Normal and Abnormal Cell Cycle Variations

The cell division cycle is an orchestrated series of molecular events whose coordination is essential to normal proliferation. Uncoordinated or poorly regulated cell cycles on the other hand, are the basis for many diseases, most notably cancer. The core cell cycle machinery has been a topic of intense investigation for several decades, and these efforts have produced a framework understanding of the process. Despite this achievement, our knowledge of cell cycle control is still quite incomplete. Recent progress using a variety of approaches such as molecular genetics, new quantitative single cell methods, and global analyses have yielded surprising and transformative discoveries. The field is now poised to expand in exciting new directions both by delving deeply into molecular mechanisms and by uncovering broader connections between the cell cycle control system and other key aspects of cell biology. These connections will ultimately integrate cell cycle control with developmental regulation, responses to intracellular and extracellular signals, metabolism, and the many pathways that govern cell proliferation.

The Conference will focus on mechanisms of normal cell proliferation control, the many cell cycle variations required for normal growth, and the variety of abnormal cell cycle perturbations in cancer and other proliferative diseases. A wide variety of model experimental systems will be represented. Speakers will present a breadth of recent unpublished studies on topics including chromosome replication and segregation, intercellular heterogeneity, cell fate, developmental cell cycle control, stress and DNA damage responses, genome stability, cancer, aging, and opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The Chairs will gather an outstanding and diverse group of scientists from academia and industry who are at the forefront of research, and we will highlight younger scientists. Approximately half the talks will be selected from the submitted abstracts. Short talks are currently being selected from submitted abstracts, and speakers will be notified by mid-June. We strongly encourage students and post-docs to attend the associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) that immediately precedes the GRC to present their findings and to network with other trainees and field leaders.