IGF/Insulin Signaling: New Discoveries in Metabolism and Growth, Stem Cells and Epigenetics, Aging, Cancer and Neurological Disease

The 2017 Gordon Conference on the Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) and Insulin System in Physiology and Disease will present cutting-edge research on the roles of IGFs and insulin and their signaling pathways in normal physiology and in major diseases. IGFs and insulin are structurally related and evolutionarily ancient peptides. They play essential roles in the development, growth, and metabolism in major organs such as brain, cardiovascular system, muscle, bone, and gonads. The IGF and insulin system is also implicated in stem cell biology, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer, and are therefore being actively explored as points of therapeutic intervention for these pathological conditions. This conference will cover the organismal, cellular, and molecular aspects of IGFs and insulin, their receptors, IGF binding proteins, and signaling pathways.

The program has two keynote addresses from two prominent scientists, Dr. Thomas C. Südhof and Dr. Gary Ruvkun. The remainder of the program will bring together investigators around the globe who are at the forefront of this exciting field to discuss key aspects of the IGF and insulin biology. The program will provide opportunities for junior scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students to present their work and exchange ideas with leaders in the field. The collegial atmosphere of this conference, with programmed discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings will provide a great avenue for scientists of all levels in basic, translational, and clinical research fields to brainstorm and promote collaborations ultimately aimed at understanding and potentially manipulating IGF and insulin systems to enhance normal tissue function or to suppress disease progression.