• much functional information is not “conserved” across organisms;
• epigenetic marks predict the presence and activity of functional
regions;
• remarkably, up to 93% of bases in the ENCODE regions are transcribed;
and
• regulatory binding sites (motifs) extend upstream and downstream of
transcription start sites.
An important implication of these outcomes is that the existing models for computational genomics are insufficient to handle the shifting paradigms of biological interpretation. Thus, the SIG will focus on specific research challenges that must be addressed to utilize computational genomics approaches to assimilate ENCODE’s findings into research and technology. The SIG will consist of a mix of presentations and discussions. The objectives are to engage participants in discussion, to raise awareness of computational approaches that are likely to benefit current research projects, and to foster a collaborative research environment. We are planning 4 technical sessions, each consisting of 1 plenary talk, 3 research presentations, and group discussion.
