2022 Intermediate Filaments Gordon Research Conference and Seminar

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Summary Intermediate filament (IF) proteins are encoded by ≈65 distinct genes, placing them among the largest gene families in humans. Members of the IF protein family not only serve as critical components of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton, but also act as sensors, modulators, and integrators of key structural and regulatory proteins. Mutations in genes encoding IF proteins cause a wide range of diseases, including blistering skin diseases, muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, premature aging syndromes, and neurodegenerative disorders. IFs and their abnormal assemblies are hallmarks of and important biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and aging. The first therapeutic interventions based on research on IF proteins are now starting to benefit patients, yet many questions remain regarding both their basic functions and pathogenic roles in disease. Given the diverse functions of IFs, their interactions with other cellular components, and their disease relevance, close collaborations between basic researchers and clinical/translational investigators spanning multiple disciplines are necessary to overcome current challenges in the field. Bringing together such diverse scientists will provide new insights into the physiological function of IFs and enable developing novel therapeutic approaches for IF-related diseases. Towards this goal, this application requests funds to support the 2022 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on IFs to be held at Mount Snow, West Dover, VT, in June of 2022. We have organized a stimulating program of scientific sessions in an environment that is conductive to concentrated discussion and debate to both established scientists and young investigators/trainees from diverse backgrounds representing multiple disciplines. Aim 1 is to provide an interdisciplinary forum for the discussion of cutting-edge research on IFs and their relationship to normal cellular functions and disease. Aim 2 is to highlight novel scientific themes of IF research through seminar sessions led by leaders in the field and relevant talks by investigators outside the field. Aim 3 is to promote formal and informal scientific exchanges on IF biology between investigators across the entire career spectrum, including senior, mid-career and early-stage scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students. Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers will also be able to participate in the GRS immediately prior to the GRC. The GRS is run solely by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers studying IFs. To enhance interactions, each day of the GRC and GRS will provide numerous opportunities for informal exchanges among participants, including shared meals, free afternoons, poster sessions, and evening social times. The broad long-term objectives of the GRC and GRS are to grow the IF community, and to provide complementary forums for the exchange of ideas among scientists at all career stages interested in IFs, a family of proteins that are currently understudied despite their significant impact on many areas of public health.