Biology and Pathobiology of Myelinating Glia

The 2012 Myelin Gordon Conference will bring together researchers in PNS and CNS myelin biology to present the latest advances and discuss key questions in the field. Tentative session topics include the development of myelinating glia, the extrinsic signals and signaling pathways that positively and negatively regulate myelination, regulation of axon function, integrity, and organization by myelinating glia, and investigations into myelination and remyelination in the adult, including the role of stem cells. Clinical relevance will be stressed throughout the conference, focusing on various myelin disorders and strategies for myelin repair. Invited speakers will be drawn from a variety of scientific disciplines, including developmental, cellular and molecular biology. Senior investigators will serve as session chairs to guide the discussion and provide overviews of specific topics, in addition to presenting new findings. There will be a concerted effort to invite investigators at the junior faculty and postdoctoral levels to speak at the meeting to enhance their visibility and foster scientific interactions. Members of under-represented minority groups are especially encouraged to attend. To ensure that the latest and most exciting results are presented, some poster presenters will be selected for short talks. Depending on availability of funds, we expect to support the attendance of a number of trainees and junior faculty.

This year, the conference will be held in conjunction with the Myelin Gordon Research Seminar, which will focus on myelination and remyelination in the CNS . The Myelin GRS will provide an informal venue for the next generation of myelin researchers to meet, present cutting edge research, and forge collaborations.