New Opportunities with G-protein Coupled Receptors: From Single Molecules and Signaling Complexes to Physiology and Therapeutic Interventions

The Molecular Pharmacology Gordon Research Conference (GRC) has become a key event gathering scientists from basic, applied and clinical science in G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) research. This field has experienced major discoveries over the last 20 years, bringing or reinforcing new concepts that now apply to many other signaling molecules. The 2013 conference, 24th GRC edition, will emphasize both emerging and rapidly growing areas in the field, from receptor dynamics at molecular level to system-level analysis of receptor function. The 2013 program covers four main areas: i) structural dynamics of receptors and biologically relevant receptor complexes including studies at the single molecule level, ii) ligand-biased signaling in cellulo and in vivo, and novel approaches to physiology with an emphasis on animal models, (iii) novel opportunities for drug development and therapeutics and (iv) orphan and atypical GPCRs, revealing new mode of action of these important signaling proteins. Methodological aspects will include novel physical and computing approaches, the development of innovative biosensors and light-controlled processes, and innovative therapeutic strategies that shed new light on mechanisms of GPCR activation, biology and disease. Traditionally the GCR alternates between US west coast and Italy to encourage the international nature of the conference, and the meeting attracts some of the very best scientists from academic and industrial worlds to discuss major developments in the field. The 2013 conference will be held in Tuscany (Il Ciocco, Italy), and set as to encourage open discussions on latest and also controversial ideas in the field, facilitate collaborative work in areas of translational opportunity, and serve as a highly effective forum at which doctoral students, post-docs and junior scientists share their results and interact with more senior colleagues.