Exploring the Interface of Biology, Function, Chemistry and Drug Development

The Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides Gordon Research Conference is dedicated to understanding the chemistry and biology of its title compounds. A majority of cellular process involve components of these metabolites. Analogues of nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides are finding increased applications in biotechnology, biology, and medicine. Over thirty compounds in this class are FDA-approved agents to treat cancer, virus infections, metabolic disorders and to interfere with oligonucleotide function. More than thirty new compounds of the conference focus are in the pipeline of preclinical or clinical trials. Finally, many nanotechnology tools depend on oligonucleotides and their chemical analogues to probe structure, function and mechanism.

The 2015 Nucleosides, Nucleotides, and Oligonucleotides Gordon Research Conference will bring together chemists, molecular biologists, biochemists, biologists, medicinal chemists and others interested in understanding all aspects of the enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism. Deeper understanding of these pathways is vital to understand related disease processes. New agents, their synthesis and use are expected to be useful in disease treatments. The program will feature a keynote lecture and eight sessions that broadly address current issues in nucleic acid chemistry, DNA repair, discovery of anticancer and antiviral agents, synthetic biology, nucleotide signaling molecules, enzymology of purine and pyrimidine metabolism, and RNA structure and function. An important focus of the meeting is the understanding the chemistry associated with the enzymes of nucleic acid metabolism. Presentations at the Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides Gordon Conference are designed to increase our basic and applied understanding of related targets in order to exploit them for the creation of new drugs. Academic and industrial researchers will find common ground for productive interactions at this conference. Enhanced participation of science trainees is anticipated by the proximity of this conference to a Gordon Research Seminar on the same topic.