Project Funding Details

Project Abstract/Summary This 5-day GRC and 2-day GRS conference is focused on the research of genomic instability and its implications in human diseases and therapies. Exposures environmental and endogenous source of DNA damage produce thousands to over a million lesions and chemical modifications to the genome per cell every day. Common environmental sources of DNA damage include sunlight, radiation, aldehydes, and combustion byproducts, while endogenous sources include oxygen metabolism, metabolites, alkylation and dysregulation of DNA replication, transcription and mitosis. In normal cells, a multitude of DNA repair and DNA damage response mechanisms successfully operate to maintain genomic stability. However, defects in these mechanisms can result in diseases ranging from rare developmental and premature aging syndromes to common cancers. This Mammalian DNA Repair Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will bring together diverse researchers studying the mechanisms that protect the genome against DNA damage, and the consequences for human health when these pathways fail. Additionally, this conference will promote discussions on how to inhibit DNA damage response and repair mechanisms, or leverage dysfunction in these mechanisms, to selectively target tumors in a more efficacious and less toxic manner. The objectives are: 1) To expose researchers at all levels (faculty, researchers from industry, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students) to new frontiers and innovative methods in this rapidly progressing research field. 2) To provide opportunities for young scientists to network and practice presenting their research. 3) To generate an atmosphere of inclusion and rigor that encourages the exchange of scientific ideas that may foster collaborations or spur new innovation. 4) To provide formal and informal career development opportunities. We will achieve these objectives by assembling diverse speakers and poster presenters. 44% of the invited speakers in the GRC are women and we expect approximately 50% of the GRS speakers be female trainees. This GRC/GRS is notable compared to meetings on similar topics for the amount of unpublished research that is presented, as well as the extensive informal discussion time during sessions, meals, and free time.

Project Narrative The human genome is constantly threatened by DNA damage from environmental insults and endogenous sources including dysfunctions in cellular DNA processing. Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer and contributes to degenerative diseases. This conference focuses on cutting-edge research on fundamental mechanisms of genome maintenance and DNA repair, and leveraging knowledge gained for clinical interventions and therapies in cancer, aging and neurodegenerative diseases.