2016 Plasminogen Activation and Extracellular Proteolysis Gordon Research Conference and Gordon-Kenan Research Seminar

Gordon Research Conferences, East Greenwich RI

Investigators

Abstract

? DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Funds are sought for partial support of the 2016 Plasminogen Activation and Extracellular Proteolysis Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). These are paired conferences held sequentially at the same location, February 13-14, 2016 for the GRS, and February 14-19 for the GRC. The GRC has been held continuously every two years since 1990 and enjoys an outstanding international reputation. It brings together a group of highly motivated participants with diverse scientific backgrounds that engage in intensive, yet informal, discussions at the frontier of research related to the plasminogen activation system and associated extracellular proteases in an off-the-record fashion. The conference thus provides a unique opportunity for the leading researchers in the world from a broad range of disciplines to present their latest unpublished research related to plasminogen activation and extracellular proteolysis, and to discuss innovative ways to translate their research into new therapies. Previous research in our field has led to the development of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for the successful treatment of a wide range of thromboembolic disorders, and the discovery of important roles for the plasminogen activation system and extracellular proteolysis in a number of physiologic and pathologic processes. In the 2016 meeting, emphasis will be placed on Women's Health and The Role of Extracellular Proteolysis in Senescence and Aging. Breakthrough findings in plasminogen activation and extracellular proteolysis in vascular biology, central nervous system function and dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, tissue homeostasis and regeneration, hematopoiesis, stem cell biology, metabolism and obesity, tumor biology, cardiovascular function, and angiogenesis will be discussed. New technological advances in the field of proteases will be presented. Since translating basic research into treatments is a major focus of the 2016 meeting, the cutting- edge in new therapies in our field will be discussed. Attendees will be selected by invitation and from applications submitted online. They will be chosen to represent a diverse spectrum of researchers, and a strong emphasis has been made on the inclusion of women and underrepresented minorities as Discussion Leaders and Speakers, and will continue on Poster Presenters, and Attendees. The associated GRS is a novel feature that will provide a unique opportunity for young scientists to share in the GRC experience. This two-day seminar will be organized by Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows with the support of leading researchers and the GRC Chair, and will allow junior researchers within the field of plasminogen activation and extracellular proteolysis to come together to discuss their current research, while building informal networks with their peers that may lead to a lifetime of collaboration and scientific achievement.