Synthesizing Across Biochemistry, Physiology, and Ecosystems with Quantitative Models

Microorganisms metabolize and grow on a variety of one-carbon compounds including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formate, methanol, methane, methylamines and other related compounds. The microbial metabolisms of one-carbon (C₁) compounds are major metabolisms sustaining the global carbon cycle and offer tremendous biotechnological potential. Despite tremendous progress discovering enzymes, pathways, and ecological interactions, we still face the challenge of synthesizing these breakthroughs into predictive frameworks. The 2024 C₁ Gordon Research Conference will give particular emphasis to quantitative, mathematical formulations of questions ranging from enzyme activity, metabolic flux within cells, and interactions between them in communities. These approaches use fundamental concepts to formulate testable hypotheses of how higher-order behaviors emerge based upon constituent parts.As in previous editions of this long-running meeting, the 2024 conference, with its associated GRS, will bring together early career and senior researchers and academics from the C₁ research community. Investigators new to the field are encouraged to apply. The GRC format, with extensive discussions, interactive poster sessions, and informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, will provide an ideal setting for investigators from different fields and generations, to exchange ideas, brainstorm, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.