2012 Protein Transport across Cell Membranes Gordon Research Conference & Gordon

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案要求支持3月10日至16日在德克萨斯州加尔维斯顿加尔维斯酒店举行的2012年蛋白质跨细胞膜运输戈登研究会议（GRC）和戈登研究研讨会（GRS）。蛋白质转运机制的阐明仍然是现代细胞生物学的一个基本目标，因为大约30%的蛋白质要么通过细胞膜转运，要么整合到细胞膜上。此外，蛋白质易位与人类疾病直接相关；许多遗传疾病是由于蛋白质易位缺陷引起的，传染性微生物通过多种蛋白质转运系统传递毒力因子。最近在确定膜蛋白结构和单分子荧光成像方面的进展与生物化学和遗传方法相结合，推动了在阐明这一顽固性问题方面的快速进展。因此，召开专门的蛋白质转运会议，召集不同方法的专家，对继续取得进展至关重要。该会议是美国唯一定期召开的会议，致力于深入报道这一研究领域。2012年的会议将整合各种方法，重点关注共同的问题。受邀演讲者包括领域领导者和早期职业研究者，他们将介绍未发表的研究成果，主题如下：1)易位蛋白的选择及其靶向易位位点，2)易位酶的结构、功能和组装，3)蛋白质通过跨膜通道，4)易位马达，5)易位酶在体内组装和作用的动力学，6)疏水α螺旋和β桶在膜中的折叠等。组织者还非常关注将新一代科学家引入该领域。因此，我们在本次会议上增加了一个GRS，以提高博士后和学生在演讲、讨论和与高级研究员互动方面的技能。此外，GRC和GRS都包含讨论环节，将使初级科学家接触到广泛的实验系统和问题，其中理解蛋白质易位和组装是至关重要的。蛋白质转运领域历来是男性主导的。然而，最后三个蛋白质运输GRCs的统计数据表明，有大量年轻女性进入该领域。我们的目标是鼓励这一趋势，优先选择GRC和GRS演讲者和讨论领袖。为了增加该领域的多样性，将优先考虑少数民族的演讲选择。美国国立卫生研究院要求提供部分资金支持

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal requests support for the 2012 Protein Transport across Cell Membranes Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) March 10-16 at the Hotel Galvez in Galveston, Texas. Elucidation of protein transport mechanisms remains a fundamental objective of modern cell biology as ~30% of all proteins are either transported across or integrated into cellular membranes. In addition, protein translocation is directly related to human diseases; many genetic diseases result from defects in protein translocation and infectious microbes deliver virulence factors by a variety of protein transport systems. Recent advances in determining membrane protein structure and in single molecule fluorescent imaging have combined with biochemical and genetic approaches to fuel rapid advances in elucidating what has been a recalcitrant problem. Thus, a dedicated protein transport conference, assembling specialists in diverse methodologies, is essential for continued progress. This conference is the only regularly scheduled meeting in the US devoted to an in-depth coverage of this research field. Sessions for the 2012 conference will integrate diverse approaches focusing on common questions. Invited speakers, who include both field leaders and early career investigators, will present unpublished results on such topics as: 1) the selection of proteins for translocation and their targeting to translocation sites, 2) the structur, function and assembly of translocases, 3) the passage of proteins through transmembrane channels, 4) translocation motors, 5) the dynamics of translocase assembly and action in vivo, 6) the folding of hydrophobic alpha helices and beta barrels into the membrane, etc. The organizers are also keenly focused on bringing a new generation of scientists into the field. For this reason we have added a GRS to this conference, to sharpen the skills of postdocs and students in presentation, discussion, and in interaction with senior investigators. In addition, both the GRC and the GRS contain discussion sessions that will expose junior scientists to a broad range of experimental systems and problems in which understanding protein translocation and assembly is critical. The protein transport field has historically been male-dominated. However, statistics for the last three protein transport GRCs indicate an influx of young women into the field. We aim to encourage that trend with preference for selection of GRC and GRS speakers and discussion leaders. Preference for talk selection will also be given to minorities to increase diversity in this field. Funds are requested from NIH for partial support of registration and travel for GRC speakers and discussion leaders. This and applications to other funding sources will request partial support for registration for exceptional early career investigators who speak and serve as junior discussion leaders at the GRC and GRS. The successful achievement of our objectives will result in a highly successful conference, and one that ushers a young and diverse generation into the discipline. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This conference brings together scientists to discuss basic mechanisms of how a cell assembles its compartments via protein targeting and translocation. Topics to be discussed include protein translocation mechanisms that are important in a number of different genetically inherited human diseases, as well as infectious diseases, wherein microbes use protein transport systems to deliver pathogenicity factors. As such, this conference will lead to an increased understanding of the causes of disease and will identify potential therapeutic approaches.