2023 Muscle: Excitation-Contraction Coupling Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

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ABSTRACT This proposal seeks partial support for the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Muscle Excitation- Contraction coupling (ECC). This is the only major national/international meeting on this important topic. For cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle we will delve into normal physiological function, dysfunction in disease and potential therapeutics at levels from molecular biophysics, electrical and calcium-dependent signaling to integrated function. This GRC will meet June 4-9, 2023 at Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. The program was developed in consultation with a broad advisory group of leaders in ECC research. This Group and the GRC are chaired by Drs. Donald M Bers (USA) and Ana Gómez (France). Support is also sought for an associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) that is led by and focused upon early stage investigators (ESIs; students, postdocs and new faculty). This GRS immediately precedes the GRC and is chaired by two ESIs (Michelle Munro in New Zealand, and Francisco Alvarado in the USA). The two overarching objectives of the GRC and GRS are to: 1) Assemble top-notch scientist-speakers and participants to share new breakthroughs, stimulate and participate in deep and broad discussions that span from molecular mechanisms to integrated physiology and pathophysiology in cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, and 2) Increase the visibility and leadership of junior ECC ESIs and inspire/motivate their research careers by providing an interactive informal forum in which to present their work and network. The 2023 ECC GRC will have ~37 speakers, ~6 shorter talks to highlight selected poster abstracts and ~18 topic discussion leaders. Scientific sessions will detail the structure-function of ECC at multiple scales ranging, from molecular level to the translation into new therapeutic strategies for ECC-related. Sessions include, 1) L-type Ca Channels, 2) Ryanodine Receptors, 3) IP3 Receptors and Nuclear Signaling, 4) Malignant Hyperthermia and CPVT-Arrhythmias, 5) Store-Operated Ca entry, TRP and stretch-activated channels, 6) Muscular Dystrophy and Diabetes, and 8) Heart Failure and Skeletal Muscle Fatigue. Cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle will be discussed together to highlight similarities and differences to enhance understanding of each muscle type at molecular and muscle levels in health and disease. The GRS will help ESIs develop self-confidence and sense of community that will encourage their full engagement in formal and informal discussion with senior colleagues during the GRC. The GRC will highlight ESI presentations in several ways (short talks, Poster Flash talks and discussion co-leaders) that heighten the exposure of these junior investigators and their novel research. We expect to attract ~175 basic and clinical researchers across career stages, genders, races, heritages, research disciplines, institutions, and geographical locations. We aim to promote: 1) open dialogue and communication, 2) visibility and career development for ESIs, 3) substantial new and deep knowledge about how muscle functions normally, what goes wrong in disease and what novel therapeutic strategies may benefit those afflicted by numerous diseases.