DNA Packaging, Replication, and Repair

The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Genomic Instability is designed to address diverse research areas focused on genomic instability caused by faulty DNA transactions that occur spontaneously or under stress conditions. Cells continuously experience genome damage that, if not properly corrected, can have a variety of negative consequences, ranging from cell death to uncontrolled oncogenic proliferation. Inherited defects in genome protection mechanisms are responsible for a variety of human diseases, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia, Fanconi Anemia, and Cockayne syndrome, most of which are associated with developmental defects, premature aging, and dramatically increased cancer risk. This GRC provides broad coverage of the entire field of Genomic Instability and integrates basic and applied elements. Each session will include both invited speakers and speakers selected from submitted abstracts. Cutting edge research will be presented on the molecular mechanisms involved in the repair and processing of abnormal DNA structures, signaling pathways for DNA damage responses, and the physiological consequences of errors introduced by these processes. Additional topics to be covered include replication fork challenges, the impact of chromosome condensation and segregation on genomic integrity, chromatin structure and epigenetic regulation in genome maintenance, and DNA repair pathways as therapeutic targets. The Genomic Instability GRC will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar for trainees on July 23-24, 2016.