The Impact of IGF and Insulin on Life-Long Health

The 2019 Gordon Research Conference on the IGF and Insulin System in Physiology and Disease will showcase innovative, cutting-edge research on the fundamental roles of IGF and insulin in normal physiology and in diseases particularly related to aging, cancer and metabolic disorders. IGFs and insulin are conserved throughout evolution to mediate the effects of nutrition on growth, metabolism and development, and hence play a major role in health and disease over the lifespan. They modulate diverse aspects of cell function such as proliferation, differentiation, survival and metabolism of most physiological systems in the body. The IGF family of ligands, receptors and IGF binding proteins are frequently disturbed in many pathological conditions, such as growth failure, diabetes, cancer and degenerative diseases, and therefore have become attractive therapeutic targets. This conference will encompass ground-breaking information regarding key characteristics of the biology of the IGF/insulin family in both normal physiology and in pathological states highlighting innovative methodologies and novel interactions (e.g. stem cell biology and the microbiome). The goal of this conference is to bring together scientists at every level from different disciplines to interact during programmed topic sessions and informal gatherings to discuss new and seminal findings with experts in the field. The GRC will also include a GRC Power Hour that will be open to all meeting participants and will address the challenges women face in science. The conference will be preceded by a two-day Gordon Research Seminar for scientists in training. All these opportunities will support professional growth of younger scientists that will promote future collaborations and enhance participation and contribution to this exciting field.