The IGFs and Insulin System: Emerging Themes in Aging, Diabetes, Cancer and Other Diseases

The 2015 Gordon Conference on the Insulin like Growth Factor (IGF) and insulin system in Physiology and Disease will present cutting-edge research on the role of IGFs and insulin and their signaling pathways in normal growth, development, metabolism and in major diseases. IGFs have essential functions as local mediators of cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, metabolism and migration. Through these actions the system plays important roles in processes such as cardiovascular, brain, muscle and bone development. The IGF and insulin system is also implicated in ageing, neurodegeneration, Alzheimers’, diabetes and cancer progression. New therapeutic interventions for these conditions are actively being developed through investigation of this system. This Conference will cover the physiological and molecular aspects of IGFs and insulin, receptors, binding proteins and signaling pathways in stress and ageing, neurogenesis and neurodegeneration, cancer progression, somatic cell growth and stem cells. The goal of the Conference is to bring together investigators who are at the forefront of their field to discuss the key aspects of the IGF and insulin system in different tissues and diseases. It will provide opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work and exchange ideas with leaders in the field. Abstracts will be selected for presentation as short talks. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference, with programmed discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings will provide an avenue for scientists from different disciplines to brainstorm and promote collaborations ultimately aimed at understanding and potentially manipulating IGF and insulin functions to enhance normal tissue function or to suppress disease progression.