The Collagen Superfamily: From Genes to Organism Physiology

Collagen is a large family of the most abundant proteins in the human body. Collagen molecules are principal building blocks of extracellular matrix that determine tissue structure, integrity and strength. Their dysregulation is involved in pathologies ranging from rare genetic disorders of bone, cartilage, skin and other tissues to such common ailments as osteoporosis, fibrosis and cancer. Collagen matrix niche plays crucial role in cell differentiation and function. Collagen-based materials are used as scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Understanding how collagens are synthesized, organized and regulated is central to studies of tissue development, homeostasis, aging, disease, injury and repair. Yet, in over 50 years of collagen research we have just scratched a tip of the iceberg.

The Collagen Gordon Research Conference (GRC) is the premiere meeting that brings together scientists from academia, medicine, government and industry to discuss all aspects of collagen research. The GRC sessions are chaired by leaders in the field who assist the organizing committee in putting together a program that encourages uninhibited exchange of new ideas between senior investigators, upcoming young scientists and students. The Conference is preceded by a 2 day Collagen Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) organized by and featuring talks from graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. All students and post-docs are strongly encouraged to attend both the GRS and GRC. The 2015 Conference will emphasize the broad scope of collagen research from basic mechanisms of collagen synthesis and regulation to various collagen functions in organism physiology and disease. The program will include sessions on Expression and Regulation of Collagen Genes and Gene Network, Structure and Function of Different Domains in Collagen Molecules, Collagen Homeostasis, Basement Membranes, Collagens in Cell Niche and Cell Signaling, Collagens in Organism Physiology, Collagens in Pathology, Collagen Based Materials and Bioengineering, Keynote Lecture, and discussion of Late-Breaking Topics. Some of the abstracts submitted to the GRS and GRC will be selected for short talks at the GRC, providing a unique opportunity to present the work to leaders in the field.