The eighth Gordon Conference in this series focuses on the most recent, innovative and interdisciplinary research in the cellular and molecular events of the secretory pathway, with special emphasis on the processing of proteins and peptides. These include protein folding events in the endoplasmic reticulum; post-translational processing steps including structural, biochemical, proteomic and cellular analyses of proteolysis and peptide-terminal modifications; intra-Golgi and post-Golgi sorting events including targeting to secretory granules; mechanisms of secretory granule formation and trafficking; and molecular mechanisms of regulated and constitutive secretion. Studies on the role of processing in a pathophysiological context, as well as the development of animal models and gene silencing techniques are main attractions. Recently recognized functions and pathologies of processing enzymes, including intramembrane proteolysis and participation in signaling cascades, will be discussed. Many new and emerging investigators have been invited along with more established ones. Over a dozen short talks are reserved for young investigators, to be chosen from among the submitted abstracts, and additional talks will be allotted to late breaking stories. Another strong focus of the meeting will continue to be the highly interactive poster sessions. The goal is to enhance our knowledge of processing enzymes and protein/peptide cellular trafficking, and to begin to envisage viable therapeutic applications.