Mechanisms, Functions, Translational and Clinical Implications of Proteolytic Enzymes

The theme of the 2026 GRC will be mechanisms, functions, and translational and clinical implications of proteolytic enzymes, such as plasmin(ogen), plasminogen activators, thrombin, fibrin(ogen), and metalloproteases (MMPs). These enzymes are known to play important roles in blood coagulation and clot lysis. Recent discoveries revealed surprising roles for these proteases in homeostasis as well as human diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic complications, and tumorigenesis. Age-dependent expression of blood proteases also has associations to the dysfunction of blood vessel and neurovascular coupling. Our invited speakers and discussion leaders are world-renowned experts on the structure and function of these proteins. Most of their recent and emerging work emphasizes the roles of fibrin(ogen), plasmin(ogen), plasminogen activators and inhibitors, MMPs, and membrane-anchored proteases in pathophysiological events, including cerebrovascular dysfunction with aging, coagulopathies and cerebral ischemia, musculoskeletal and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer development, and inflammatory diseases. Other notable work in this field revolves around the technological advances in targeting these proteases for new diagnostics and treatments for these diseases. This conference has a rich history of fostering new interdisciplinary collaborations, introducing and welcoming new researchers to the field, and nurturing promising scientists with similar interests. Importantly, the 2026 Gordon Conference will also be accompanied by a Gordon Research Seminar, which is focused on mentoring and attracting junior scientists, graduate students and postdocs, to this exciting field.