Nîmes May 2012

Since the seminal discovery of the V617F mutation of tyrosine kinase Jak2 in 2005, several other mutations have been described as specific for MyeloProliferative Neoplasms (MPN) in JAK2 exons 12, 13, 14 (in addition to c1849G>T V617F), 15 and in the exon10 of MPL. In the past 2 years, others rare mutations have been described. Some are associated with MPN (CBL, ASXL1, …), others are involved in disease progression (IDH, TET2). Finally, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the 46/1 “GGCC” haplotype of JAK2, that predispose to acquisition of mutations in the JAK2 gene and to MPN, have been identified.

These findings markedly modified understanding of MPN pathophysiology and stimulated research and therapy, highlighted by the development of Jak2 inhibitors (some now in phase 3 clinical trials).

This also markedly modified the diagnostic work-up of MPN, according to the new revised WHO MPN classification, in 2008.

Different molecular biology techniques dedicated to the detection and/or quantification of the main MPN mutations have been reported: AS-PCR, ARM PCR, hybridization probe, Taqman probe, HRM, LNA clamped PCR… MPN&MPNr-EuroNet training school speakers are experts in these technologies. Some are members of international scientific organizations such as European Leukemia Net (ELN), a network dedicated to the establishment of guidelines, best practices and validation of techniques.

The European CoOperation in Science and Technology (COST) programme aims to facilitate interactions between researchers, biologists and clinicians, to foster synergy, disseminate scientific information and share experience and training in novel techniques. MPN&MPNr-EuroNet training schools meet these objectives. Since the first MPN&MPNr-EuroNet Training School organized in Nîmes in May 2011 was warmly appreciated by trainees, COST Action BM0902 decided that this training school will from now on be organized every year, in May.

Molecular diagnostic, myeloproliferative neoplasms, JAK2 mutation, MPL mutation, allelic burden quantification

Click on the following link to get more info about MPN&MPNr-EuroNet.

The maximum applicant number is 10 so that each trainee can practice in ideal conditions.

Applicants will benefit from the molecular biology platform of the University Hospital of Nîmes. They will practice under the guidance of experts. In order to maximize and facilitate exchanges, experts will be present with trainees for the whole day.

Deadline for application: Monday April 09th, 2012.

Registration fees : 250,00 €.

MPN&MPN-EuroNet offers five scholarships. For scholarship attribution, priority will be given to applicants presenting the following characteristics:

1. early stage of career (up to 8 years after the last degree);
2. motivation, judged from the letter of motivation;
3. confirmation of a relatively stable position in relation to the MPN field;
4. support letter from the supervisor;
5. in case of high competition among applicants, priority will be given to candidates from small laboratories or/and from countries with scarce ressources.

To apply for a scholarship, applicant must send a mail to Mrs.Elodie Hervio explaining why she/he wishes to attend the training school and why a scholarship is needed. The applicant should also provide a short CV. Click on the following link to send a mail to Mrs. Elodie Hervio.

The deadline for application to a scholarship is March 28th, 2012.

Applicants will be informed of the decision regarding attribution of scholarship via e-mail by April 3rd, 2012.