2006 Mutagenesis Gordon Research Conference to be held in Newport, Rhode Island August 6-11, 2006

突变是驱动进化过程的DNA的永久变化，这种变化发生在核苷酸和染色体水平上。虽然低水平的诱变对物种适应不断变化的环境至关重要，但大多数突变是有害的，对生存有负面影响。诱变过程也是基础研究的核心，突变体的鉴定是复杂生物过程遗传分析的基础。2006年诱变戈登研究会议将于2006年8月6日至11日在Salve Regina大学（罗德岛州）举行，并将汇集一个积极从事诱变相关研究的国际研究小组。讨论的主题包括产生诱变中间体的机制，防止这些中间体固定为永久突变的各种修复机制，以及诱变过程的调节。会议将限制在135名参与者，并将在一个轻松的环境中进行，鼓励公开讨论新数据和新想法。受邀的演讲者将在上午和晚上的会议上展示他们的研究成果，下午则用于非正式互动和海报展示。在诱变会议上所代表的主题的多样性使其与其他专业会议区别开来，会议的小规模和合议性质使其在诱变领域内独一无二。

Mutations are permanent changes in DNA that drive evolutionary processes, and such changes occur both at the nucleotide and at the chromosomal level. Although a low level of mutagenesis is essential for the adaptation of species to an ever-changing environment, most mutations are detrimental and have negative effects on survival. Mutagenic processes also are central to basic research, with the identification of mutants being the basis of the genetic analysis of complex biological processes. The 2006 Mutagenesis Gordon Research Conference will be held August 6-11, 2006, at Salve Regina University (Rhode Island), and will bring together an international group of researchers actively engaged in mutagenesis-related research. Topics to be discussed include the mechanisms that generate mutagenic intermediates, the diverse repair mechanisms that prevent the fixation of such intermediates as permanent mutations, and the regulation of mutagenic processes. The conference will be limited to 135 participants and will occur within a relaxed setting that encourages the open discussion of new data and novel ideas. Invited speakers will present their results in morning and evening sessions, with the afternoons being devoted to informal interactions and poster presentations. The diversity of topics represented at the Mutagenesis Conference sets it apart from other specialized conferences, and the small size and collegial nature of the meeting make it unique within the field of mutagenesis.