Bringing Translation of Small Open Reading Frames to the Forefront of Biomedicine

The 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Decoding Microproteins Across Evolution and Disease will be the inaugural launch of this biennial series. This Gordon Research Conference will bring together experts in the fields of gene evolution, microprotein discovery, and microprotein function in diverse biological systems to provide a panoramic view of the current state of this rapidly growing area of biology. The overarching goal of this meeting is to engage a wide audience of basic science and biomedical researchers to catalyze further development of microprotein research for biomedical discovery. Sessions will be focused on: i) the evolution of small open reading frames translation and resulting peptides, ii) discovery of novel ORF translation events and micropeptide synthesis through cutting-edge technologies, iii) the regulatory mechanisms of these translation events, iv) micropeptide functions, v) micropeptide roles in human disease, and the potential to use microproteins to generate the next generation of medical therapies. In traversing these topics, we will have a lively and impactful series of speakers from academia and industry to address emerging insights on microproteins from both model organisms and human physiology and disease. This conference will also highlight innovations in ribosome profiling, proteomics, and immunopeptidomics for the study of microproteins.

Invited speakers will be encouraged to present unpublished work and explore opportunities to collaborate. Junior scientists and graduate students are encouraged to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations, and engage key opinion leaders in discussion. We will also discuss how to improve inclusion and equity in the field during a “Power Hour” session.