The Gordon Research Conference on The Biology of Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation will be the third one of a series held every other year. This conference provides an outstanding forum to present and discuss new findings about mechanisms and regulation of RNA biogenesis in normal and disease states. The emphasis will be on post-transcriptional transactions involving mRNA, but this focus will extend to transcriptional coupling, and to factors involved in translation and its control, including tRNA and microRNAs. Elucidating the basic mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene regulation will be essential to gain a full understanding of the organization, function, and evolution of the human genome, as well as of the extensive involvement of RNA-processing dysfunction in numerous genetic disorders and cancer.

The meeting will convene approximately 45 speakers representing key areas of post-transcriptional gene regulation, with a total of 150 participants. The program will consist of nine morning or evening sessions that will broadly address cutting-edge issues in the following areas: coupling between transcription and RNA processing; genomics, RNomics, and evolution of RNA-processing signals and factors; RNA splicing catalysis, regulation, and fidelity; RNA-processing dysfunctions in disease states; RNA turnover, including nonsense-mediated mRNA decay; RNA transport and localization; non-coding RNA; and translational control. In addition, small poster sessions on four late afternoons will enable all participants to contribute to, and learn about, these topics. Free early-afternoon and late-evening periods will stimulate productive, informal discussions among established and junior principal investigators, postdoctoral trainees and graduate students.