Regulation of Chromatin Assembly and Genome Functions

The 2014 Gordon Conference on Chromatin Structure and Function will present cutting-edge research on dynamic control of the genome and its impact on various nuclear processes. The conference will highlight how variation in chromatin structure, ranging from the level of the nucleosome "building block" up to the level of defined spatial domains of chromosomes in the nucleus is achieved. The talks will cover a wide range of topics, including nucleosome structure and remodeling, covalent modification of histones, histone exchange and histone variants. Also covered will be RNA-based chromatin modifications, formation of higher order structures, long-range chromatin interactions, mitotic and meiotic mechanisms, chromatin changes during replication and repair, and DNA methylation and epigenetic genome control. Research presented by the speakers will feature a broad variety of approaches including genetics, structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and bioinformatics. This conference has a long history of attracting the top researchers in the chromatin structure and function field, which is important for fostering interactions that yield new collaborations and to integrate new members into the field. The 2014 Gordon Conference will continue the trend of representing the wide variety of approaches used to study chromatin. Space will be reserved for young scientists, and all applicants will have the opportunity to present a poster on their work. Many platform presentation topics will be selected from the submitted abstracts to ensure inclusion of the latest developments during the formal sessions. Sufficient discussion time will be scheduled into every session to promote lively exchanges of ideas and interpretations. The conference schedule allows ample time in the afternoons and after the evening sessions for the informal interactions that have always played a key role at this conference.