Phospholipids in Aging and Disease

For nearly 40 years, this conference has been essential to the research of phospholipids, underpinning the physiology and pathology of healthy aging and age-related diseases. This year’s program will focus on the changes in membrane form and function that result from processes such as autophagy, cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolism, and infectious disease. The program will also explore cutting-edge technology and methodology used to study phospholipids.

This conference has been at the forefront of breakthroughs in phospholipid research. Its significant findings include the discovery of phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP₃), a critical signaling lipid and therapeutic target in cancer. It has also fostered the development of nanodiscs, revolutionizing the study of membrane proteins in vitro, and the identification of lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA), which is essential for vesicle formation and degradation in the endolysosomal pathway. Advances in understanding phospholipid transfer proteins have shed light on non-vesicular lipid transport at membrane contact sites, while structural studies of lipid remodeling enzymes are now revealing their catalytic mechanisms at atomic resolution, transforming our grasp of membrane dynamics and lipid homeostasis.

Attendees will learn about:

· Cutting-edge technologies like super-resolution lipid imaging, nanodiscs, and high-throughput lipidomics for studying phospholipid structure and function.

· The physiology and pathology impacted by phospholipids during a typical human lifespan.

· A deeper understanding of how phospholipids mediate signaling pathways in cancer, immune responses, and neurological diseases.

· New molecular targets and therapeutic strategies for treating cancer, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegeneration.

· How phospholipid transfer proteins and membrane contact sites orchestrate non-vesicular lipid movement between cellular compartments.

Program Topics

· Membrane Organization and Lipid Remodeling

· Lipid Transfer and Trafficking

· Phospholipids in Immune and Inflammatory Responses

· Lipid Signaling in the Nervous System

· Phospholipids in Cancer and Metabolic Disease

· Organelle Identity and Membrane Contact Sites

· Lipid Imaging and Omics Technologies

· Emerging Concepts in Lipid Biology* Membrane Biology and Autophagy

Workshops

Meet the Expert sessions will offer attendees the opportunity to connect with leaders in phospholipid research through small-group discussions focused on science, collaboration, and career paths.

The Career Development Workshop will provide practical guidance on navigating scientific careers in academia, industry, and beyond. A specific focus will be given to women in science and building a successful independent research program. Experienced researchers will discuss mentorship, grant writing, publishing, and more.