficient apomictic systems for agriculture, bridging the gap between research and practical applications. Join us to explore the realization of the elusive “Holy Grail” of synthetic apomixis and self-reproducing hybrid plants

Conveners: Babak Senfi, Tufts University, Prasanna Valavanur Shekar, Clemson University, Christina Yevtushenko, McGill University, Jasmyn Hoeger, University of Iowa, Eudald Illa-Berenguer, University of Georgia, and Brad Upham, Michigan State University

Scientific writing requires clearly stating a hypothesis that contributes to new knowledge, and logically presenting the background used to develop the hypothesis, the experimental approach to test the hypothesis, and a clear presentation and discussion of the results. The international language of science is English. Thus, the proper use of written English is a “must” to provide precise and accurate descriptions of the science to be shared internationally. Activities will include addressing common mistakes in scientific English such as avoiding jargon and redundancies, using the active voice, appropriate tense usage, problem words and expressions, etc. Prizes will be awarded.

Exhibitors Refreshment Break

In Vitro – Plant Editorial Board Meeting

Membership Committee Meeting

EXPERT CORNER: FROM SIGNALING MOLECULES TO DIVERSE CELL CULTURES

Moderator: Mae Ciancio, Midwestern University

PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY POST-DOCTORAL ORAL PRESENTATION COMPETITION AND ADVANCEMENTS IN PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY: FROM TISSUE CULTURE TO GENOME EDITING

Moderator: Bin Tian, Syngenta Crop Protection

PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY POST-DOCTORAL ORAL PRESENTATION COMPETITION

Panel of Plant Biotechnology Experts Evaluating the Contestants: Shi Wan, Syngenta Crop Protection, Christopher Bagley, Inari, Keunsub Lee, Iowa State University, and Yurong Chen, Bayer Crop Science

We are delighted to present the 2024 Post-Doctoral Oral Presentation Competition for the Plant Biotechnology Section. This dynamic session brings together a diverse group of researchers who have recently completed their doctoral degrees and entered the exciting realm of postdoctoral research. The symposia aim to showcase cutting-edge advancements and discoveries in plant biotechnology and genetic engineering, fostering a platform for insightful discussions, interdisciplinary collaborations, and networking opportunities. With ever-growing techniques and their applications in plant biology, these symposia promise to be both intellectually stimulating and inspiring. Please join us as we celebrate the outstanding contributions of these talented postdocs, as they present their innovative research in plant biotechnology during this enlightening session. A panel of judges will evaluate the presentations at the meeting. Criteria for the evaluation include experimental design, data analysis, proper interpretation of the results, originality of the study, technical difficulty, appearance, and ability of the post-doctoral candidate to present it. Winners will be presented with a certificate and a cash award at the meeting.

ADVANCEMENTS IN PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY: FROM TISSUE CULTURE TO GENOME EDITING

SAVING PLANT DIVERSITY FOR USE BY FUTURE GENERATIONS. CAN PLANT DIVERSITY BE SAVED?
Convener: Maria M. Jenderek, United States Department of Agriculture

The key to food security for future generations is preserving the genetic diversity of crops and their crop wild relatives. Conservation of diversity is a mechanism and insurance policy for ensuring material is available for continued genetic gains in agriculture to meet the demands of a changing climate, water shortages, increased diseases and pests and the need to feed a growing human population. Unfortunately, the availability of these genetic resources for our grandchildren is not a certainty. In this session we will discuss the state of the art of conservation of plant genetic resources and look into the future of how we can bring forth this diversity to posterity.

 2024 WORLD CONGRESS ON IN VITRO BIOLOGY OPENING CEREMONY

Program Chair: Kolla Kristjansdottir, Midwestern University

Conveners: Kolla Kristjansdottir, Midwestern University, and Piero Barone, Corteva Agriscience

2024 World Congress on In Vitro Biology Opening Ceremony Reception

Exhibits and Posters

Poster Session

Odd Poster Authors will present

STUDENT WORKSHOP: SINGLE CELL RNA SEQUENCING*

Conveners: Babak Senfi, Tufts University, Prasanna Valavanur Shekar, Clemson University, Christina Yevtushenko, McGill University, Jasmyn Hoeger, University of Iowa, Eudald Illa-Berenguer, University of Georgia, and Brad Upham, Michigan State University

Single cell RNA sequencing (SC-RNA-seq) is the state-of-the-art technology for transcriptome analysis that allows the dissection of gene expression at single-cell resolution, which greatly revolutionizes transcriptomic studies that previously analyzed RNA expression from mixtures of bulk tissues. SC-RNA‐seq can unravel the heterogeneity and complexity of RNA transcripts within individual cells, as well as revealing the composition of different cell types and functions within highly organized tissues/organs/organisms. The typical workflow consists of experimental design, sample and library preparations, sequencing, and data analysis. This workshop aims to provide students with the knowledge of basic skills and techniques used in the typical workflow to make the best decisions while implementing their SC-RNA-seq experiments. Students will be provided hands-on experience with real data sets to analyze, graph, and learn how to interpret the data.

