Mechanisms of Motor Neuron Degeneration and Therapeutic Intervention

The 2019 Gordon Research Conference on ALS and Related Motor Neuron Diseases will bring together clinicians, trainees, and renowned scientists from both academia and industry to address fundamental questions surrounding the pathogenesis and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related motor neurons diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), and multisystem proteinopathy (MSP). The overall aim of this conference is to share insights from a variety of perspectives to achieve a better mutual understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches. Participants will represent a variety of research approaches, including basic and translational research, pathology, and pharmaceutical company-based research, with the goal of fostering multi-disciplinary discussions and highlighting broad themes that are relevant to motor neuron disease. The conference format has been designed to maximize productive interaction and discussion between clinicians and scientists from different backgrounds, disciplines and career stages and will include ample free time each afternoon for social interactions and casual science discussions. It is a specific objective of this conference to emphasize an inclusive environment in which trainees, early career faculty and senior scientists, renowned experts, and newcomers to the field can interact and actively contribute. Invited speakers will give talks and most attendees will present posters. A limited number of submitted poster abstracts will be selected for presentation as a short talk. A Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) organized by students and postdoctoral fellows will take place in the days immediately preceding the GRC with a program specifically targeted to trainees.