Biophysics and Biology of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), as opposed to intrinsically foldable proteins, do not adopt unique folded structures but instead exist as ensembles of dynamic and unstructured interconverting conformations. IDPs and ID regions function through these conformational ensembles and are drivers of biological outputs. The conformations of IDPs are a direct consequence of their sequences, physicochemical properties, and the environment in which they reside. IDPs come in many different flavors, exemplified by sequence features such as amino acid composition and patterning, and they can exist in the context of multi-domain proteins and in different environmental contexts. Combined, this determines their functions and mechanisms of action in different cells and organisms. Sequences can also encode material properties that emerge when many molecules come together in large assemblies, and this is important in biological function as well as for biomaterial science. Understanding how the sequence grammar and the precise context give rise to conformations and functions, from single molecules to assemblies, on time scales from picoseconds to years, is important for elucidating how IDPs shape biology and how their dysregulation gives rise to diseases.

Our vision for this meeting is to bring scientists at all levels and from many fields together to tackle interdisciplinary questions on IDPs in biological function and disease-related dysfunction. Sessions will prioritize emerging research focusing on quantitative elucidation of fundamental principles and mechanisms using biophysical, biochemical, cell biological, computational, and theoretical approaches, showcasing biological functions of IDPs across the cellular landscape.

A diverse group of experts will present work that aims to

· Integrate methods to understand the sequence grammar, features and flavors of IDPs, in a context-dependent manner
· Deploy quantitative kinetic and thermodynamic approaches to deconvolute cooperativity, allostery and dynamics in IDP function
· Quantitatively connect biophysics and biology to understand the biological functions facilitated by protein disorder including higher-order structures, networks and condensates in biomolecular regulation
· Explore mechanisms for understanding dysregulation of IDPs and disease etiology
· Develop experimental and computational methodologies including artificial intelligence to understand IDPs e.g., in material science and drug discovery

We encourage participation by scientists already working in the IDP field, biophysicists, polymer physicists, biochemists and cell biologists working on IDP-related molecular processes, scientists seeking to therapeutically target IDPs and others less familiar with the pervasive roles of IDPs in biology and disease for state-of-the-art insight. We especially encourage young scientists to attend this GRC and the accompanying GRS to learn about the scientific challenges and opportunities that await them.

This meeting is now oversubscribed. Any new applications will be added to the waitlist. Thank you for understanding!