Speakers:       

David Briner, McDonnell Genome Institute – Washington University School of Medicine
Michael Heinz, McDonnell Genome Institute – Washington University School of Medicine
Rance Nault, Michigan State University

Registration

In Vitro – Animal Editorial Board Meeting

Plant Biotechnology Program Planning Committee Meeting

F(E)AST FORWARD ⏩ FEEDING TOMORROW*

Conveners: Piero Barone, Corteva Agrisciences, Vivian R. Dayeh, University of Waterloo, Georgina Dowd, Plant and Food Research New Zealand, and Raj Deepika Chauhan, Pairwise

The development of a truly sustainable agrifood system relies heavily on the diversification of edible protein sources. In recent years Plant Molecular Farming (PMF) and Cellular agriculture (CellAg) have emerged as additional approaches to produce meat, seafood, dairy, and other animal-derived products. PMF relies on plant biotechnology techniques to produce recombinant proteins using plants as bioreactors. Numerous different proteins have already been produced successfully in plants, including pharmaceutical proteins such as antibodies, vaccines, hormones, and enzymes, as well as dairy protein and proteins for diagnostic and growth factors for use in cultivated meat production. At the core of CellAg technology are cultivated cells, media formulations, and scale-up technologies. This trifecta represents the primary technical aspects of cell-based products. Advancements in cell culture techniques, such as scaffolding, and bioreactor technologies have enabled the growth of cells into tissue-like structures. Efforts into optimizing culture media composition, had enhanced cell growth, differentiation, and nutritional value, without the need for animal-derived serum. The world is preparing itself for cell-based products as global regulatory frameworks are established, consumer acceptance increases, and economic viabilities improve. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the food industry ensuring food security and helping meet the dietary requirements/preferences of a growing global population. Multi-disciplinary collaboration between researchers and stakeholders will be essential to fully realize the potential of this technology.

Coffee Break

Nominating Committee Meeting

Awards Committee Meeting

BOB V. CONGER PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY STUDENT ORAL PRESENTATION COMPETITION

Moderator: Andika Gunadi, JR Simplot

Panel of Plant Biotechnology Experts Evaluating the Contestants: Nathan Reem, CTC – Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira, Hui Duan, USDA-ARS, and Qingzhen Jiang, Boyce Thompson Institute

The Plant Biotechnology Section is pleased to announce the inaugural 2024 Bob V. Conger Plant Biotechnology Student Oral Presentation Competition. This session is being supported by the Bob V. Conger Fund which was established in memory of Bob V. Conger (1938-2022), an active member of the Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) for many years. This fund has been established by Bob’s family with contributions from students, visiting scientists, and colleagues to recognize quality student oral presentations at the SIVB Annual Meeting. A panel of judges will evaluate the presentations at the meeting. Criteria for the evaluation include experimental design, data analysis, proper interpretation of the results, originality of the study, technical difficulty, appearance, and ability of the student to present it. Winners will be presented with a certificate and a cash award at the meeting.

EMERGING IN VITRO METHODS FOR LIVESTOCK PERFORMANCE*

Conveners: Matheus Costa, University of Saskatchewan, and Michael K. Dame, University of Michigan Medical School

This session will focus on improving our understanding of livestock fitness through the use of advanced in vitro culture systems such as 3D organoids and microbe co-cultures to model various animal organs and tissues. Novel genomic tools and methods will be discussed to interrogate these in vitro systems. This will include the characterization of microbes, bacterial and viral, to better understand their unique role and effect on health, disease, and production. Innovative techniques used to overcome technical challenges associated with limiting biomass and intricate samples will be explored, such as metagenomics, bait enrichment, and long-read whole genome sequencing.

