Structure, Mechanism, and Drug Interactions of GPCRs, Ion Channels, and Transport Proteins

The Ligand Recognition and Molecular Gating GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.

The goal of the conference is to discuss and further cutting-edge research into ion channels, transport proteins, and G protein-coupled receptors. These membrane proteins have key roles in cellular physiology, their dysfunction is implicated in various human diseases, and many are important pharmacological targets. Researchers in this area continue to provide fundamental and novel insight into membrane transport reactions, which offers opportunities for exploring and developing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The 2024 edition of this GRC will feature invited talks by world-renowned experts from the fields of structural or computational biology, chemical synthesis, physiology or pharmacology. Participants are encouraged to submit abstracts and bring posters, from which additional speakers will be selected for short talks, with an emphasis on giving starting group leaders an opportunity to present their work and discuss it with established investigators. We also encourage scientists from industry to apply, as the membrane proteins discussed at this conference are major drug targets. A Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will precede the GRC and will provide young scientists with opportunities to present and discuss their work in an informal setting. We strongly encourage graduate students and post-doctoral fellows to apply to the GRS and to stay for the GRC.

Kaspar Locher has been instrumental in the development of the scientific program for the conference, but has had to step down due to personal reasons. Former chairs Edmund Kunji and Crina Nimigean will serve as acting chairs for the remaining months leading up to the conference to ensure a seamless transition for the community.