The 2010 Gordon Research Conference on “Phosphorylation and G Protein Mediated Signaling Networks” represents the 40th anniversary of this historic meeting. Established by Nobel Laureates Earl Sutherland, Edwin Krebs, Edmond Fischer and Al Gilman in 1970, this meeting was the first annual conference dedicated exclusively to mechanisms of signal transduction. While the conference title has evolved with our knowledge of cell signaling (“Cyclic AMP”, “Cyclic nucleotides”, “Second Messengers & Protein Phosphorylation”), the conference remains a premier venue for cutting-edge discoveries in diverse areas of signal transduction.

The 2010 conference will be focused on mechanisms of regulation by protein phosphorylation and signaling networks downstream of major extracellular and intracellular cues. Global experts in the cellular and molecular functions of protein kinases and phosphatases will present the latest research on protein phosphorylation as a primary means of relaying intracellular signals. Approaches to bridge the gap between the kinome and the ever-expanding phosphoproteome will be one area of focus. Kinase-substrate pairs will also be placed in the broader context of complex signaling networks. These networks sense and relay a variety of signals (e.g., growth factors, nutrients, stress) to mount an integrated response altering cellular and organismal physiology. Speakers will also highlight key structural aspects of signaling proteins and the spatial and temporal regulation of signaling events. Finally, as targeted therapeutics for a wide variety of human diseases are geared toward manipulating signaling pathways, presentations will be given on pharmacological strategies affecting protein kinases and phosphatases.

In addition to the scheduled speakers, additional talks on recent breakthroughs will be selected from submitted abstracts. Afternoon poster sessions will also highlight the latest research in diverse areas of signaling, and all attendees are encouraged to contribute. With an intellectually robust program and outstanding speakers, consisting of a mix of junior investigators and established experts, we expect the conferees to interact in an exciting and collegial atmosphere. We are confident that the 2010 conference will draw an enthusiastic group of students, post docs, and faculty at all levels. The attendance of this popular conference is limited, so early registration is strongly advised.