INNOVATIVE DELIVERY APPROACHES FOR TRANSGENE-FREE GENE EDITING

Conveners: Zuzana Kocsisova, CTC Genomics, and Matthew R. Willmann, Arana Biosciences

Plant DNA delivery methods, including Agrobacterium, particle bombardment, and protoplasts, are well established for making transgenic varieties of many plants. The advent of gene editing and the demand for transgene-free editing have created a need for novel delivery methods, particularly for clonally propagated plants, complex hybrids, or crops with long generation times. In this session, the invited speakers will share their experiences developing innovative and diverse approaches to deliver gene editing reagents to regenerable plant cells and to recover edited plants without unwanted integration of transgenes.

Publications Committee Meeting

Refreshment Break

Student Affairs Business Meeting Luncheon

EXPERT CORNER: FROM CELL CULTURES TO MICROENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

Moderator: Kolla Kristjansdottir, Midwestern University

INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES AND ASSESSMENTS IN PLANT TISSUE CULTURE AND GENETIC ENGINEERING

Moderator: Nigel Taylor, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY: STUDIES ON DISEASE MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION, REGENERATION, AND GENETIC INNOVATION

Moderator: Ian S. Curtis, Helix Center

Poster Session
Even Poster Authors will present

COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE WITH GENE EDITING AND METABOLIC ENGINEERING OF PLANTS

Convener: Shujun Chang, Bayer U.S. – Crop Science, and Yumin Tao, Living Carbon

The upward trend in atmospheric CO2 level shows no sign of slowing down despite decades of conscious efforts from public and private sectors. Current concentrations of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the air are at levels never before seen in human history causing climate changes with profound impact on food productivity, human health, and other socioeconomic aspects. Plants play a major role in the carbon cycle as carbon sinks. However, the contribution of plants towards net biome productivity is limited due to autotrophic respiration and soil heterotrophic respiration. Recent advancement in gene editing and metabolic engineering opens the door to bioengineer plants to combat climate change not only in the area of crop productivity to secure food supply but also in other areas such as perennial bioengineering to increase net biome productivity. Leading researchers in this field will present their latest progress and discoveries on various aspects of improving the natural power of plants to increase net biome productivity via gene editing and metabolic engineering in food and non-food plant species.

TEMPLATED EDITING IN EUKARYOTIC SYSTEMS FOR GENE THERAPY AND AGRICULTURE*

Conveners: Aaron Hummel, Pairwise, and Jasmyn Hoeger, University of Iowa

CRISPR cutters and base editors continue to make late-stage advancements as medicines in human gene therapy and as enablers of genetic improvement in numerous agricultural crops and animals. This is further increasing the awareness of genetic progress that can be provided by larger, precise edits, causing steady investment and exciting advances in templated editing tools for the efficiency and range of sequence changes they can deliver. This session will bring developers of templated editing capabilities from across the diverse application space for these tools to report on progress and challenges in therapeutics, plant, and animal applications.

ADVANCEMENTS IN PLANT TRANSCRIPTOMICS AND GENOME EDITING FOR STRESS RESILIENCE AND DISEASE RESISTANCE

Moderator: Omar Zayed, University of California – Riverside

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGIES: GENOME EDITING

Moderator: Nagesh Sardesai, Corteva Agriscience

DEVELOPING SYNTHETIC MATERIALS TO CONTROL NATURAL BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES*

Convener: Joshua Gasiorowski, Midwestern University

Biomaterials can be used to direct behaviors of cells and tissues, both through chemical signals and physical cues. However, it can be a challenge to design or select a scaffolding or biomaterial that has a tight range of desirable properties for in vitro or in vivo applications. For that reason, researchers often rely on synthetic materials because they offer precise compositional control of the end-product and typically have a reduced risk of contamination. This session will highlight some recent advancements in the development of synthetic biomaterials as scaffolds for tissue engineering, as a means to direct specific cellular behaviors via 3D drug delivery, and as modalities to elicit controlled immune responses.

In Vitro Animal Cell Sciences Section Business Meeting

Plant Biotechnology Section Business Meeting

Joint Sections Social

Registration

In Vitro Animal Cell Sciences Program Planning Committee Meeting

ADVANCES IN EPIGENETICS AND EPITRANSCRIPTOMICS TO ADVANCE CROP PRODUCTION AND HUMAN HEALTH *

Conveners: Kolla Kristjansdottir, Midwestern University, Hong Luo, Clemson University, and Murug Mookkan, Plastomics Inc

