2023 Atherosclerosis

Gordon Research Conferences, East Greenwich RI

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Atherosclerosis has played a central role in this important field for over 40 years. Although the themes evolve every two years, the format and qualities that make this meeting exceptional are maintained: presentations of cutting-edge unpublished data from leading laboratories within the field and in emerging areas, an environment that encourages open scientific exchange among established and early career investigators from academia, industry and government, and an intimate and inclusive format (<200 attendees) that maximizes productive interactions and discussions between scientists. The goal of the Atherosclerosis GRC conference is to provide a comprehensive overview of research at the cutting edge of the field and the developing frontiers, including the latest and emerging paradigms, the most current techniques for studying atherosclerosis in humans and animal models, and the most promising approaches to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. The theme of the 2023 meeting is `Molecular mechanisms, genomic modifiers and emerging therapies'. We will: 1) Highlight novel techniques being used to investigate atherosclerosis including high dimensional profiling and spatial organization of vascular and immune cells in the vessel wall, as well as systems biology and machine learning approaches that analyze the atherosclerotic plaque as a whole entity, rather than studying individual cell types as has been done in the past; 2) Discuss new molecular pathways regulating vascular and immune cell function, mechanisms of atherosclerosis regression, immunometabolism, clonal hematopoiesis and genetics of atherosclerosis; 3) Focus on complications of atherosclerosis such as diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke and neurodegeneration, and 4) Create an inclusive meeting culture that fosters interactions between early and established investigators, welcomes The program will also incorporate short talks and posters from submitted abstracts to capture the latest results and provide ample presentation opportunities for trainees and students. For the first time in 17 years, the Atherosclerosis GRC will be returning to a venue in Europe: the Rey Don Jaime Grand Hotel in Castelldefels, Spain. This site is easily accessed from the United States and Europe (20min from a major airport), and has comprehensive conference facilities, accessible to disabled persons, that accommodate the formal and informal meetings, community meals, and social interactions that make the GRC meetings unique. As the atherosclerosis community is an international group, there has always been strong attendance by our European colleagues of the US-based GRC meetings, and we are excited to bring the meeting closer to them this time. In summary, the Atherosclerosis GRC has been thriving for over 40 years through the support of its strong scientific community and its guiding principles of cutting-edge science, open discussion and inclusion. underrepresented scientists and enables their voices to be heard.