The 2012 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on The Biology of Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation will be the fifth in a series that is held every other year. This GRC provides an outstanding forum to present and discuss new findings about the mechanisms and regulation of RNA metabolism in normal and diseased cells and tissues. The emphasis will be on the post-transcriptional transactions during the elongation, splicing, polyadenylation, transport, translation, and decay of mRNA as influenced by regulatory proteins and non-coding RNAs including microRNAs. A broad cross section of methodological approaches including genomic and bioinformatic strategies, single molecule and single cell-based studies, in situ localization, including genetic approaches with model systems as well as molecular phenotypes associated with human disease states. transcriptional coupling, are applied and discussed. Elucidating the basic mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene regulation is essential to gain a full understanding of the organization, function, and evolution of the human genome, and other genomes, as well as of the extensive involvement of RNA-processing dysfunction in numerous genetic and acquired disorders.

The meeting will convene approximately 45 speakers representing key areas of post-transcriptional gene regulation, with a total of 150-180 participants. The program will consist of nine morning or evening sessions that will broadly address cutting-edge issues in the following areas: Nuclear RNA Metabolism: The Transcription Connection; Bioinformatics: Gene Expression and RNAomics, including the evolution of RNA-processing signals and factors; RNA Splicing Catalysis, Regulation and Fidelity; Non-coding RNAs; RNA Transport and Localization; RNA Turnover, including nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and other types of quality control; Translational Control; RNA and RNP Structure; and RNA-processing Dysfunctions in Disease. Short talks will be chosen from abstract submissions. In addition, small (<50 posters) poster sessions on four late afternoons will enable all participants to contribute to, and learn about, the above-mentioned topics. Free early-afternoon and late-evening periods, and meal times, will also stimulate discussion. While the quality of science will be high, the atmosphere is aimed to be relaxed and interactive. Four poster prizes will be awarded: two to graduate students, and two to post-docs.