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression via DNA methylation, histone and posttranscriptional RNA modifications is a powerful mechanism that allows for fine-tuned regulation of developmental processes and responses to environmental adversities in all kingdoms of life. A diverse spectrum of epigenetic changes, including chemical modifications on genomic DNA, histones and several types of RNA molecules, lead to remodeling of chromatin structures, silencing or activation of transposable elements, and alteration of transcript turnover and translation. Together these changes contribute to precise regulation of gene expression critical to normal development, environmental adaptations and, in some cases, to disease processes. In recent years, significant progress has been made in providing key insights into molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetically mediated fine tuning of gene expression in both mammals and plants. This allows the development of novel molecular and biotechnology approaches in crop improvement and to combat diseases in crops and mammals. This session will cover recent advances in deciphering aspects of epigenetic regulation of gene expression that govern a coordinated and harmonious life cycle in both plant and animal systems and their application in epigenetically engineering crops and animals for enhancing agricultural production and improving human health.

Coffee Break

Education Committee Meeting

Closing of the River City Silent Auction

BIOMANUFACTURING AND BIOPROCESSING CELL FREE TECHNOLOGIES

Conveners: Pon Samuel, Corteva Agriscience, Veena Veena, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and Jeffrey Beringer, Inari

Cell-free technologies are a promising new approach to biomanufacturing and bioprocessing. These technologies offer a number of advantages over traditional cell-based approaches, including flexibility, speed, robustness, and scalability. Cell-free technologies are being used to produce a variety of biological products, including proteins, enzymes, vaccines, and chemicals. Cell-free technologies are also being used to develop new tools and technologies for research and drug discovery. Cell-free technologies are still under development, but they have the potential to revolutionize the biomanufacturing and bioprocessing industries. Here are some examples of how cell-free technologies are being used today: 1) Protein production: Cell-free systems are being used to produce a variety of proteins, including therapeutic proteins, industrial enzymes, and food ingredients. For example, cell-free systems are being used to produce insulin for the treatment of diabetes and to produce enzymes for the production of biofuels; 2) Vaccine production: Cell-free systems are being used to develop and produce new vaccines, including vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. For example, cell-free systems have been used to develop vaccines for COVID-19 and Ebola and 3) Metabolic engineering: Cell-free systems are being used to engineer new metabolic pathways for the production of valuable chemicals and fuels. For example, cell-free systems have been used to engineer pathways for the production of bioethanol and biodiesel.

IN VITRO ANIMAL CELL SCIENCES STUDENT ORAL PRESENTATION COMPETITION

Moderator: Addy Alt-Holland, Tufts University

Panel of In Vitro Animal Cell Sciences Experts Evaluating the Contestants: Addy Alt-Holland, Tufts University, Kolla Kristjansdottir, Midwestern University, John W. Harbell, JHarbell Consulting, LLC, Barbara Doonan, New York Medical College, Michael J. Fay, Midwestern University, Brad L. Upham, Michigan State University, Michael Dame, University of Michigan, Mae Ciancio, Midwestern University, and Anissa Belfetmi-Stone, Harvard University

The In Vitro Animal Cell Sciences Section (IVACS) of the Society for In Vitro Biology is pleased to announce the first 2024 Student Oral Presentation Competition during the SIVB Annual meeting in St. Louis, MO. This competition encourages the exchange of scientific information between the student presenters, attendees, and judges. Additionally, it provides an invaluable opportunity for students to practice and improve their presentation delivery and public speaking skills. The oral presentations will be presented in-person at the meeting and a panel of expert judges will select the top presentation. Evaluation criteria will include experimental design, data analysis, proper interpretation of the results, originality of the study, technical difficulty, professionalism, the ability of the finalist to explain the research and answer questions, and, importantly, adherence to the allocated time for the presentation. The Student Oral Presentation Competition session serves to recognize and reward the research and achievements of outstanding students. The three finalists will be presented with a certificate and a cash award during the 2024 World Congress on In Vitro Biology.

TREVOR A. THORPE SYMPOSIUM: ADVANCES IN PLANT TRANSFORMATION METHODS TO ACCELERATE CROP IMPROVEMENT*

Conveners: Raj Deepika Chauhan, Pairwise, Heqiang ‘Alfred’ Huo, University of Florida, Yurong Chen, Bayer U.S. – Crop Science, and Peizhen Yang, Bayer U.S. – Crop Science

Plant genetic engineering and gene editing typically start with a reliable plant transformation system to introduce desirable traits into crops of interest. The success of plant transformation depends on the ability of transformed cells to regenerate and develop into plants with heritability. Despite significant progress made in understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, many important plant species and germplasms remain recalcitrant to transformation and regeneration process.  Among several transformation methods currently available, Agrobacterium mediated transformation is still a lead method with still relatively low efficiency and limited by the host-microbe interaction, which hinders the crop improvement programs.   To address challenges in crops and germplasms limitation, low efficiency of Agrobacterium mediated transformation, researchers have been devoted in developing new and improving transformation processes. This session will cover recent advances in plant transformation method developments, including Agrobacterium engineering, improving transformation rates, simultaneous delivery to multiple germplasms, and recovery of transgene free gene edited plants.

