Young Researcher and Innovator Conference Grant - Report from Jovan Pesovic
Conference title: The 15th International Myotonic Dystrophy Consortium Meeting
Conference web-page: https://www.idmc15.org/
Conference venue: Saguenay, Québec, Canada
Title of the presentation: Methylation of CCG variant repeats is associated with heterogeneous methylation of CpG sites surrounding DMPK expansion in DM1 patients
Co-authors: Jovan Pesovic, Pavel Bashtrykov, Milica Poljicak, Lana Radenkovic, Igor Davidovic, Nemanja Radovanovic, Milos Brkusanin, Vidosava Rakocevic Stojanovic, Stojan Peric, Dusanka Savic-Pavicevic
Accepted as flash talk in the Session: Pathogenic Mechanisms II, held on May 28th, 2026 at 15:00 - 15:15. Moreover, presented during Poster Session with Coffee Break, held on May 27th, 2026 at 10:30 - 12:15 and during Poster and Networking Session, held on May 28th, 2026 at 16:15 - 19:00.
Presenting my flash talk and poster at IDMC-15 significantly enhanced my international visibility and directly advanced the primary objectives of COST Action CA21139. Delivering the presentation, "Methylation of CCG variant repeats is associated with heterogeneous methylation of CpG sites surrounding DMPK expansion in DM1 patients," in the Pathogenic Mechanisms II session allowed me to share our human-focused research with an international audience of clinicians, researchers, and industry representatives.
The presentation stimulated substantive scientific discussion during two poster sessions, particularly regarding our use of an innovative amplicon-based nanopore sequencing method to characterize the complex structure of variant DMPK expansions. Additionally, this opportunity enabled me to present our discovery of methylation of CCG repeat interruptions using an original methyl-specific repeat-primed PCR approach. Engaging with experts during the poster session provided critical feedback on our strategies for epigenetic characterization of the DMPK locus. These interactions validated our focus on human-relevant datasets instead of traditional preclinical animal models, thereby directly supporting Working Group 1’s mission to address the predictability crisis and advance the 3Rs principles of Replacement and Reduction.
The conference provided an effective platform for establishing and strengthening collaborations. I participated in productive meetings with established partners, including Dr. Stephanie Tome at the Center of Research in Myology, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France, and Dr. Nogales-Gadea’s group at the Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol in Barcelona, Spain. Our discussions focused on the ongoing need to harmonize long-read sequencing protocols to characterize the genetic and epigenetic features of DMPK expansions across research groups. This step is essential for identifying robust biomarkers and improving therapeutic targets. Furthermore, I initiated new connections with international investigators, which will support future cross-border data validation and expand the IMPROVE network's long-term impact. The technical expertise gained in advanced long-read sequencing and diagnostic standards will directly inform my educational contributions within Working Group 4. I plan to incorporate these human-centric, non-animal methodologies into undergraduate courses at the University of Belgrade, such as "Principles of Gene Manipulation." This approach ensures that the scientific advancements and ethical standards highlighted at IDMC-15 are integrated into university curricula, thereby maximizing the grant's sustainable impact.