The Multifaceted Nature of Collagens in Development, Disease and Tissue Repair

Collagens form a superfamily of 28 members that show a remarkable diversity in molecular and supramolecular organization, tissue distribution and function. They play a unique role in providing a supportive scaffold to which cells attach and in maintaining the structural integrity of many tissues. Collagens are multidomain interactive proteins that can bind simultaneously to cell surface receptors and other extracellular matrix molecules to exert their numerous function. From evidence of the recent years, collagens clearly display both regulatory and mechanical function during development, tissue maintenance and repair. The critical roles of collagens have been illustrated by the wide spectrum of diseases, commonly named "collagenopathies", that affect various organs and tissues. Fibrotic disorders result from an imbalance from collagen synthesis and breakdown. Understanding the functional diversity of collagens and their mechanisms of action has thus significant and broad impact on human health issues. Although unexpected and very diverse collagen functions have been discovered in recent years, it is more than likely that the structural and functional landscape of the collagen superfamily is still far from being complete.

The 2017 Collagen GRC intends to be the international scene of major findings, new concepts related to the field of collagen research and to provide a framework for future research. The 2017 GRC program will specifically focus on the amazing diverse function of collagens in development, disease and tissue repair. The sessions will provide updates on important topics as Molecular and Functional Aspects of Collagen Biosynthesis, Collagens of the Basement Membrane Zone, Cells in their Collagen Microenvironments, and Collagens in Inherited and Common diseases and Therapies. Relevantly, the conference will also include emerging topics as Collagens as Dynamic Regulators of Network, Collagen in Aging and Metabolism, Collagens in Development and Regeneration, Bioengineering Collagen Microenvironements and Mechanobiology and a session focussed on Technology Advances and Emerging Directions for Collagen Research. The conference will also reserve slots for late-breaking topics and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows selected from the Collagen Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). This conference is a unique forum for the development of fruitful and intense interactions between young and senior researchers, and newcomers in the collagen field and for exchanges of new ideas. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are strongly encouraged to attend both the GRS and GRC.