Announcement of the River City Silent Auction Winners

2025 Program Planning and Development Committee Meeting

SPECIAL L(A)UNCH: A COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH FILLED WITH INNOVATIVE INGREDIENTS

Event sponsored by Viscon Plant Technology

At Viscon, we believe in combining the three subject fields of software, hardware, ánd plant science. We therefore set ourselves apart from other automation companies by investing in knowledge. Over the past years we have gained significant in-house experience working with plants and learning in our own invitro- lab. We therefore pride ourselves on being able to support you both on automation but also on understanding your needs from a plant/protocol perspective. We warmly welcome you to join us during a complimentary lunch, where we share our expertise and showcase our latest innovations in the field of in-vitro automation.

ADVANCEMENTS IN GENOME EDITING TOOLS

Moderator: Nagesh Sardesai, Corteva Agriscience

ADVANCES IN PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY: MOLECULAR MECHANISMS TO AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS

Moderator: Andika Gunadi, University of Florida

IN VITRO ANIMAL CELL SCIENCES LIGHTNING TALKS

Moderator: Vivan R. Dayeh, University of Waterloo

Poster Session
Odd Poster Authors will present

Poster Breakdown and Removal
All posters to be removed by 4:00 pm

ADVANCING PHYTOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL ENHANCEMENT IN CROPS FOR HUMAN HEALTH THROUGH PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY

Conveners: Piero Barone, Corteva Agriscience, and Heqiang ‘Alfred’ Huo, University of Florida

Deficiency in micronutrients is a pressing health concern in low-income communities of many developing and some developed countries. Functional ingredients such as vitamins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, and essential oils play a crucial role in human health. Consumption of functional foods rich in these ingredients has been associated with reduced risks of various diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, major food crops often lack sufficient levels of these essential micronutrients. Food fortification to enrich micronutrients can address this challenge. In addition to fortified foods, medicinal plants have long been recognized as valuable sources of phytochemicals with significant nutritional and medicinal importance. Many of today’s drugs are derived from plant-based natural products. Biotechnological tools and techniques, including in vitro regeneration, genetic transformations, and genome editing, offer promising solutions to develop crops with enriched functional ingredients and to enhance the production of valuable secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. This symposium aims to provide a platform for researchers to exchange the latest findings in the application of plant biotechnology for food fortification and phytochemical enrichment. The symposium will feature presentations by four invited speakers who will discuss ongoing research on topics such as the biofortification of vitamins in wheat, improving bioactive phytochemicals in tomatoes and medicinal plants, and optimizing lipid composition in oil crops.

AT THE FOREFRONT OF HOST-PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS*

Conveners: Vaibhav Tiwari, Midwestern University, and Barbara Doonan, New York Medical College

This symposium will focus on host-pathogen interactions as they impact the development of novel therapy concepts and efficacious vaccine platforms.  The ability to produce m-RNA based vaccines on a massive scale in a short period of time had a profound effect in combating SARS-Co-2 (COVID-19), thus providing a proof-of-concept that RNA-based vaccines may offer a promising new approach for the prevention and/or mitigation of multiple other types of diseases including treatments for several types of cancers. New technologies are urgently needed to expedite large scale vaccine development harnessing the benefits of these RNA-based platforms. This session will present ongoing work directed at – (1) Understanding HIV-1 mediated neuropathogenesis at the molecular level by using three-dimensional human brain organoid models and (2) Development of a vaccine platform against Mycobacterium tuberculosis which addresses a close understanding of host-pathogen interactions while seeking to elucidate immune correlates of protection against this globally deadly disease.

3D CELL BIOLOGY CONCEPTS AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN LIFE SCIENCE

Conveners: Peizhen Yang, Bayer U.S. – Crop Science, and Lori Marcum, Corteva Agriscience

As a disruptive technology, 3D Cell Biology has been applied to build different tissues and organs with a blueprint.  This approach has been revolutionizing medical field by producing functional materials, enabling in-depth analysis of mode-of-actions of gene expression and physiology responses, and ultimately paving the way for the development of personalized medicines. Designing novel plants with desired phenotype/genotypes has traditionally relied on breeding and plant biotechnology, which typically take years and huge efforts. Rapid systems like protoplasts can help answer the molecular question but are limited to the single cell level. The 3D bioprinting technology and in vitro cell models have the power to address cell-cell interactions and the potential to build tissues, organs, and plants by design. This session will provide an overview of this technology and discuss its cutting-edge research and applications in accelerating basic research and breakthroughs in plant transformations.

