From Molecules to Disease Mechanisms

The 2015 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on "Cannabinoid Functions in the CNS: From Molecules to Disease Mechanisms" will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the chemical structure of ?⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa. This conference will also mark the 25th anniversary of cloning the "neuronal" CB₁ cannabinoid receptor. Thus, the meeting will blend the review of long-held conceptual milestones that provided molecular fundaments for endocannabinoid research performed today with disseminating and discussing the newest, groundbreaking results among students, junior faculty and senior investigators. Besides capturing physiological roles for endocannabinoids, ranging from secondary metabolism, synapse physiology to developmental biology including stem cells, this GRC will also serve as a platform for presenting key insights in fear, anxiety, psychosis, addiction, reward, aging and neurodegeneration. Our stated aim is to emphasize molecular mechanisms and comprehensive studies establishing causal relationships to endocannabinoid signaling. Significantly, this topical GRC will feature introductory lectures from world-renown investigators outside the immediate endocannabinoid field to promote interdisciplinarity, interactions, and the discussion of theoretical and technological advances pertinent to advancing endocannabinoid neurobiology. As such, the opening lecture will feature Tamas L. Horvath, while plenaries at the various sessions include Elena Cattaneo, Karl Deisseroth, Michela Matteoli, Raphael Mechoulam and Vincenzo Di Marzo. We actively seek the engagement of prospective leaders to this exciting research area. Poster presentations will be held on all conference days, providing an outstanding opportunity for early career investigators to discuss their results in an expert environment. All prospective speakers have committed to emphasize unpublished results.