Linking Fundamental Principles to Cellular Biosynthesis

The Membrane Protein Folding 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scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages.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.

This conference showcases advances in the evolving field of membrane protein folding.

Correctly folded proteins are essential for life. Protein function is governed by the 3D fold, with health depending on the success of folding and disease on its failure. The majority of folding research has focused on a subset of the proteome; experimentally-amenable, water-soluble proteins. The pivotal class of membrane proteins has been avoided as they are notoriously difficult to study. This relatively new conference series brings together researchers tackling this frontier of membrane protein folding.

The latest meeting is the 4th in the series and cultivates the combination of cutting-edge biophysics, biochemistry and cell biology established in the initial conferences. The GRC will explore new tools that can be applied to the challenging problem of membrane protein folding, with an emphasis on connecting fundamental parameters obtained on model systems to cellular consequences. Sessions will address recent progress in developing and tailoring state-of-the-art measurement techniques and computational approaches to elucidate molecular mechanisms. The role of lipids in folding, regulation and membrane organization will also be discussed. Topics will additionally focus on new methods to prepare and probe samples of increasing complexity; ranging from artificial, in vitro systems to more intricate cellular preparations.

This is first time the membrane protein folding GRC will be held in Europe, following 3 successful meetings in the US. It is also the first time the GRC will be accompanied by a GRS. Many talks at the GRC will be selected from abstracts. Thus, combined with the GRS, this will be a great opportunity for early career researchers to present their work.