SIVB Business Meeting

Making Music at the National Blues Museum
Admittance for Advance Ticket Holders Only

Registration

RISKS AND BENEFITS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ANTI-MICROBIALS IN PLANT AND ANIMAL PRODUCTION*

Conveners: Raj Deepika Chahuan, Pairwise, Tim McAllister, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, John W. Harbell, JHarbell Consulting LLC, and Veena Veena, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Biotechnology offers numerous benefits and presents opportunities to overcome several challenges that we are facing today.  Innovation and breakthroughs in this field has led to the discovery of products that enhance food production, fight diseases, conserve energy, combat climate change etc. Gene editing, a technology that allows plant breeders to make a precise change in plant genome to create better and improved crops, offers a novel platform for faster crop improvement. Significant progress has been made in this area and the regulatory policies to commercialize the products.  Therefore, the first part of this session will uncover the path of gene editing in plants to market considering global regulatory policies. One of the areas for global threat and concern is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the resistance to medicines that are used to kill pathogens in crop production systems when pathogens change over time rendering current antimicrobials ineffective. Stewardship efforts aimed at mitigating the pernicious rise of AMR have long been acknowledged to be best actioned in the multi-compartment “One-Health” disease management model.  While the application of this model is ideal to address the complexities of AMR reservoirs arising from AMR gene mobility and the panoply of AMR hosts –  its implementation has lagged. The inappropriate use of antibiotics in agriculture has led to the evolution and spread of disease-causing antimicrobial resistant bacteria that threaten both human and animal health. Unfortunately, reducing antibiotic use in agriculture may not reduce the development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria as they maybe selected for and maintained by other agents such as metals, biocides, and pesticides.  Metagenomics-based approaches can be used to shed light on the role of pesticide use in crops on AMR.   The challenges of applying a One-Health model to AMR mitigation efforts, and the recent intersecting opportunities presented by investments in applying wastewater-based monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be the subject of second part of this session.

Coffee Break

ADVANCES IN AUTOMATION AND LAB DESIGNS TO ACCELERATE PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

Conveners: Angela Labrum, Bailey Nurseries, Raj Deepika Chauhan, Pairwise, and Yurong Chen, Bayer U.S. – Crop Science

Research in the field of plant biotechnology heavily relies on manual processes such as media preparation, plant tissue culture, genetic transformation, propagation, and growth of quality plants in a controlled environment. It requires trained and skilled researchers, physical space, time, and resources to run experiments and create products. There is a gap in automation of these processes due to variability in the protocols, the need of experienced people to do precise manipulation, lack of automated tools and machinery, cost barriers to develop robots to automate processes and others. Therefore, this session will be focused on discussing better and cheaper alternatives to increase efficiency and productivity, ways to automate and enable large scale manipulations in the laboratory and greenhouse.

INTEGRATING NEW BREEDING TECHNOLOGIES AND TRADITIONAL APPROACHES FOR ADVANCING ORNAMENTAL CROPS*

Conveners: Jon Mahoney, Ball Horticultural Company, and Eva Konecna, Ball Horticultural Company

Ornamental plants contribute more than just beauty; they shape our landscapes and impact society’s well-being, holding economic and social value. Traditional ornamental breeding has aimed to enhance novelty, yield, quality, and stress resistance. However, these enhancements have often relied on traditional methods, overlooking innovative new breeding technologies. Although traditional approaches hold significance, they face limitations with ornamental crops due to their high degree of heterozygosity, long juvenile phases, and difficulty in adapting to various environments. New breeding technologies, supported by precise tools like bioengineering, genome editing, and molecular markers, offer effective solutions to overcome these obstacles. This session showcases how both traditional and new breeding technologies can be used to improve ornamental species. Guest speakers with years of experience in content and practice of breeding technologies will share their experiences and address any question(s) from the audience during the session.

Wednesday Afternoon Scientific Tour: Human Genomes, Development and Therapeutics
Admittance for Advance Ticket Holders Only

Wednesday Afternoon Scientific Tour: A Firsthand Look at the Past, Present, and Future of  Agriculture
Admittance for Advance Ticket Holders Only