2023 2023 Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides GRC & GRS

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This proposal seeks funding to support the 2023 Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides (NNO) Gordon Research Conference and associated Gordon Research Seminar. This will be the 21st edition of this conference, which was initiated in 1976. Throughout its history, this conference has addressed topics that are directly related to the fundamental science of human biology and the treatment of disease. Nucleosides and nucleotides have been extremely effective drugs, most notably antivirals such as AZT and Harvoni, for the treatment of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, respectively. Meanwhile, the field has broadened to include oligonucleotides as biomedical research tools and, increasingly, therapeutics for genetic diseases, such as Spinraza, which treats spinal muscular atrophy. There are four specific aims for the conference: (1) facilitate scientists in the field to learn about the latest advances in academic, industrial and government research labs; (2) introduce new scientists to the topic; (3) provide networking opportunities to build relationships and collaborations as well as matching students with potential future employers; (4) enhance the diversity of our field by providing speaking and discussion leader opportunities to women and members of under-represented ethnic groups. These specific aims will contribute to long-term goal of the conference, which is to have a broad and sustainable impact on both basic science and clinical translation of nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides in order to improve human health. The 2023 edition of the conference will include sessions dedicated to (1) emerging therapeutics for coronaviruses, (2) small molecules - chemistry & applications, (3) chemical biology and nucleic acid based diagnostics, (4) oligonucleotide and nucleic acid therapeutics, (5) structural chemistry of nucleic acids, and (6) RNA-targeting and epitranscriptomes. (Other sessions will be organized after final invitations have been accepted and speakers have submitted their titles.) The PI solicited nominations from experts in the field, emphasizing the desire to identify members of under-represented groups and young scientists as potential speakers. Of the 31 invited speakers, 15 are women, including three African-American females; the average GRC has 30% female speakers. In addition, currently we have six speakers from underrepresented minorties. The affiliated Gordon Research Seminar will feature oral presentations by students and postdocs, a panel discussion with established scientists in the field, and the opportunity to create a sense of community prior to the start of the GRC. In addition, the GRC “Power Hour” will take place during one afternoon and provides a forum in which all participants can discuss the unique challenges faced by women in science. Thus, while the cutting edge science described during the oral sessions will undoubtedly inspire others to move their own research forward in new and creative ways, the GRS, Power Hour and other efforts to support women, minorities and young scientists in general will strengthen the field and its impact on human health for decades to come.