Connecting Structure, Assembly, and Phase Separation to Disease

Description Intermediate filaments (IF) form cytosolic and nuclear networks that support cell shape and function. Each cell type in the body expresses a combination of cell-type specific IF proteins that changes during cell development, adaptation to stress and with disease. Mutations in genes encoding IF and changes in their composition lead to/reflect the development of a plethora of diseases, spanning rare to highly prevalent diseases (such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and cancer). This Gordon Research Conference (GRC) brings together researchers from a broad range of disciplines to showcase the most recent technological and biological acquisitions in the field of intermediate filament research. This historical GRC has fostered new ideas and collaborations, that have been instrumental to our understanding of the IF biophysics and their prominent roles in the protection form cellular stress. With the GRC and the accompanying Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), we aim to recruit and promote talented early-stage and established new investigators into the field, providing them with cutting-edge scientific presentations, mentorship and networking opportunities, and a collegial forum to critically contribute to re-shaping our understanding of IF function.