Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms in Health and Disease

The 2015 Gordon Research Conference on Calcium Signaling, held at The Sunday River Resort In Newry, Maine brings together world-renowned international scientists to address a range of cutting-edge areas within this vibrant field. The site is located in the spectacular mountains of Maine and provides an excellent setting for formal lectures, discussions and informal out-of-session meetings and networking. Intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling is a ubiquitous, tightly regulated system that is conserved through evolution and controls numerous vital cellular functions. Dysfunctional calcium signaling is linked to a growing number of human pathologies. The meeting will focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of calcium signaling in health and disease. Specifically, the program will feature sessions focused on our current understanding of several fundamental aspects including the role and regulation of intracellular and plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels, the function of mitochondria in responding to, and shaping, Ca²⁺ signals, and cross-talk between Ca²⁺ signaling and other signal transduction cascades. Sessions will also be devoted to the role of Ca²⁺ signals in controlling functions of cells through to entire organisms and will consider metabolism, immunity, pathogenesis and cell fate decisions. In addition, dedicated sessions will address the role of aberrant calcium signals in the development of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, as well as diabetes, cancer and neurodegeneration. Informal afternoon sessions will allow all participants to present their work in a premier environment and to interact closely with prominent investigators in the field. Several poster presenters, including those with late-breaking findings, will be invited to present short talks. Importantly, following the very successful experience of 2013, a Gordon Research Seminar will precede the meeting, providing students and postdocs with a forum to discuss current research results and interact with other scientists with similar experience levels and interests in a nurturing environment.