The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Molecular Pharmacology is one of the most popular forums for the gathering of scientists from academia, government, and industry to discuss recent, cutting-edge advances in signal transduction research, receptors and other drug targets. The main focus of the 2009 Molecular Pharmacology GRC will be on membrane receptors and G protein-mediated signaling since other areas of interest in molecular pharmacology are covered by other conferences. The proposed program seeks to integrate basic and translational aspects of research and to encourage cross-fertilization among different approaches. The goal of the conference has been, and continues to be, to advance progress by providing an integrated approach among important "growth areas" in Molecular Pharmacology. The GRC on Molecular Pharmacology convenes every two years. To strengthen the international nature of the Molecular Pharmacology GRC, in 2003 it was decided (by a vote of the attendees) that the conference should alternate between Ventura, California and a GRC location in Europe. The 2009 Conference will be its 21st edition and it will take place at the Il Ciocco Conference Center in Barga (Pisa), Italy.

Three main aspects will be covered by the 2009 conference: i) structural features of receptors and monitoring of receptor function at the single molecule level, ii) signaling and regulatory networks in physiological settings and pathophysiological conditions (e.g., cancer, viral infections, endocrine and cardiovascular disorders, smell), and iii) pharmacology of the brain and metabolism, in particular in animal models. Many of the speakers and discussants are leaders in the field; some are more junior investigators. Session Chairs have been chosen for their contributions to the field and demonstrated history of promoting active exchange of information with younger participants at the meeting. Poster sessions organized by topic will be an integral part of the meeting and some talks will be selected from posters. Participants who are not speakers or session chairs/discussants are encouraged to present a poster. Our general goal for the 2009 Conference is to continue the focus on cutting-edge research, encouraging cross-fertilization of ideas and techniques, supporting the participation of junior scientists, and importantly, by insuring diversity among speakers in terms of career stage and venues in which the scientists work.