The Mammalian DNA Repair Gordon Research Conference meets biannually. Unlike the larger conferences in this rapidly expanding field that meet regularly but less frequently, the Mammalian DNA Repair GRC does not attempt to be comprehensive in its coverage of the multiplicity of DNA repair processes and their biological importance but rather highlights recent major advances in selected key areas. As evidenced by a number of rare human genetic diseases involving DNA repair defects and by mouse models, DNA repair processes are now understood to be critical for maintaining genomic stability and genetic integrity and function in the face of abundant endogenously generated DNA damage as well as the typically low environmental exposures to genotoxins. A number of recent research advances using these systems place DNA repair squarely at the crossroads of cancer and aging, and mechanistic understanding of key processes is progressing rapidly. The 2009 conference will emphasize new themes in the area of the DNA damage response. Specifically, we will emphasize 1.) crosstalk among the six major DNA repair pathways 2.) the coordination of multiple pathways (NER, HR, and TLS) in DNA crosslink repair 3.) the importance of post-translational modifications (i.e., phosphorylation, Ubiquitination, and acetylation) in regulating the assembly and function of DNA repair complexes and 4.) the emergence of new diagnostic biomarkers and DNA repair inhibitors, such as PARP1 inhibitors, in cancer therapy.

Presentation of unpublished results will be strongly emphasized in instructions to all speakers, and interactive discussions involving all conferees will be actively encouraged. Broad participation will be facilitated through the selection of short talks from submitted abstracts, including those from postdocs and graduate students. Early application with submission of abstracts is strongly encouraged in order to aid in selection of conference participants and short platform talks.