Neurotrophic Factor Function in Development Health and Disease

The 2025 Gordon Conference on Neurotrophic Mechanisms in Health and Disease will cover the latest research developments in neurotrophic factors - factors that have critical roles in neural circuit connectivity, synaptic plasticity, and behavior. Neurotrophic factors influence essentially all aspects of nervous system development; from neurogenesis to neuronal survival and death, to axon and dendrite growth and pruning, to synaptic plasticity and myelination, and to regulation of behavior. It has also become increasingly recognized that neurotrophic factor mechanisms play critical roles in a range of human developmental disorders, adult psychiatric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Treatments that exploit knowledge of neurotrophin biology are now in human clinical trials for conditions ranging from chronic pain, to autism and dementia and cancer. This GRC is unique in bringing together a multi-disciplinary group of researchers in areas spanning fundamental problems in molecular and cellular neuroscience to translating neurotrophin biology into therapies. We aim to attract presenters and attendees, new and expert in the field, who will focus on the intersection of neurotrophin biology with neuronal cell biology, circuit formation, plasticity, chronic pain, neurodegeneration/regeneration, and/or cancer. The international list of invitees and presentations from scientists at different stages of their career will make the meeting highly interactive and inspiring for junior scientists. To ensure that the latest and most exciting results are presented, almost 50% of talks will be selected from abstracts, specifically encouraging participation of junior researchers. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field. The meeting will provide a unique venue to integrate basic research in neurotrophic factor biology with emerging technology, clinical needs and industry interests. The scenic setting of the Salve Regina campus in Newport, Rhode Island provides a unique opportunity for junior investigators and trainees to interact with leading experts and foster interactions between basic and translational researchers. The organizers are committed to lowering barriers for participation – babysitting services can be arranged. A limited number of subsidies will be available to offset costs of family care (child accommodation, babysitting) for those attending with accompanying children. All conference facilities are fully wheelchair accessible.