|
Current Topics in Biosafety
RNAi: Basic Science and Risk Assessment
Antibiotic Resistance: Protocols and NIH Guidelines

This one-day class, co-sponsored by Safety Partners and The Eagleson Institute, is designed to provide participants with a functional understanding of two current topics in the research laboratory. Both RNAi and Antibiotic Resistance protocols will be discussed from the point of view of core science, current drug discovery model case studies, biosafety and NIH Guidelines. The instructors for this class will share their scientific experience and their considerable knowledge of biotechnology research through lecture and interactive class discussion. Attendees will be able to connect their lab work with newfound knowledge of R&D biological principles enhancing their ability to conduct mature scientific discussions with colleagues. This course is presented using biotech-relevant case studies to help attendees acquire a deeper understanding of research biology and to illustrate strategies to integrate sound bio-safety principles and practices.
Who should attend:
- EHS Staff (CHO, BSO, RSO, CBSP, CSP)
- Research Technicians, Laboratory Staff and Scientists
- Institutional Biosafety Committee Members including Community Representatives
- Safety Committee Members
- Operations and Facilities Staff
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Explain why living organisms need RNAi
- Explain how siRNAs are used to target mutant disease genes
- Identify the antibiotic resistance experiments that may qualify as Major Actions under the NIH rDNA Guidelines
- Explain risks associated with Antibiotic Resistance research and development
- Perform decisive evaluation and assessment of risk on RNAi and Antibiotic Resistance
- Apply new knowledge to procedures in your own workplace in line with risk assessment results
These current topics in biosafety and laboratory drug discovery models will enhance your understanding of drug discovery models for both RNAi and Antibiotic Resistance with the additional benefit of building on your value to your company and advancing your career!
Course instructors:
Benjamin Fontes, MPH, CBSP, Yale University
Nelson Lau, PhD, Mass General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Dianne Schwarz, PhD, Mass General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Bruce Whitney, PhD, Senior Outreach and Biosafety Specialist, National Institutes of Health, Office of Biotechnology Activities
If you are interested in bringing this course to your location, please contact us.
Course outline:
Morning Session
- RNA Interference
- A Big World of Small RNAs
- A short history of RNA interference (RNAi)
- MicroRNAs—why living organisms need RNAi
- Diversity of RNAi—many new small RNAs
- RNAi as a Potential Therapeutic
- Experimental details of using siRNAs in the lab
- Using siRNAs to target mutant disease genes using an in-vitro system
- Examples from the literature—using siRNAs to treat specific diseases
- Discussion of siRNA delivery
- RNAi Risk Assessment
- Examples from Protocols submitted to an NIH OBA Registered IBC
Afternoon Session
- History and Review of NIH Guidelines
- Major Action Protocols
- Section III-A-1-a experiments
- Transfer of antibiotic resistance
- Making PI’s aware
- Antibiotic Resistance Case Studies
- When do you need to submit to NIH?
- How the approval process works
|