2025 Collagen Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

Gordon Research Conferences, East Greenwich RI

Investigators

Abstract

Collagens are superfamily of extracellular matrix proteins that are fundamental, but poorly understood, constituent of all tissues and organs throughout the animal kingdom. Cells that produce and deposit collagens have developed specialized adaptations for collagen biosynthesis and there are classes of enzymes that are dedicated to post-translationally modifying collagens. Mutations in collagens or collagen-modifying enzymes cause a broad range of human disorders affecting any organ. Given the significant role of collagens and collagen-related proteins to all manner of heath and disease, it is important that we fill knowledge gaps of how collagens regulated, what are their primary functions, and how different biochemical or biophysical states alter these functions. The 2025 meeting will build on rich tradition of continuous meetings since 1970, interrupted only by the global pandemic that caused postponement of the 2021 meeting. During this time, the Collagen GRC has become the preeminent international conference on the study of collagens. In conjunction with this, 2013 witnessed establishment of the associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) that has a specific focus on early career researchers. There are two main goals of the 2025 GRC/GRS are: 1) to share innovative and unpublished studies spanning the breadth of collagen research from biochemical and biophysical properties to understanding and treating collagen-related genetic disease; 2) to foster and empower the next generation of leaders in the field. We will accomplish these goals with a program that features (i) a plenary session that comprised of two early career researchers, (ii) two sessions on collagen biosynthesis, (iii) two sessions on collagen and collagen-related diseases, (iv) two sessions on collagen chemistry and biophysics, (v) one session on advanced imaging and model organisms, and (vi) a forward-looking session on big data and computational approaches. The program was designed to emphasize the role of early career researchers and with attention to a range of career stages and international interaction. The program represents invited speakers from 15 countries. The conference is held on the campus of Colby Sawyer College in New London, NH which fosters interaction among meeting attendees. The conference begins with an evening plenary session followed by four full days of invited and selected speakers. Each day also has a poster session and dedicated time for networking and social interactions. One afternoon has been set aside for the GRC Power Hour that is designed to address best practices in the scientific workplace by providing a conversation amongst colleagues of all career stages. The program supports the professional growth of all members of our communities by providing an open forum for discussion and mentoring.