Proteins in the fibrinolysis system are essential in the response to injury because these proteins allow blood clots to survive only long enough for healing. The fibrinolysis system also plays a critical role in maintaining vascular integrity by preventing thrombus formation in uninjured blood vessels. These processes involve multiple layers of regulation and the integrated function of proteases, protease inhibitors and cell-surface receptors. We now understand that plasmin and plasminogen activators work in concert with transmembrane proteases and proteases in the extracellular matrix to mediate tissue remodeling. These same proteins have profound effects on cell physiology by binding to cell-surface receptors and triggering cell-signaling cascades. In this Gordon Research Conference, we will explore how fibrinolysis proteins, transmembrane proteases, and proteases in the extracellular matrix regulate diverse biological processes. Our sessions will cover: Fibrinolysis protein structural biology; Fibrinolysis proteins in inflammation and the immune response; the LRP family; Intravascular fibrinolysis and thrombolysis; Transmembrane proteases/extracellular proteolysis; Fibrinolysis proteins in neurologic disease; Fibrinolysis receptors and associated plasma membrane proteins; and Stem cells and the fibrinolysis system. In addition to invited speakers, we anticipate exciting poster sessions based on submitted abstracts. We are also reserving an entire session for "hot topics" to be selected from submitted abstracts. This meeting is traditionally highly interactive and informative.